Uterine Activity Regulation via Closed-Loop EMG Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing uterine activity during labor or preterm labor are costly and can cause side effects, with existing technologies relying on expensive drugs or electrical signals that may stress the fetus, and lack effective control mechanisms for regulating uterine contractions.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop system using EMG measurements to automatically or manually regulate uterine muscular activity through electrical stimulation or drug delivery, employing an electrical uterine monitor (EUM) that compares sensed contraction amplitudes to desired levels and adjusts accordingly using proportional/integral/differential control methods, reducing the need for excessive drug or signal application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tocolytic drugs are used to reduce uterine activity, then uterine contractions are inhibited, but cost increases and side effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors uterine electrical activity via EMG sensors and uses closed-loop feedback control to automatically adjust stimulation parameters. The processor compares measured contraction amplitudes with desired levels and dynamically adjusts electrical stimulation to maintain optimal uterine activity, eliminating the need for pharmacological intervention and its associated side effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical mechanism of tocolytic drugs with an electrical stimulation mechanism. Instead of using pharmacological agents that interfere with uterine muscle contraction biochemistry, the system applies controlled electrical signals to directly modulate uterine electrical activity and contraction patterns, providing a side-effect-free alternative.
2Reliability
If electrical signals are used to inhibit uterine contractions, then contractions are reduced, but fetal stress may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The closed-loop system continuously monitors uterine electrical activity and fetal status, using feedback control to adjust electrical stimulation parameters in real-time. This ensures contractions are inhibited only to the extent necessary while avoiding excessive stimulation that could cause fetal stress, maintaining optimal balance between maternal and fetal safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts electrical stimulation parameters based on real-time monitoring of uterine activity and fetal response. Rather than applying fixed electrical signals, the processor continuously modifies stimulation intensity and duration to achieve contraction inhibition while minimizing any potential fetal stress, adapting to changing physiological conditions.
3Productivity
If contraction augmentation hormones are used to increase uterine activity, then labor progression is enhanced, but fetal stress is caused
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses closed-loop feedback to monitor uterine contraction patterns and labor progression, automatically adjusting electrical stimulation parameters to enhance labor efficiency. By continuously comparing measured contraction amplitudes with target levels, the system optimizes labor progression while avoiding excessive stimulation that could stress the fetus, replacing hormonal intervention with precise electrical control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the hormonal mechanism for labor augmentation with electrical stimulation. Instead of administering contraction augmentation hormones that systemically affect both mother and fetus, the system applies localized electrical signals to directly enhance uterine contractility, achieving labor progression enhancement without the fetal stress associated with hormonal therapy.
4Reliability
If expensive drugs are used for uterine activity management, then treatment effectiveness is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces expensive pharmacological treatments with electrical stimulation technology. By using EMG-based closed-loop control to deliver precise electrical signals that modulate uterine activity, the system achieves the same treatment effectiveness as expensive drugs but eliminates ongoing medication costs, providing a cost-effective alternative for uterine activity management.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system effectively reduces or increases uterine activity with minimal side effects and drug usage, optimizing labor progression while minimizing fetal stress and costs, and can be used for both pregnant and non-pregnant women experiencing uterine contractions.
Implementation Method 1
sensing uterine activity with controlled loop activity management based on EMG (electromyographic) measurement
Implementation Method 2
The EUM and processor may operate in a control loop with an electrical signal generator or drug delivery system for automatic application of the electrical signal or drug
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system for regulating uterine muscular activity includes measuring uterine contraction with an electrical uterine monitor (EUM), and using sensed measurements of the uterine contraction to regulate uterine muscular activity by comparing the sensed measurements to a desired level. The difference between the sensed and desired levels is used to calculate the level of either manual or automatic application of drugs or electrical signals.