Implantable Biotelemetry System for Preterm Labor and Fetal Monitoring (ARC-14280)

Abstract:
In 1993, The FTC established a relationship with Sensors2000! (S2K!) to adapt NASA's implantable biotelemetry devices to their monitoring needs of the human fetus and its uterine environment. One of their major goals was to measure intra-uterine pressure changes in order to monitor and treat preterm labor. S2K! used NASA's technology to design a system that could accurately measure intra-uterine pressure changes, body temperature, and the heart rate of the fetus. While the first system was based on a commercial sensing device, NASA's recent efforts have been focused on a pill-sized transmitter that is small enough to be introduced into the uterus through a 10mm trocar.

The pressure/temperature pill is the first of a family of pill transmitters that will measure a variety of physilogical parameters. Subcutaneous pH-monitoring of the fetus, for instance, is of great importance in fetal surgery. A pH/temperature pill, similar in design to the pressure/temperature pill, is currently being developed by S2K! A pill transmitter that measures pressure, temperature, and pH has already been designed. Another parameter of interest is the heart rate of the fetus. An ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) will be developed to incorporate four physiological parameters- pressure, temperature, pH and heart rate - into one pill transmitter. The applications of these new pill transmitters are numerous and go beyond fetal surgery. Since they are small enough to be swallowed, the pills can easily provide information on stomach-acid, for instance, without the need for surgery. Intestinal pressure changes could be monitored as well. Future pill versions could measure ECG, blood gas (O2, CO2), and blood glucose, as well as ions like potassium, calcium, and sodium.

Type of Offer: Licensing



« More Medical Devices Patents

---