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The
Texas-based startup Noninvasix has developed a safe, accurate and noninvasive
monitoring system of fetal welfare during labor and delivery. The novel system
use optoacoustic technology to measure cerebral venous blood oxygen saturation
in fetuses in real-time during late-stage labor, enabling physicians to
recognize if a fetus in distress and take immediate, corrective action.
A tiny
probe is inserted transvaginally and placed on one of the baby’s soft spots.
Near infrared light pulses are sent into the brain’s superior sagittal sinus
where hemoglobin in the blood absorb the light at different frequencies, based
on whether or not it is carrying oxygen. Absorption causes thermal expansion of
hemoglobin, resulting in an acoustic wave. Software then analyze the acoustic
signal to give an accurate measurement of oxygen saturation.
The
prototype has been safely tested in adults, fetuses and neonates, and clinical
tests show that the system provides accurate measurement of oxygen saturation
in the superior sagittal sinus. While the initial application of the technology
is used in monitoring fetal health, it can also be used in a wide variety of
biomedical applications. Noninvasix has demonstrated that the system can detect
cerebral ischemia in premature newborns, monitor brain ischemia in traumatic
brain injury, and according to the startup’s website, they envision the use of
optoacoustics in many related issues.
The
innovative solution give a more accurate and reliable measurement of brain
oxygenation, ultimately lowering the incidence rate of cerebral palsy and
unnecessary C-sections, saving over $5.4 million in healthcare expenses in the
US alone. Many doctors face enormous malpractice claims because of the
inaccuracies of fetal heart rate monitoring, and Noninvasix show great
potential in helping doctors make better decisions, giving better health
outcomes. By giving better health outcomes to both babies and mothers, the
technology also provide significant value to doctors, hospitals, as well as insurers.
Noninvasix
was a semi-finalist in the SPIE Startup Challenge 2016, and was selected as one
of the finalists of the HITLAB World Cup, an international competition that
promotes original solutions for pressing healthcare challenges.
