I-Corps: Portable Preterm Imaging System

这个I-Corps项目的更广泛的影响/商业潜力是开发一种即时护理设备，既可以在临床环境中使用，也可以由母亲在家使用。早产（PTB）被定义为在妊娠37周之前分娩婴儿。肺结核是全世界婴儿死亡的头号原因，也是婴儿神经紊乱和长期认知障碍的头号原因。肺结核会导致健康问题，包括听力、视力、消化和呼吸问题。为了减少早产，重要的是要确定有风险的怀孕，以启动预防性干预措施。不幸的是，大量的研究表明，目前的方法是不足和无效的预测早产。宫颈胶原纤维网络的强度对维持妊娠是不可或缺的，胶原结构的丧失是许多早产发生的内在原因。利用该项目开发的便携式早产成像系统（PRIMM）来监测胶原蛋白结构，该团队可以在早期阶段无创地评估早产的风险。肺结核的风险评估可以用来制定治疗策略，包括使用药物或卧床治疗来推迟生育。让婴儿多怀孕几周可以改善母亲和孩子的健康状况，并降低医疗成本。I-Corps项目的基础是开发一种扫描、成像和筛查宫颈发育不良、感染和癌症的方法。本研究中介绍的便携式早产成像系统（PPRIM）是一项专有技术，包括一个专用的成像系统，该系统封闭在一个灵活的可插入护套内。该成像系统配备了集成偏光片的相机，并配有定制的LED环形照明器。该系统采用了新颖的设计方法，可以生成能够形成每个样本体素的矩阵数据集。值得注意的是，PPRIM是独特的，因为它的宽视野，确保整个子宫颈可以捕获在一个单一的图像。此外，它的快速采集时间有助于快速有效的检查。PPRIM的设计优先考虑了使用的便利性，并在手术过程中提供舒适。它的简单性是一个关键特点，因为该设备可以全面覆盖宫颈区域，为医疗保健提供者和患者提供有价值的信息。该奖项反映了美国国家科学基金会的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

The broader impact/commercial potential of this I-Corps project is the development of a point-of-care device that can be used in clinical settings as well as by mothers at home. Preterm birth (PTB) is defined as the delivery of a baby before 37 weeks of gestation. PTB is the number one cause of infant death worldwide and it also the number one cause of infant neurological disorders and long-term cognitive impairment. PTB leads to health issues, including problems with hearing, vision, digestion, and breathing. To decrease preterm births, it is important to identify at-risk pregnancies to initiate preventive interventions. Unfortunately, numerous studies indicate that current methods are insufficient and ineffective in predicting preterm birth. The strength of the cervix collagen fiber network is integral to maintaining gestation, and loss of collagen architecture is intrinsic to many preterm labor occurrences. Using the technology developed in this project, the Portable Preterm Imaging System (PRIMM) to monitor collagen architecture, the team can non-invasively assess the risk of pre-term labor at early stages. The risk assessment of PTB could be used to formulate a therapeutic strategy, including using medications or bedrest to delay birth. Affording the infant a few additional weeks of gestation could improve health outcomes for both mother and child as well as reduce healthcare costs.This I-Corps project is based on the development of a method for scanning, imaging, and screening cervical dysplasia, infections, and cancer. The Portable Preterm Imaging System (PPRIM) introduced in this research is a proprietary technology comprising a specialized imaging system enclosed within a flexible insertable sheath. This imaging system is equipped with a camera featuring integrated polarizers, accompanied by a custom-made LED ring illuminator. The novel design approach employed in this system enables the generation of a matrix dataset capable of forming voxel per sample. Notably, the PPRIM is unique due to its wide field of view which ensures the entire cervix can be captured in a single image. Furthermore, its fast acquisition time facilitates quick and efficient examinations. The PPRIM has been designed to prioritize ease of use and provide comfort during the procedure. Its simplicity is a key feature, as the device offers comprehensive coverage of the cervical area, delivering valuable information to healthcare providers and patients alike.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.