I-Corps: Portable Preterm Imaging System

该I-Corps项目的更广泛影响/商业潜力是开发一种可用于临床环境以及母亲在家使用的即时护理设备。早产（PTB）被定义为在妊娠37周之前分娩婴儿。肺结核是全球婴儿死亡的头号原因，也是婴儿神经系统疾病和长期认知障碍的头号原因。 PTB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，重要的是要识别高危妊娠，以启动预防干预措施。不幸的是，许多研究表明，目前的方法是不够的，在预测早产无效。子宫颈胶原纤维网的强度对于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。使用该项目开发的技术，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评估早产的风险。PTB的风险评估可用于制定治疗策略，包括使用药物或卧床休息来延迟分娩。为婴儿提供额外几周的妊娠期可以改善母亲和儿童的健康状况，并降低医疗保健成本。这个I-Corps项目是基于开发一种扫描，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儿成像系统（PPRIM）是一项专有技术，包括一个封闭在柔性可插入鞘内的专用成像系统。该成像系统配备了一个集成偏振器的相机，并配有定制的LED环形照明器。该系统中采用的新颖设计方法使得能够生成能够形成每个样本的体素的矩阵数据集。值得注意的是，PPRIM是独一无二的，因为它的宽视场确保了整个子宫颈可以在单个图像中捕获。此外，其快速采集时间有助于快速有效的检查。PPRIM的设计优先考虑易用性，并在手术过程中提供舒适性。该设备的简单性是一个关键特征，因为它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NSF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.