Detecting Heart Problems Before Birth
By: Charlotte Ames
Updated: May 7, 2010
Researchers are testing a new technique to monitor fetal heart activity, called magnetocardiography (MCG). As the heart beats, the electrical signals generate a tiny electromagnetic signal. Audrius Brazdeikis, Ph.D., Researcher with the University of Houston, says this signal is about ten million times weaker than the earth’s magnetic field.
To perform fetal MCG, Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) sensors are placed at various points on the mother’s abdomen. The sensors amplify the electromagnetic signals. Then, a computer analyzes and processes the information, giving the results in a format similar to the traditional ECG. Doctors can then look at the results and see if there are any indications of electrical problems in the fetal heart.
Electromagnetic fields are produced naturally by the earth and by some pieces of hospital equipment. To reduce interference from these other sources, fetal MCG is done is a specially constructed room that is shielded with nickel alloy. The computer is also located in a different room to limit possible electromagnetic interference.
Fetal MCG is currently only available at a few high-tech centers due to the extremely high costs of equipment and requirements for room shielding. Researcher/Clinical Nurse Specialist, Terese Verklan, R.N., Ph.D., hopes that eventually, the size and cost of the equipment will come down considerably, allowing hospitals to have it on hand as standard equipment for routine assessment of fetal heart health.
For information about fetal magnetocardiography, go here.
To perform fetal MCG, Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) sensors are placed at various points on the mother’s abdomen. The sensors amplify the electromagnetic signals. Then, a computer analyzes and processes the information, giving the results in a format similar to the traditional ECG. Doctors can then look at the results and see if there are any indications of electrical problems in the fetal heart.
Electromagnetic fields are produced naturally by the earth and by some pieces of hospital equipment. To reduce interference from these other sources, fetal MCG is done is a specially constructed room that is shielded with nickel alloy. The computer is also located in a different room to limit possible electromagnetic interference.
Fetal MCG is currently only available at a few high-tech centers due to the extremely high costs of equipment and requirements for room shielding. Researcher/Clinical Nurse Specialist, Terese Verklan, R.N., Ph.D., hopes that eventually, the size and cost of the equipment will come down considerably, allowing hospitals to have it on hand as standard equipment for routine assessment of fetal heart health.
For information about fetal magnetocardiography, go here.
