An enhanced image-guidance system that integrates ultrasound and photoacoustic into existing ablation systems to provide an enhanced image-guidance system for identification of cervical tissue changes during pregnancy and postpartum.
Technology Summary
Preterm delivery is a main cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, which is associated with a significant healthcare cost spent on prematurity. Cervical remodeling during pregnancy is a critical process that can lead to complications such as preterm birth (PTB). This technology introduces a novel multi-parametric approach combining noninvasive imaging modalities to quantify cervical tissue changes during pregnancy and postpartum in a murine model. By integrating ultrasound-based measurements of cervical length, photoacoustic imaging of the collagen-to-water ratio, and elastography for tissue elasticity alongside histological assessments, this method provides a comprehensive evaluation of cervical remodeling. The system not only enhances the understanding of cervical remodeling, but also holds potential as a minimally invasive, point-of-care diagnostic tool for early detection of cervical ripening and PTB risk.
Key Advantages
- First-in-class multimodal imaging approach (ultrasound + photoacoustic + elastography)
- Higher predictive accuracy (85.3% vs. ~65% with current histological/cervical length methods)
- Non-invasive, real-time, and potentially lower cost compared to biomarker-based lab tests
- Opportunity to easily integrate with existing systems
Market Opportunities
- Hospitals & Maternal-Fetal Medicine Clinics – High-risk pregnancy monitoring and management.
- OB/GYN Practices & Prenatal Clinics – Early detection of cervical remodeling in standard prenatal visits.
- Public Health & Global Health Organizations – Deployment in low-resource settings as a point-of-care tool, especially where access to high-level perinatal care is limited.
Stage of Development
Pre-Clinical – in vivo data
Patent Status
Issued US Patent 11,801,008 & US Patent 12,364,432
References & Publications
2025 Yan Y, Galaz J, Marvald J, Love T, Yellon S, Gomez-Lopez N, Mehrmohammadi M. Multi-parametric quantitative evaluation of murine cervical remodeling during pregnancy and postpartum. Sci Rep. 2025 May 10
