Noninvasive electromyometrial imaging of human uterine maturation during term labor

Abstract

Electromyometrial imaging (EMMI) was recently developed to image the three-dimensional (3D) uterine electrical activation during contractions noninvasively and accurately in sheep. Herein we describe the development and application of a human EMMI system to image and evaluate 3D uterine electrical activation patterns at high spatial and temporal resolution during human term labor. We demonstrate the successful integration of the human EMMI system during subjects’ clinical visits to generate noninvasively the uterine surface electrical potential maps, electrograms, and activation sequence through an inverse solution using up to 192 electrodes distributed around the abdomen surface. Quantitative indices, including the uterine activation curve, are developed and defined to characterize uterine surface contraction patterns. We thus show that the human EMMI system can provide detailed 3D images and quantification of uterine contractions as well as novel insights into the role of human uterine maturation during labor progression.

Multichannel mapping of in vivo rat uterine myometrium exhibits both high and low frequency electrical activity in non-pregnancy

“…The development of novel non-invasive measurement systems for detection of electrical activity during labor shows promising application potential 45 , 46 , however there remains the challenge of accurately correlating body surface measurements (such as EHG) with the underlying electrical activity occurring at the organ level. This approach can also be applied to non-pregnancy 53 , with the associated challenges of the deep location of the uterus within the abdomen. Measurements obtained directly from the surface of the uterus can be used to help elucidate the relationship between activity at the organ level and those measured on the body surface.…”

Localization of Catecholaminergic Neurofibers in Pregnant Cervix as a Possible Myometrial Pacemaker

“…La Rosa et al proposed a multiscale-forward electromagnetic model of uterine contractions during pregnancy, using Maxwell’s equations and a four-compartment volume conductor geometry as a tool for helping characterize contractions using magnetomyography (MMG) and electromyography (EMG) [ 83 ]. Wang et al, in their work, describe the development and application of a human Electromyometrial imaging (EMMI) system to image and evaluate 3D uterine electrical activation patterns at high spatial and temporal resolutions during human term labor [ 84 ]. A pacemaker effect is also hypothesized for the uterus, in that pulses are generated and propagate through the entire uterus, according to a spatio-temporal pattern of electrical propagation.…”

Editorial: New technologies improve maternal and newborn safety

“…Pioneering work by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has led to the development of innovative imaging technology that enables real-time, three-dimensional visualizations of the intensity and spread of uterine contractions across the entire surface of the uterus during labor ( 51 ). This technology, an extension of imaging techniques previously used for the heart, provides a noninvasive, intricately detailed view of uterine contractions, surpassing the capabilities of current tools that only detect the presence of contractions ( 52 , 53 ). Although advancements in data recording technology have streamlined the process of gathering authentic clinical data, a significant portion of research still proceeds without experimental data.…”