First magnetomyographic recordings of uterine activity with spatial-temporal information with a 151-channel sensor array.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of recording the spatial-temporal magnetomyographic activity from the pregnant uterus with the use of the newly developed 151-channel noninvasive device, known as the superconducting quantum interference device array for reproductive assessment.


METHODS
Uterine magnetomyographic signals were recorded from 10 pregnant subjects with the 151-channel sensor array curved to fit the pregnant abdomen. The recording sessions were 16 minutes in length, with a sampling rate of 250 Hz.


RESULTS
Uterine activity bursts were successfully recorded with the superconducting quantum interference device array for reproductive assessment system. By obtaining a contour plot of the magnetic field distribution, we were able to localize the areas of activation over the uterus during a contraction. Also, it was possible to calculate the time delay in the propagation of the activity across the uterus.


CONCLUSIONS
Using superconducting quantum interference device array for reproductive assessment system, we have established the feasibility of recording uterine contractile activity with spatial-temporal resolution that is high enough to determine the regions of localized activation and propagation over the uterus.
Eswaran
Hari
H
Graduate Institute of Technology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, 72205, USA.
Preissl
Hubert
H
Wilson
James D
JD
Murphy
Pam
P
Robinson
Stephen E
SE
Lowery
Curtis L
CL
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008280:Magnetics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D009213:Myography / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D014590:Uterine Contraction; D014599:Uterus / Q000502:physiology*