A new system to monitor fetal heart activity using advanced technology

A scalable superconducting dual-shielded fetal magnetocardiography system

NIH-funded research Applied Physics Systems, INC. · NIH-10615914

This study is testing a new, affordable device that can safely check your baby's heart activity to catch any serious heart issues early on, making it easier for doctors to keep your little one healthy during pregnancy.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionApplied Physics Systems, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Mountain View, United States)
Project IDNIH-10615914 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a novel fetal magnetocardiography (fMCG) system that can accurately monitor fetal heart activity to detect potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. By utilizing affordable optically pumped magnetometer sensors, this system aims to provide a more accessible and sensitive method for assessing fetal heart health compared to traditional echocardiography and cardiotocography. The goal is to reduce the incidence of unexplained fetal deaths by improving the diagnosis and monitoring of fetal cardiac conditions. Patients will benefit from a device that can be used in standard clinical settings without the need for expensive and specialized facilities.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals, particularly those with a history of fetal cardiac issues or those at risk for fetal arrhythmias.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those whose pregnancies are not at risk for fetal cardiac complications may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the number of unexplained fetal deaths by enabling earlier and more accurate detection of fetal cardiac arrhythmias.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced magnetocardiography techniques for fetal monitoring, indicating potential success for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Mountain View, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.