Combined fetal heart electrical and structural imaging with quantum sensors
Official title: Combined Fetal Magnetocardiography and Echocardiography Using Quantum Sensors
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11366646 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to make prenatal heart diagnoses safer and more accurate by using a new quantum sensor to combine fetal heart electrical activity with ultrasound imaging.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | July 22, 2026 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $661,286 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL180491-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11366646 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Pregnant individuals carrying a fetus suspected of having a cardiac condition or undergoing prenatal imaging.
✕Less likely to help
Fetuses without suspected cardiac issues or pregnancies not undergoing fetal imaging may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project will test a novel approach that links fetal magnetocardiography (electrical rhythm) with fetal ultrasound (structure) using optically-pumped quantum sensors. By registering sensor data with ultrasound images, the team plans advanced signal processing to improve quality and reduce data gaps. The goal is to create a multi-modal diagnostic tool that better characterizes complex fetal heart disease before birth.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to earlier and more precise diagnoses of fetal heart conditions, guiding prenatal care and planning.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary work shows promise in combining electrical and anatomical data, with this project extending the technology to a clinically integrated platform.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wakai, Ronald T — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Wakai, Ronald T
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.