Evaluating fetal heart rhythms using magnetocardiography
Official title: Electrophysiology of Fetal Arrhythmia
Run by University of Wisconsin, Madison · NCT03047161 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to check fetal heart rhythms using a special technique called magnetocardiography to see if it works better than traditional ultrasound for pregnant people.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 450 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Wisconsin, Madison Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Madison, Wisconsin) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 7, 2017 |
| Main results expected | May 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | May 30, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | August 25, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT03047161 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include pregnant individuals with uncomplicated pregnancies over 12 weeks or those experiencing abnormal fetal heart rates after 15 weeks.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with uncomplicated pregnancies under 12 weeks or those with abnormal fetal heart rates before 15 weeks may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to assess the use of fetal magnetocardiography (fMCG) as a novel technique for evaluating normal and abnormal fetal heart rate and rhythm patterns. Currently, ultrasound is the primary method for studying fetal anatomy, but it has limitations in assessing cardiac rhythm. The study will involve pregnant individuals with uncomplicated pregnancies over 12 weeks gestation or those at risk of fetal arrhythmia after 15 weeks. The research will be conducted at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, utilizing advanced facilities for this purpose.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more accurate method for monitoring fetal heart conditions, leading to better outcomes for affected pregnancies.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is novel in the context of fetal arrhythmia, similar techniques have shown promise in other areas of cardiac monitoring.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * uncomplicated pregnancy at gestational age \>12 weeks * pregnancy complicated by abnormal fetal heart rate or rhythm or risk of abnormal fetal heart rate or rhythm at gestational age \>15 weeks Exclusion Criteria: * uncomplicated pregnancy \<12 weeks gestation * pregnancy complicated by abnormal fetal heart rate or rhythm or risk of abnormal fetal heart rate or rhythm at gestational age \<15 weeks
Where it's running
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, Wisconsin, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ronald Wakai, PhD — University of Wisconsin, Madison
- Study coordinator: Ronald Wakai, PhD
- Email: rtwakai@wisc.edu
- Phone: 608-265-4988
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.