Innovative technologies and signal processing in perinatal medicine

Pregnancy is a critical time for the health of the mother and the fetus, with important potential risks for both. Tools for antenatal diagnosis and pregnancy monitoring can support prevention and management of potential risks and complications. In particular, the perinatal period, spanning from the third trimester of pregnancy up to one month after birth, is the most critical for the baby. For this reason, in the last decades, biomedical engineering supported and fostered the scientific research towards the identification of new models, parameters, algorithms, and tools that can improve the quality of fetal monitoring, predict the outcomes and allow physicians to intervene in an appropriate manner to ensure a healthy future for the baby. This book follows the First International Summer School on Technologies and Signal Processing in Perinatal Medicine and reflects some of its most important master lectures. It represents a valuable guide for students and young researchers approaching this topic for the first time, as well as experienced researchers and practitioners looking for a clear representation of the themes and techniques presented by recognized experts in the field. Presents current and innovative technologies for fetal and neonatal monitoring Emphasis on both technology/signal processing and clinical aspects Offers a clear didactic approach to the subject matter.

Intro -- Foreword -- Preface -- Contents -- Chapter 1: Ultrasound in Pregnancy -- From Ultrasound Physics to Morphological and Functional Measurements of the Fetus -- 1.1 Ultrasound Physics -- 1.1.1 Ultrasound Generation -- 1.1.2 Ultrasound Propagation -- 1.1.3 Ultrasound Echo -- 1.2 Ultrasound Imaging Technology -- 1.2.1 Ultrasound Beam Profile -- 1.2.2 Array Beam Forming -- 1.2.3 Ultrasound System -- 1.3 Ultrasound Doppler Technology -- 1.3.1 Doppler Principle -- 1.3.2 Receiver Architecture -- 1.3.3 Continuous and Pulsed Doppler -- 1.3.4 Velocity Estimators -- 1.3.5 Color and Power Doppler

1.4 Ultrasound in Pregnancy -- 1.4.1 First Trimester Scans -- 1.4.2 Second Trimester Scans -- 1.4.2.1 Fetal Biometry -- 1.4.2.2 Morphological Evaluation of the Fetal Heart -- 1.4.2.3 Functional Evaluation of the Fetal Heart -- 1.4.2.4 Liquor Volume -- 1.4.3 Third Trimester and Labor -- 1.4.3.1 Cardiotocography (CTG) -- 1.4.3.2 Umbilical Cord Doppler -- 1.4.3.3 Fetal Orientation -- 1.4.3.4 Cervical Length -- References -- Chapter 2: CRS4 Telemed: Open and Low-Cost Technologies for Real-Time Telesonography -- 2.1 Introduction -- 2.2 CRS4 Real-Time Telemedicine System -- 2.2.1 Evolution

2.2.2 V…