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A multi-parameter In-vivo sensing platform for intra-uterine environment monitoring

A multi-parameter In-vivo sensing platform for intra-uterine environment monitoring
A multi-parameter In-vivo sensing platform for intra-uterine environment monitoring
Human reproduction is a relatively inefficient process [1]. More than 30% of all conceptions do not advance beyond 20 weeks of gestation. 1 in 6 couples suffer from infertility, and in around 25% of couples no clear reason is identified. This may reflect the lack of pathophysiologic understanding and clinically relevant diagnostic approaches for interrogating uterine functions. Moreover, for those who require assisted conception, take home baby rates after artificial reproductive technologies (ART) have altered little in the last 5-10 years, again pointing to the lack of clinically relevant diagnostic approaches for interrogating uterine functions. If these clinical issues are to be addressed, a greater understanding of what contribute to infertility is required.

An interaction between the intra-uterine environment and reproductive health is likely, but very little is known about the biophysical characteristics of the uterus and how they alter through the menstrual cycle. Previous work has been undertaken on intra-uterine biophysical parameters, such as temperature, dissolved oxygen concentration (DOC) and pH, all of which are related to cell metabolism, embryonic development and other reproductive activities [2-6]. However the available data is mostly derived from snapshot technology and wired sensor probes, both of which do not enable real-time long-term invivo monitoring.

Within the constraints of the operating environment (the uterus), user comfort, safety and device life-time, this thesis proposed and developed a multi-parameter in-vivo platform for sensing critical biophysical parameters in the uterus (temperature, DOC and pH). This platform includes a miniaturised wireless and batteryless implantable sensor device incorporating temperature sensor, wearable receiver with various innovative antennas and well-developed software. The device achieves long-term capture of the intra-uterine environment information in real-time through direct implantation into the uterus. Two prototypes for miniaturised DOC and pH sensor were also researched and developed. First human trial is in progress after a series of animal tests. This work may push the in-vivo sensing technologies forward and bring constructive contribution to intra-uterine information collection, human reproduction research and healthcare management.
University of Southampton
Lu, Shilong
14e054bf-8c24-40e0-94bd-c4b74ac65355
Lu, Shilong
14e054bf-8c24-40e0-94bd-c4b74ac65355
Newman, Tracey
322290cb-2e9c-445d-a047-00b1bea39a25

Lu, Shilong (2014) A multi-parameter In-vivo sensing platform for intra-uterine environment monitoring. University of Southampton, Doctoral Thesis, 240pp.

Record type: Thesis (Doctoral)

Abstract

Human reproduction is a relatively inefficient process [1]. More than 30% of all conceptions do not advance beyond 20 weeks of gestation. 1 in 6 couples suffer from infertility, and in around 25% of couples no clear reason is identified. This may reflect the lack of pathophysiologic understanding and clinically relevant diagnostic approaches for interrogating uterine functions. Moreover, for those who require assisted conception, take home baby rates after artificial reproductive technologies (ART) have altered little in the last 5-10 years, again pointing to the lack of clinically relevant diagnostic approaches for interrogating uterine functions. If these clinical issues are to be addressed, a greater understanding of what contribute to infertility is required.

An interaction between the intra-uterine environment and reproductive health is likely, but very little is known about the biophysical characteristics of the uterus and how they alter through the menstrual cycle. Previous work has been undertaken on intra-uterine biophysical parameters, such as temperature, dissolved oxygen concentration (DOC) and pH, all of which are related to cell metabolism, embryonic development and other reproductive activities [2-6]. However the available data is mostly derived from snapshot technology and wired sensor probes, both of which do not enable real-time long-term invivo monitoring.

Within the constraints of the operating environment (the uterus), user comfort, safety and device life-time, this thesis proposed and developed a multi-parameter in-vivo platform for sensing critical biophysical parameters in the uterus (temperature, DOC and pH). This platform includes a miniaturised wireless and batteryless implantable sensor device incorporating temperature sensor, wearable receiver with various innovative antennas and well-developed software. The device achieves long-term capture of the intra-uterine environment information in real-time through direct implantation into the uterus. Two prototypes for miniaturised DOC and pH sensor were also researched and developed. First human trial is in progress after a series of animal tests. This work may push the in-vivo sensing technologies forward and bring constructive contribution to intra-uterine information collection, human reproduction research and healthcare management.

Text
Final Thesis Shilong Lu - Version of Record
Available under License University of Southampton Thesis Licence.
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Published date: July 2014

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 434989
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/434989
PURE UUID: 7361de45-e66f-4a20-87bc-ab1f3f741f7b
ORCID for Tracey Newman: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0002-3727-9258

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Date deposited: 17 Oct 2019 16:30
Last modified: 17 Mar 2024 02:43

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Contributors

Author: Shilong Lu
Thesis advisor: Tracey Newman ORCID iD

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