Method and system for diagnosing uterine contraction levels using image analysis

Abstract

A method for analyzing uterine contractions to support embryo transfer techniques by analyzing uterine images using a deformable model network. The method is also used to diagnose premature uterine contraction activity in mammals. When used with an oxytocin antagonist, the method can be used to control contractile activity during embryo transfer or preterm birth.

Description

Background technique [0001] Detection of uterine contraction activity is necessary in a variety of medical procedures, including embryo transfer during in vitro fertilization, and detection and prevention of preterm birth during pregnancy. [0002] Increased uterine contractility in women undergoing embryo transfer ("ET") may affect ET success rates. Successful implantation rates were up to 3 times higher in ET recipients with a "silent" uterus compared to patients with elevated uterine contractility. It is currently hypothesized that administration of oxytocin antagonists may reduce uterine contractions and may increase pregnancy rates. In transplantation studies conducted in mice, it was confirmed that oxytocin antagonists reversed the negative effects of oxytocin. [0003] In humans, ethical issues preclude the use of invasive techniques for the assessment of uterine contractions, such as intrauterine pressure measurement in patients about to undergo embryo transfer proce...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

A disadvantage of the M-mode approach in detecting uterine contractions is that it does not provide a means of segmenting the entire uterus, only the upper and lower borders that exist within user-specified intersections

The absence of this provision becomes pronounced in the case of exacerbated bowel or respiratory movements that may change the position of the gap in the previously marked uterine border

Additionally, the uterus may move back and forth relative to the intersection that has been set

This shift may appear to be uncorrelated, but it may result in partial graphs that are indistinguishable from shrinkage

Further problems manifest as noise or false edges

Because the method does not take into account the shape of the entire uterus, only boundaries across intersections are traceable and this can make measurements difficult

Even in ideal situations where boundaries are clear and easy to track, accurate measurements can still be difficult

Similarly, it is equally difficult to interpret images where, although contractility is present, the movement of the border remains static and only structural changes in the endometrium are affected

Images