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Researchers pioneer first patient-specific 3-D virtual birth simulator

Date:
November 22, 2013
Source:
University of East Anglia
Summary:
Computer scientists are working to create a virtual birthing simulator that will help doctors and midwives prepare for unusual or dangerous births. The new program will take into account factors such as the shape of the mother's body and the positioning of the baby to provide patient-specific birth predictions.
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Computer scientists from the University of East Anglia are working to create a virtual birthing simulator that will help doctors and midwives prepare for unusual or dangerous births.

The new program will take into account factors such as the shape of the mother's body and the positioning of the baby to provide patient-specific birth predictions.

The research will be presented at the International Conference on E-Health and Bioengineering in Romania.

Dr Rudy Lapeer from UEA's school of Computing Sciences is leading the project. He said: "We are creating a forward engineered simulation of childbirth using 3D graphics to simulate the sequence of movements as a baby descends through the pelvis during labor

"Users will be able to input key anatomical data -- such as the size and shape of the mother's pelvis, and the baby's head and torso. By doing this you will be able to set different bespoke scenarios for both the mother and baby."

The simulation software will see ultra-sound data used to re-create a geometric model of a baby's skull and body in 3D graphics as well as the mother's body and pelvis. Programers are also taking into account the force from the mother pushing during labor and are even modelling a 'virtual' midwife's hands which can interact with the baby's head.

"Because this program is patient-specific, doctors and midwives will be able to see how a birth may take place before it has happened on a case-by-case basis. For example, you would be able to see if a baby's shoulders will get stuck.

"We hope that this could help to avoid complicated births altogether by guiding people in the medical profession to advise on caesarean sections where necessary."


Story Source:

Materials provided by University of East Anglia. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Cite This Page:

University of East Anglia. "Researchers pioneer first patient-specific 3-D virtual birth simulator." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 22 November 2013. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/11/131122084553.htm>.
University of East Anglia. (2013, November 22). Researchers pioneer first patient-specific 3-D virtual birth simulator. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 28, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/11/131122084553.htm
University of East Anglia. "Researchers pioneer first patient-specific 3-D virtual birth simulator." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/11/131122084553.htm (accessed March 28, 2024).

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