AI Technology Reduces Pregnancy Scan Duration and Identifies Foetal Abnormalities
A recent trial demonstrates that AI-assisted scans can cut the time needed for foetal assessments by nearly half while maintaining accuracy.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has shown potential to assist sonographers in identifying foetal abnormalities in approximately half the time required for traditional methods, according to the first trial of its kind published in the New England Journal of Medicine AI. The research, conducted by King’s College London and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
The trial revealed that AI-assisted scans were 42% shorter than standard scans, significantly reducing the time to conduct assessments at the pivotal 20-week pregnancy scan.
This efficiency allows sonographers to devote more time to specific areas of concern, thereby potentially decreasing anxiety for expectant parents.
AI enhances the scanning procedure by taking several thousand snapshots of each foetal measurement, in stark contrast to the three images taken by a human sonographer.
This advancement may improve the accuracy of measuring foetal growth and health, enabling medical professionals to make timely decisions regarding any necessary interventions.
The study focused primarily on identifying heart problems but indicates that the AI technology could assist in detecting a variety of abnormalities.
It involved 78 pregnant women and 58 qualified sonographers, with each participant undergoing two scans: one with AI assistance and one without.
Dr. Thomas Day, the lead author of the study, emphasized the importance of the 20-week scan, which often generates significant anxiety for parents concerning the health of their unborn child.
He noted that the AI-assisted scans demonstrated accuracy and efficiency, contributing to a more reassuring experience for parents by allowing sonographers to concentrate on patient care rather than technical aspects of the scan.
Ashleigh Louison, a participant in the trial whose son was diagnosed with heart disease, highlighted the importance of receiving an early diagnosis, noting how it allowed for effective planning and preparation for medical interventions ahead of her child's birth.
The AI tool is being implemented on a larger scale through Fraiya, a spinout company associated with King’s College London, Guy’s and St Thomas’, and King’s College Hospital.
Furthermore, experts are organizing a larger-scale trial to evaluate the broader implications of AI in prenatal care.
Professor Mike Lewis, NIHR scientific director, remarked on the transformative potential of AI in healthcare, emphasizing its ability to enhance patient care while optimizing resource use.
The trial revealed that AI-assisted scans were 42% shorter than standard scans, significantly reducing the time to conduct assessments at the pivotal 20-week pregnancy scan.
This efficiency allows sonographers to devote more time to specific areas of concern, thereby potentially decreasing anxiety for expectant parents.
AI enhances the scanning procedure by taking several thousand snapshots of each foetal measurement, in stark contrast to the three images taken by a human sonographer.
This advancement may improve the accuracy of measuring foetal growth and health, enabling medical professionals to make timely decisions regarding any necessary interventions.
The study focused primarily on identifying heart problems but indicates that the AI technology could assist in detecting a variety of abnormalities.
It involved 78 pregnant women and 58 qualified sonographers, with each participant undergoing two scans: one with AI assistance and one without.
Dr. Thomas Day, the lead author of the study, emphasized the importance of the 20-week scan, which often generates significant anxiety for parents concerning the health of their unborn child.
He noted that the AI-assisted scans demonstrated accuracy and efficiency, contributing to a more reassuring experience for parents by allowing sonographers to concentrate on patient care rather than technical aspects of the scan.
Ashleigh Louison, a participant in the trial whose son was diagnosed with heart disease, highlighted the importance of receiving an early diagnosis, noting how it allowed for effective planning and preparation for medical interventions ahead of her child's birth.
The AI tool is being implemented on a larger scale through Fraiya, a spinout company associated with King’s College London, Guy’s and St Thomas’, and King’s College Hospital.
Furthermore, experts are organizing a larger-scale trial to evaluate the broader implications of AI in prenatal care.
Professor Mike Lewis, NIHR scientific director, remarked on the transformative potential of AI in healthcare, emphasizing its ability to enhance patient care while optimizing resource use.
