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Problem being addressed

In developing countries, it is challenging to identify women at risk of preterm labor and provide early treatment. As a consequence, preterm birth affects at least 1 in 10 babies globally and is a leading cause of infant mortality. Thus it is important to find a means to monitor early changes in the cervix such as collagen and water levels prior to childbirth.

Detailed description of the solution

The SMART Diaphragm monitors cervical collagen levels and wirelessly transmits information on low collagen levels to physicians. This early identification of at-risk women in remote areas can enable more rapid routing of patients to secondary health facilities.

Designed by

  • Designed by: Larry Rand, MD (Project Leader) and colleagues at the University of California-San Francisco, USA. Website for the device available here.
  • Manufacturer location: The University of California-San Francisco, USA

When and where it was tested/implemented

This device is currently being tested in San Francisco, California, USA.

Funding Source

This device received funding from the following sources:

  • Gates Foundation Grand Challenge Round 6 Award. Link available here.
  • Vodafone/mHealth Alliance ($50,000). Link available here.

References

Other internally generated reports

Bole K. (2011, April 22). UCSF team takes second place for 'Smart' Diaphragm device in national innovation competition. Retrieved January 6, 2013. Link available here.

SMART Diaphragm Study. (2012). What is the SMART Diaphragm? Retrieved January 6, 2013. Link available here.

Externally generated reports

Heatwole A. (2011, April 22). SMART Diaphragm: changing the way doctors detect high-risk pregnancies. Retrieved January 6, 2013. Link available here.

Grand Challenges in Global Health. (2011, April). A “Smart Diaphragm” for the early detection of preterm labor. Retrieved January 6, 2013. Link available here.

Vodafone Americas Foundation. (2011, April 12). Three pioneering projects win coveted Vodafone and mHealth Alliance Wireless Innovation Awards. Retrieved January 6, 2013. Link available here.

Vodafone Americas Foundation. (2011). 2011 Winning Project: SMART Diaphragm. Retrieved January 6, 2013. Link available here.


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