Method and system for determining placental volume

摘要

Method and system for determining a volume of a placenta in utero. The placenta in utero may be modeled as having a convex-concave shape (e.g., like that of a portion of a spherical shell). Volume of the placenta may be determined based on the width (or height) and thickness of the placenta, or based on width, height and thickness of the placenta. Placenta size characteristics may be measured using imaging techniques, such as ultrasound. In one aspect of the invention, a volume of a placenta in utero may be compared to the volume of other placentas for similar gestational age, and a determination regarding whether the placenta volume poses a risk to fetal health may be made.

主权项

1. A method for determining a volume of a placenta in utero, the method comprising:
capturing image information of a placenta in utero including detecting radiation received from the placenta; generating, with a computer, a single two-dimensional (2D) image for display based on the detected radiation; locating, with the computer, on the single 2D image two points on a peripheral edge of the placenta where at each point on the peripheral edge a convex outer surface of the placenta and a concave inner surface of the placenta join; making a height measurement by measuring, with the computer, on the single 2D image the perpendicular distance from a plane defined by the two points on the peripheral edge of the placenta to an apex of the convex surface of the placenta; making a thickness measurement, with the computer, by measuring on the single 2D image the largest distance through the placenta between and perpendicular to the convex and concave surfaces, and making a maximum width measurement by measuring, with the computer, on the single 2D image the maximum distance between the two points on the peripheral edge; and determining, with the computer, a volume of the placenta using the height measurement, the thickness measurement, and the maximum width measurement.