Fetal heart rate fetal monitor smart-sync

Overview
smart‑sync is a Doppler ultrasound (DUS) based fetal cardiac MRI gating device that detects and synchronises the fetal cardiac cycle with the MR system to enable motion‑free imaging of the fetal heart. It is intended as a complementary imaging tool to increase diagnostic certainty in complex congenital heart disease and to support prenatal and postnatal management and counselling.

Key points

• Detects fetal heartbeat using an artefact‑free transducer with acoustic feedback (headphones) for convenient localisation.
• Generates trigger signals via DUS gating to synchronise MRI acquisition to the fetal cardiac cycle.
• Compatible with standard cardiac MRI sequences on 1.5T and 3T systems; plug‑and‑play setup for integration into routine workflows.
• Enables first‑time crisp fetal heart cine imaging and high‑resolution visualisation of intra‑ and extracardiac structures.

Clinical evidence & performance
Published data across multiple studies: 772 scanned fetuses in 27 scientific publications with an overall reported success rate of approximately 93%. Reported diagnostic accuracy in cited contexts is around 91%, with evidence of positive impact on clinical decision‑making, delivery planning and parental counselling.

Benefits

• Provides motion‑free cardiac cine images and flow assessments in conditions where echocardiography may be limited (e.g. maternal obesity, unfavourable fetal position).
• Improves diagnostic confidence in complex CHD and supports targeted delivery planning and early postnatal care decisions.
• Outputs include conventional cardiac MR views (4‑chamber, short‑axis stacks) up to dynamic 4D flow datasets using standard cardiac MRI protocols.

How it works (workflow summary)

• Transducer placed on the maternal abdomen detects the fetal heartbeat and provides acoustic feedback via headphones to localise the heart.
• Transducer connects to a sensor/electronics (Sensor Box) which communicates trigger signals to the MR scanner (wireless communication between sensor and scanner interface; MR‑safe cable/interface to scanner as required).
• The scanner receives cardiac gating signals and acquires sequences synchronised to the fetal cardiac cycle, producing motion‑free cine images and flow data.
• Typical outputs: 4‑chamber cine, short‑axis stacks, and 4D flow datasets; compatible with cine SSFP, flow and other standard cardiac sequences on 1.5T/3T systems.

Clinical integration & support
Designed to integrate into existing adult/pediatric cardiac MRI workflows. Vendor provides supporting materials and clinical training resources, including a 3‑step training programme with remote hands‑on scan support and exam cards for scan assistance.

Technical specifications

• Technology: Doppler ultrasound (DUS) based fetal cardiac gating.
• Intended use: Fetal cardiac MRI gating to synchronise fetal cardiac cycle with MR acquisition.
• Compatibility: 1.5T and 3.0T MR systems; supports standard cardiac MRI sequences.
• Transducer: Artefact‑free transducer with wings for fastening; provides acoustic feedback (headphones) for localisation.
• Connection: MR‑safe cable/interface to scanner as required; sensor box communicates trigger (wireless link between sensor and scanner interface as described).
• Outputs: 4‑chamber views, short‑axis stacks, and dynamic 4D flow datasets; supports cine SSFP, flow and standard cardiac MR protocols.
• Setup: Plug‑and‑play; intended for staff familiar with cardiac MRI.
• Performance (reported): ~772 scanned fetuses across 27 publications; ~93% overall success rate; reported diagnostic accuracy ~91% in cited contexts.
• Clinical impact: Improves diagnostic certainty for complex CHD, supports delivery planning and early postnatal care decisions.
• Training & support: Vendor provides a free 3‑step training including remote hands‑on scan support and exam cards.