University of Sheffield – Placenta abnormalities diagnosis

Improving the diagnosis of placental abnormalities in pregnant women

The clinical need:

The project team has developed a machine learning-based imaging radiology system for the diagnosis of placental abnormalities. Although rare, the condition leads to significant morbidity in pregnant women, which is traumatic for families and carers, and costly for healthcare organisations. A new diagnostic system allowing early diagnosis could help improve the care of pregnant women by providing appropriate referrals to specialist teams, and allow the upskilling of non-expert obstetric radiologists, thereby reducing the burden on the limited number of expert consultant radiologists in regional specialist centres.   

Project challenge:

The project team, composed of clinicians (consultant radiologist and obstetrician) and academics (electrical and electronic and mechanical engineering), wanted to understand the potential impact of their technology on the patient pathway, the potential opportunities for their product in the NHS, and a confirmation of the uniqueness of their product.  

With funding from the university's Place-Based Impact Acceleration Account (PBIAA) for a Proof of Market study, the project team chose Medipex to support their project.

How did Medipex help?

We reviewed the clinical management of pregnant women suspected of placental abnormalities in the NHS and identified that although the population is relatively small, the high burden of the condition impacts women's lives, requiring additional surgery, management in specialist centres, and the risk of ICU admission. These have a significant cost impact for NHS organisations. Through an improved diagnostic system, an early diagnosis could help to alleviate these challenges. A review of placenta diagnostic systems was completed through IP and competitive reviews to identify potential competitors as well as potential project partners.    

Impact:

The findings represent valuable information for the project team to apply for further funding and continue the development of their system. It will also allow them to identify potential industrial partners to collaborate in the further development of their placenta radiology imaging system.

Client testimonial:

“‘It was great to work with the Medipex, which was very effective and communicative. The team provided a very comprehensive and high-quality proof of market research for our new technology. The detailed proof of concept report will help us for the proof of feasibility funding application in the future.”

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