A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has showcased a significant advancement in pregnancy care through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in low-resource settings. This groundbreaking research demonstrates that an AI-enabled handheld ultrasound device can provide gestational age estimates as accurately as expert sonographers, even when used by novice healthcare workers with minimal training. The study could transform prenatal care in regions where access to high-end ultrasound machines and expert sonographers is limited.
The research was conducted by teams from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases and the University of Zambia. The innovative study utilized a low-cost, AI-powered handheld ultrasound device, integrated with the Butterfly iQ+ ultrasound technology. This device, which does not require internet connectivity for real-time analysis, was tested across diverse populations in Zambia and North Carolina, including patients with varying body mass indexes.
Dr. Jeffrey S. A. Stringer, the lead author and professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the UNC School of Medicine, highlighted the study’s impact: “This study represents a major step forward in our ability to provide quality prenatal care globally.” The research demonstrated that the AI-enabled device could produce gestational age estimates comparable to those obtained from high-end machines operated by expert sonographers. Importantly, novice users could operate the device effectively after just one day of training.
Key findings from the study include:
- Accuracy: The AI tool provided gestational age estimates equivalent to those of expert sonographers between 14 and 37 weeks of pregnancy.
- Ease of Use: Novice users were able to operate the device effectively after minimal training.
- Performance Across Populations: The technology performed well in diverse populations in both Zambia and North Carolina, including patients with high body mass index.
- Technology Integration: The Butterfly iQ+ ultrasound device allowed for real-time analysis of data without requiring internet access.
The research enrolled 400 pregnant individuals and was funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The study’s implications are substantial, especially for low- and middle-income countries where access to ultrasound during pregnancy is limited. Dr. Margaret P. Kasaro, senior author and Country Director at UNC Global Projects Zambia, emphasized the potential of this technology to improve maternal and fetal health outcomes by enabling earlier detection of high-risk pregnancies and facilitating better prenatal care.
The study’s results suggest that while the AI tool performs effectively up to 37 weeks of gestation, it is not recommended for use beyond this period. Future research will explore its application in high-risk pregnancies and additional geographic locations to assess its broader impact.
Butterfly Network, Inc., which provided the Butterfly iQ+ devices for the study, is a digital health company with a mission to democratize medical imaging. Founded by Dr. Jonathan Rothberg in 2011, Butterfly Network aims to make high-quality ultrasound technology affordable and accessible worldwide. The company has pioneered the development of handheld ultrasound devices and continues to innovate with new generations of its technology.
In summary, this study highlights the transformative potential of AI-powered handheld ultrasound devices in improving prenatal care, particularly in resource-limited settings. By providing accurate gestational age estimates with minimal training, this technology could significantly enhance pregnancy care, contributing to better health outcomes for mothers and babies globally.
