1. Small

Small, Light-weight, and wireless – decreasing expectant mother’s stress

Transducer’s weight is close to that of common smartphones (166g / 137g). When compared to other conventional devices, iCTG’s volume and mass are less than 1/20. It only consists of two transducers and tablet or smartphone for displaying results, getting rid of burdensome big machines and printers that are carried by a cart.
It is completely wireless, and once a tablet or smartphone is connected to Wi-Fi or 3G/LTE network, an expectant mother can move around freely. Measurement can be done both inside and outside of hospital facilities. During hospital’s busy times, expectant mothers can receive NST exam while they wait, decreasing a stress of waiting for long time, and allowing doctors to better manage and use their time efficiently. Because it is wireless, there is no worry of cable deterioration.

• One full charging ( about 1 hours) will allow up to 10 hours of measurement. A quick recharging will allow medical personnel to feel safe and secure in busy time.

3. Simple

Only two buttons on transducers – straight forward usages

Once the pairing of devices with a tablet is done, measuring can be started. On fetal heart rate monitor, there are only two buttons, which are power and volume button. On uterine contraction monitor, there are also only two buttons, which are power and zero-set button. Volume change and zero-set can be controlled from the tablet as well. Such simplicity allows smooth utilization of a device even for a beginner.
With its water drop proof rating of IPX4 equivalent, transducer can be cleaned with no trouble.

4. Safe

Having passed a strict medical device approval, iCTG is a trustworthy device that is being used in more than hundreds well known hospitals in Japan. It is suitable for frequent and long monitoring of high-risk pregnancy such as late child bearing and premature labor. Expectant mothers with risk factors can be monitored at home by wearing this device, while the doctors analyze the result from elsewhere. By screening closely, a quick intervention will become possible, decreasing a risk for unexpected emergency delivery as a result. Of course, like conventional fetal monitors, it can also be used for monitoring during delivery. It is wireless and washable, and can be easily operated after surgery.

Loading iCTG on the emergency vehicles (i.e. ambulance, helicopter) will enable data to be sent to doctors and to monitor the condition while being transferred. Hearing heartbeat of a fetus will ease the stress of a mother on board, reducing a chance of experiencing a panic attack. Additionally, by receiving data in an advance, accepting hospital can prepare a treatment plan before arrival, increasing a likelihood of saving a life.

5. Success

“iCTG” is also used in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and it has been successful. Cooperation between a hospital with specialized doctors and hospitals without such personnel was made possible by introducing iCTG to increase the antenatal checkup rate in order to find mothers with high risk pregnancy earlier and transfer them, contributing to higher chance of survival for expectant mother and fetus.
In reflection to such contribution, Chiang Mai University, who was the main partner in collaborating project, has been awarded a Thailand Best Public Service Award 2017 from the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission. Currently, this project is broadening to cover entire provincial hospitals of Chiang Mai.

In addition, Fetal Monitor iCTG has been introduced throughout the Kingdom of Bhutan with the support of UNDP and the JICA-Japan International Cooperation Agency. It was used during the birth of the second child of Their Majesties Bhutan and was announced by the King to extend its wonderful benefits to all. Currently, an obstetrician and gynecologist at only three referral hospitals in Bhutan is examining pregnant women in 43 regional hospitals without an obstetrician and gynecologist. It is also used at referral hospitals for daily monitoring during labor.