1. Vanderbilt University Department of Biomedical Engineering Fetal Stabilizer Design Mentor: Dr. Joseph Bruner, M.D. By Pankaj Desai Sandhya Mani Also with Faizel Kassam & Thomas Hughes

2. What is Spinabifida ? ? ? Most frequently occurring permanently disabling birth defect in the U.S. Results from failure of spine to close during 1st month of pregnancy Results –bowel and bladder complications –possible loss of muscle control beneath lesion –obesity –skin breakdown –Hydrocephalus shunt

3. Spinabifida Detection Age: 16 - 18 weeks Tests: –MSAFP - maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein 2 - 2.5 times normal levels not very accurate other causes of high levels: –Ultrasound rule out other causes if no result then: AFAFP - amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein AFAChE - amniotic fluid acetlcholinesterase –both used to provide confirmation of neural tube defect

4. Uteren Opening

5. Fetal Surgery Risks/”No Guarantees” of Procedure –premature delivery –possible damage Effect of Tool –36 open fetal repairs completed (01/08/99) –reduce clutter in surgical field –sterile positioning of fetus

6. Tool Specifications Targeted Age Group Exact Dimensions –limited to 20cm in length –width of fetus at position: 9cm Physical Properties –light-weight –Flexible yet Sturdy –easy to clean

7. Actual Design & Implementation Johnsona & Johnson –Codman Engineering –why??? AutoCad Drawing –3-Dimensional Picture Extrapolation Piece by piece design –Printing Problems –Exact Dimensions

8. Final Design 19.5 cm 10.5 cm 8.5 cm 5.4 cm

9. Other Views Side and Top Views

10. Future Goals Video Clip Working Prototype Additional Links