Low‐Cost Fetal Magnetocardiography: A Comparison of Superconducting Quantum Interference Device and Optically Pumped Magnetometers

摘要

BackgroundFetal magnetocardiography (fMCG) is a highly effective technique for evaluation of fetuses with life‐threatening arrhythmia, but its dissemination has been constrained by the high cost and complexity of Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) instrumentation. Optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) are a promising new technology that can replace SQUIDs for many applications. This study compares the performance of an fMCG system, utilizing OPMs operating in a person‐sized magnetic shield, to that of a conventional fMCG system, utilizing SQUID magnetometers operating in a magnetically shielded room.