A world-first medical device developed in Western Australia is being hailed as the biggest breakthrough in foetal monitoring in 50 years, offering a new hope for safer childbirth.
The locally invented tool alerts clinicians in real time when a baby is not receiving enough oxygen during labour, helping prevent life threatening conditions like birth asphyxia and cerebral palsy.
Already trialled at King Edward Memorial Hospital and other national sites, the innovative device is designed to support faster, more accurate decisions in the delivery room.
By detecting levels of lactate in a baby’s blood, it provides an early warning system for obstetricians and midwives when a baby is in distress.
ViralTrace, a medtech company founded by UWA graduate Dr Arjun Kaushik, developed the device in partnership with researchers from the University of Western Australia and the University of Sydney. Its early development was supported through the State Government’s Future Health Research and Innovation Fund.
Unlike traditional monitors that restrict a mother’s movement during labour, the wireless device allows the mother to move freely while still keeping a constant check on the baby’s scalp oxygen levels. A small sensor is placed on the baby’s scalp once the water has broken, sending live data to a monitor nearby.
Health Minister Meredith Hammat described the invention as a landmark development.
She said, “This is the biggest breakthrough in the way babies are monitored during labour in five decades, and it’s been made here in WA.
“VitalTrace has already been trialled across four sites nationally with success, including here at King Eddies.
“It’s fabulous to see innovation from WA can guide mum and baby safely through a high-risk birth, and I’ll be closely watching the outcomes of further trials in the hope the device will soon be able to help even more people.”
Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson also praised the project’s journey from concept to commercialisation.
“The Cook Government’s Future Health Research and Innovation Fund has contributed to the acceleration and translation of an idea into commercialisation of a tool that can improves the healthcare of individuals in the State and beyond.
“I’d like to thank and congratulate all involved in designing this device and am looking forward to seeing this WA innovation used routinely in patient care.”
