The Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) is using Toshiba’s Aplio 500 Platinum ultrasound systems as part of a study that is aiming to improve pregnancy outcomes. The researchers are hoping to develop an algorithm that can help to predict late pregnancy complications in early gestation.

The study will identify which ultrasound tools are the most effective at determining who will develop complications during their pregnancy. That will allow clinicians to address the issues earlier with interventions and therapies.

The study also aims to get a better understanding of placental function by evaluating the microvascularization of the placenta, placental tissue elasticity and placental calcification content.

At the 2014 RSNA meeting, Toshiba introduced its Aplio Platinum series, which was a software and hardware upgrade for its Aplio 300 and 500 ultrasound systems. The researchers will be using its Superb Micro-Vascular Imaging technology, which enables the visualization of micro-vascular flow without the use of contrast.

They will also use Toshiba’s Shear Wave Elastography technology to non-invasively measure tissue stiffness and its MicroPure technology that allows for better visualization of microcalcifications compared to gray scale imaging.

EVMS received a $2.725 million grant from the National Institutes of Health. It was awarded to them in collaboration with the University of Texas-Medical Branch and Toshiba as part of the Human Placenta Project, which is a research initiative by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

Toshiba’s research support will be managed by its clinical collaboration department under the direction of Todd Erpelding, manager of clinical sciences, and Dr. Eugene Mensah, director of clinical collaboration.

Pediatrics Homepage