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Poster Session 4

(1075) Remote 3D LiDAR Imaging to Estimate Fundal Height: A Feasibility Study

Friday, January 31, 2025
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM  
Objective: Prenatal care is increasingly offered virtually to expand access to care. However, estimation of fetal growth is limited during virtual appointments jeopardizing safety and quality of care. The purpose of this feasibility study was to evaluate accuracy of term fundal height estimation using 3D LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology to create accurate 3D images of the gravid abdomen using an Apple iPad. Development of this technology would allow patients to remotely share a 3D image during a virtual visit to allow for accurate physical exam including fundal height estimate.

Study Design: In this retrospective feasibility study, we compared fundal height measurements calculated remotely from 3D LiDAR images to those measured in-person by research nurses using a measuring tape at term in (N = 20) low risk pregnant patients. The 3D LiDAR image was captured on the same day as the physical measurement by the nurse using an Apple iPad with the Polycam app. Participants with incomplete data or inadequate imaging of the fundus and pubis were excluded. Fundal heights were calculated by first mapping fiducial markers along the midline from pubis to the fundus then summing the distances calculated between the 3D surface markers. Fundal heights measured using the 3D LiDAR images were detrended with linear regression and a Bland-Altman Plot was created to evaluate agreement.

Results: Fundal heights measured via 3D LiDAR imaging ranged from 36.68 to 40.21 cm (mean = 38.53) and by the nurses from 35.50 to 44.00 cm (mean =38.53). The mean absolute error (MAE) before detrending was 1.97±2.44cm. Post detrending MAE was 1.01±1.57cm with the limits of agreement (95% CI, ±3.09cm).

Conclusion: 3D LiDAR imaging shows promising preliminary results for accurately measuring fundal heights at term and may provide a clinically useful alternative for estimating fetal growth for patients receiving care remotely. Follow-up studies are needed to extend these findings to earlier gestations, explore usability of the app during remote visits, and identify additional obstetric applications of 3D abdominal imaging.