OptoCENTAL: a standardized, bench-testing platform based on phantoms for validating optical systems aimed at clinical monitoring of the placenta

Significance

Optical imaging and spectroscopy solutions, such as near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and diffuse optical tomography, have the potential to provide compact, bedside monitoring of the placenta in the clinic, thanks to recent advancements in miniaturization and wireless wearability. This would provide neonatologists with continuous assessment of the pregnancy status in real time, as well as tools to possibly predict delivery outcomes.