Researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have developed a groundbreaking AI-powered ultrasound technology that has now received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The innovation was created by a team including Jeffrey Stringer, Ben Pokaprakarn, and Juan Prieto, and represents a major advancement in how prenatal care can be delivered.
The technology uses artificial intelligence to estimate fetal gestational age from simple “blind sweep” ultrasound videos. Unlike traditional methods, it does not require highly trained sonographers or precise image capture, making it easier to use in a wide range of settings. This breakthrough simplifies ultrasound procedures and reduces dependence on specialist expertise.
To bring the innovation into real-world use, the university licensed the technology to Butterfly Network, which has integrated it into its portable ultrasound platform. The system can deliver results quickly and reliably, helping healthcare providers make timely decisions during pregnancy care.
Overall, this FDA clearance marks an important step toward improving maternal healthcare access, especially in rural and low-resource areas where traditional ultrasound services are limited. By enabling accurate pregnancy dating without specialized equipment or expertise, the technology has the potential to expand care in underserved regions and improve outcomes for both mothers and babies worldwide.
