AUS faculty invent fetal heart monitor

Dr. Khaled Assaleh	Dr. Hasan Al-Nashash

Two faculty members from the School of Engineering have developed a unique biomedical device. Dr. Hasan Al-Nashash, Professor and Chair of Electrical Engineering, and Dr. Khaled Assaleh, Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering, have invented a fetal heart monitor that uses a mother's electrocardiograph signal to non-invasively and inexpensively monitor the fetal heartbeat.

Called the FECG, the device provides general fetal surveillance during labor, monitors fetal heart rate and can detect cardiac arrhythmia and acidosis, among other uses. It will also help reduce unnecessary operations. The current technology is highlyinvasive, posing a serious risk to the mother and the fetus. It is also very expensive.

To develop and commercialize this device, AUS has signed an MOU with the Arab Science and Technology Foundation (ASTF). The MOU was signed by Dr. Abdullah Alnajjar, President of ASTF, and Chancellor Winfred Thompson. The scope of cooperation is the commercialization of the FECG developed by the inventors. ASTF will fund the filing of an international patent for the FECG for costs of up to AED 100,000. ASTF is leading the commercialization efforts. This may include developing a feasibility study, a business plan and other documents needed to solicit investment and/or licensees. ASTF and AUS will share profits and intellectual property rights. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Thompson thanked ASTF for their partnership and said, “This MOU reflects the scientific innovation currently taking place at AUS.

We are proud of our faculty scientists and scholars who are conducting internationally competitive research and also involving their students in this research, giving our students experiences that will be valuable in their future professions.”

“This step is a culmination of ASTF's efforts to support local research activities, build local scientific and inventive capacity and develop longlasting relationships with the investment community in the region,” said Dr. Alnajjar. “The move reflects the heated scientific activity currently taking place in Sharjah's University City fueled by the enthusiasm and generosity of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, whose tremendous foresight is guiding the unprecedented progress witnessed in Sharjah's scientific milieu,” he added.