MetaPad: Enhancing Fetal MRI
Project Overview
About
High-field MRI can produce dark or uneven areas in abdominal scans, obscuring important details, particularly during later pregnancy or in patients with a higher body mass index. MetaPad is an ultra-thin, flexible surface containing a patterned conductive grid. Placed over the abdomen, it passively redistributes the scanner’s radio frequency field to create a more uniform signal without changing the equipment or imaging procedure. Tested with volunteers and pregnant patients, the reusable pad could improve visualisation of the foetal brain, placenta and surrounding organs, supporting more reliable diagnosis.
Team
Leila Sharipova
I'm Leila Sharipova, a fourth-year PhD student at ITMO University, developing advanced MRI technologies. I design prototypes to address medical imaging challenges across anatomical applications. I am curious, persistent, and passionate about bringing physics and engineering closer to clinical practice. My expertise spans NMR, MRI, and RF systems, supported by publications, international conference talks, and multiple scholarships and competition wins. My goal is to enhance the diagnostic capabilities of existing MRI scanners, enabling more personalized diagnostics. At Prototypes for Humanity, I am presenting MetaPad, a flexible, plug-and-play technology designed to improve fetal MRI image quality without modifying existing scanners.