Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
SHR Neuro Krebs Kardio Lipid Stoffw Microb
Bauer, M; Mazza, E; Nava, A; Zeck, W; Eder, M; Bajka, M; Cacho, F; Lang, U; Holzapfel, GA.
In vivo characterization of the mechanics of human uterine cervices.
Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2007; 1101:186-202
Doi: 10.1196/annals.1389.004
Web of Science
PubMed
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- Führende Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz
- Holzapfel-Bauer Margit
- Co-Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz
- Lang Uwe
- Walcher Wolfgang
- Zeck Willibald
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- Abstract:
- The uterine cervix has to provide mechanical resistance to ensure a normal development of the fetus. This is guaranteed by the composition of its extracellular matrix, which functions as a fiber-reinforced composite. At term a complex remodeling process allows the cervical canal to open for birth. This remodeling is achieved by changes in the quality and quantity of collagen fibers and ground substance and their interplay, which influences the biomechanical behavior of the cervix but also contributes to pathologic conditions such as cervical incompetence (CI). We start by reviewing the anatomy and histological composition of the human cervix, and discuss its physiologic function and pathologic condition in pregnancy including biomechanical aspects. Established diagnostic methods on the cervix (palpation, endovaginal ultrasound) used in clinics as well as methods for assessment of cervical consistency (light-induced fluorescence, electrical current, and impedance) are discussed. We show the first clinical application of an aspiration device, which allows in vivo testing of the biomechanical properties of the cervix with the aim to establish the physiological biomechanical changes throughout gestation and to detect pregnant women at risk for CI. In a pilot study on nonpregnant cervices before and after hysterectomy we found no considerable difference in the biomechanical response between in vivo and ex vivo. An outlook on further clinical applications during pregnancy is presented.
- Find related publications in this database (using NLM MeSH Indexing)
- Biomechanics - instrumentation
- Cervix Uteri - anatomy and histology
- Female - anatomy and histology
- Humans - anatomy and histology
- Hysterectomy - instrumentation
- Pregnancy - instrumentation
- Uterine Cervical Incompetence - diagnosis
- Find related publications in this database (Keywords)
- uterine cervix
- biomechanical properties
- remodeling in pregnancy
- in vivo experiment
- aspiration device