Novii Wireless Patch System for maternal and fetal monitoring

The technology described in this briefing is Novii Wireless Patch System. It is used for maternal and fetal monitoring.

The innovative aspects are the technology is wireless and does not need to be adjusted by the midwife when the baby or transducer moves.

The intended place in therapy would be as an alternative to standard cardiotocography (CTG) monitoring using a wired transducer and belt for women who need monitoring during labour.

The main points from the evidence summarised in this briefing are from 6 studies (1 randomised controlled trial, 2 secondary analyses, 2 observational studies and 1 equivalence study) including a total of 487 women in late pregnancy (n=228) and labour (n=259). They show that Novii is as effective as standard monitoring, is likely to be more effective in people with a high body mass index and may reduce maternal heart rate and fetal heart rate confusion during second stage labour.

Key uncertainties around the evidence or technology are that half of the studies have been published on a previous version of the technology. In the studies using the previous version of the technology most of the women were not in labour.

The cost of the Novii system is £4,995 and the Novii Wireless Patch System is about £35 per person (excluding VAT). The Novii system can only be used with the GE Corometrics 259cx Maternal Fetal Monitor (£6,600). The Novii system can be cost saving if the NHS trust already has a GE Corometrics 259cx Monitor. The cost of standard care (CTG monitoring) would be about £7,000 for the maternal fetal monitor depending on different options and about £30 per person for the belt, gel and fetal scalp electrode.