Neobreathe—Treat Asphyxia with Ease
Millions of neonatal deaths arise due to asphyxia. There are different reasons why newborn babies just cannot start breathing by themselves. Some babies are born with the lungs insufficiently developed. Others have fluid in the windpipe, having swallowed meconium in the womb. And there are babies who simply need an initial gasp of air to start breathing. These newborns can be saved using a simple life-saving procedure called resuscitation. Across the world, people are provided the basic equipment (essentially a bag and mask that pumps air) that is required for resuscitation, and they are trained to use this equipment. Unfortunately, there is still a lack of skilled people and of resuscitation devices, and so it is difficult to save babies in a lot of places.
Basic resuscitation care
A general resuscitation procedure is carried out immediately after the birth of a baby. Indeed, this must be done during the first 60 seconds after the birth of the infant, this period being referred to as the golden minute.
During resuscitation, first any fluid that may be present in the windpipe is removed, by suction. Then artificial breaths are given using the bag–mask. Cardiac massage is performed if necessary. Typically, two staff members are involved in carrying out resuscitation. One performs the actual resuscitation. It is important to note that this staff member must use both hands. He or she uses one hand to generate pressure with the bag; the other hand holds the mask to the baby’s face, preventing air from leaking where the mask touches the face. The other care-giver applies suction and gives the cardiac massage.
Phoenix has come up with a cost-effective, innovative resuscitation product called Neobreathe. Phoenix designed the device along with Stanford Biodesign and commercialize Neobreathe.
Neobreathe is designed such that the operator needs to use only one hand—to hold the mask to the face. To generate the pressure, the operator uses his or her foot—Neobreathe is the world’s first foot-operated newborn resuscitation system. Neobreathe also has an integrated suction unit.
Neobreathe’s single-handed operation feature permits one hand of the user free for chest compression or CPR. This feature is most useful in places where there is a shortage of skilled labour. The device also gives the user the liberty to use both hands to seal the mask effectively. A study conducted by the inventor Dr. Avijit Bansal shows that face mask leakage can be reduced to a good extent when the mask is sealed well.
Neobreathe is a user-friendly device requiring minimal training compared with the traditional bag and mask. It is fitted with a manometer that displays the pressure delivered so that the clinician can monitor it while he or she observes the chest rise. Neobreathe is also provided with a pressure safety valve.
Actually Neobreathe has several other features. For instance, the oxygen level in the air delivered by the device can be regulated over a broad range. Another feature is a PEEP valve. This valve permits the peak end expiratory pressure (PEEP) to be maintained at a set value so that the lungs of babies with difficulties do not collapse.
Neobreathe fits conveniently into labour rooms, NICUs, paediatric centres and public health care centres. Its cost-effectiveness and innovative features make it very suitable and affordable for all users.