Title:
SYSTEM FOR NEONATAL NURSING DEVELOPMENT
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO2000009006
Kind Code:
B1
Abstract:
In a system for diagnosing or monitoring sucking/swallowing/breathing competence of an impaired neonate or post-operative infant, a processor (7, 40) receives a signal from a breath sensor (4, 5, 45), and develops an output for intraoral tactile or flow control feedback. In a feeding or monitoring embodiment, the processor applies the signal to control a liquid feeding valve (37) which supplies nutrients through a feeding nipple (32). In an embodiment specifically adapted for manual feeding, monitoring or intervention, the processor displays a waveform indicative of the breath or air flow sensor output, and a manually operated pressure bulb (1) is provided to allow a nurse or care giver to apply a rhythmic muscular pressure stimulus via a feeding or surrogate nipple (20a) in a manner visually synchronized with the displayed breath activity. Preferred frequencies and phased coordination with the breath cycle may facilitate the development of competence and the coordination or linkage of the three sensorimotor areas. The system may also provide medical records of sensed events, and trigger an alarm when it detects a dangerous condition.
Inventors:
GOLDFIELD EUGENE C
Application Number:
PCT/US1999/017683
Publication Date:
March 30, 2000
Filing Date:
August 04, 1999
Export Citation:
Assignee:
CHILDRENS MEDICAL CENTER (US)
International Classes:
A61B5/00; A61B5/087; A61J9/00; A61J17/00; (IPC1-7): A61B5/00; A61B5/087; A61J17/00
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