Safer Neonate Resuscitation Device

A new device for resuscitating premature infants provides consistent pressure without the risks associated with under- or over-inflation at uncontrolled pressure.

Because of its small size, the device can be easily used in the delivery room immediately after birth. Previously, premature babies were resuscitated using hand-held bags, which can be hazardous for tiny babies. Called Neopuff, the new device is hooked up to an oxygen source and the desired pressure is set using simple fingertip controls. A mask or tube is connected to the patient and the operator uses only a thumb to deliver breath-by-
breath resuscitation. A maximum pressure relief valve provides increased safety by allowing the operator to preset the maximum possible peak inspiratory pressure. Neopuff is the size of a lunchbox and weighs under five pounds. Neopuff is the product of Fisher & Paykel Healthcare (Aukland, NZ).

The portability of Neopuff also allows the neonatologist to immediately administer surfactant, which reduces surface tension and evens pressure throughout the lung, reducing the risk of the lungs collapsing. Previously, the surfactant could not be administered until the infant was placed on a ventilator in the intensive care unit.

"The lungs are a very sensitive organ,” said Raghbir Benawra, M.D., medical director of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Lutheran General Children's Hospital (Park Ridge, IL, USA), one of the first hospitals where the Neopuff has been used. "Inconsistent pressure can cause significant lung injury and lead to chronic lung disease.”




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