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Ambient Noise Production by High-Frequency Neonatal Ventilators
Justin Goldstein1, Alyse Laliberte1, Martin Keszler1
1Department of Pediatrics, Brown University, Women & Infants Hospital, Providence, RI.
The Journal of Pediatrics
|October 1, 2018
Summary
Modern high-frequency ventilators were evaluated for sound levels. The Dräger VN500 produced significantly less noise than older models, suggesting a potential safety benefit by reducing adverse outcomes from ventilator noise.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal critical care
- Biomedical engineering
- Respiratory therapy
Background:
- High-frequency ventilation is crucial for critically ill neonates.
- Ventilator-generated noise is a potential source of iatrogenic harm in neonatal intensive care units.
- Assessing noise levels of different high-frequency ventilators is essential for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the sound output of four high-frequency neonatal ventilators.
- To determine if modern ventilators offer a safety advantage over older models regarding noise production.
- To evaluate the impact of ventilation settings on noise levels.
Main Methods:
- A bench study was conducted comparing four ventilators: Sensormedics 3100A, Bunnell Life Pulse Jet Ventilators (Models 203 and 204), and Dräger VN500.
- Noise measurements were taken across a wide range of high-frequency ventilation settings using a high-fidelity sound meter.
- Data were analyzed using ANOVA and regression analyses, with measurements performed in triplicate.
Main Results:
- The Dräger VN500 exhibited the lowest average sound level (49.8 ± 0.49 dB) across all settings.
- The Sensormedics (53.6 ± 2.01 dB), Bunnell Model 203 (54.1 ± 1.09 dB), and Model 204 (53.7 ± 1.45 dB) ventilators produced higher average noise levels.
- Increasing amplitude/peak inspiratory pressure significantly increased noise in all ventilators, while frequency/rate and mean airway pressure had minimal impact.
Conclusions:
- The Dräger VN500 in high-frequency mode is significantly quieter than the Sensormedics and Bunnell ventilators.
- Utilizing the Dräger VN500 may mitigate risks associated with excessive noise exposure in neonates.
- This study highlights the importance of considering acoustic properties when selecting neonatal ventilators.
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