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A new mobile respiratory aid allows a child with bronchopulmonary dysplasia to leave the hospital. This portable device offers improved quality of life and developmental opportunities for children requiring breathing support.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Pediatric Pulmonology
Context:
- Development of a mobile respiratory aid for a premature infant (born at 27 weeks) diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
- Collaboration with the Institute for Electromechanical Construction, Darmstadt Technical University.
Purpose:
- To create a portable, reliable, and user-friendly respiratory support system for pediatric patients.
- To enhance the mobility and developmental opportunities for children dependent on respiratory aids.
Summary:
- A lightweight (under 10 kg), briefcase-sized, battery-operated mobile Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device was developed.
- The device provides 7-8 hours of operation per charge, utilizes readily available replacement parts, and has undergone over 2000 hours of use.
- It enables a 7-year-old child with bronchopulmonary dysplasia to leave the hospital ward.
Impact:
- Facilitates improved quality of life and developmental progress for pediatric patients with chronic respiratory conditions.
- Demonstrates the feasibility of mobile respiratory support systems for home use.
- Encourages further research and development through cooperation with pediatric centers.
Abstract:
A mobile respiratory aid has been developed for a 7-year-old child in cooperation with the Institute for Electromechanical Construction of Darmstadt Technical University. Born prematurely in week 27 with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, she has thus been enabled to leave the ward without any major technical difficulties, opening up numerous opportunities for development to the child notwithstanding her continuing dependence on the breathing aid. The robust, handy device weights less than 10 kg, and is housed in an aluminum case the size of a briefcase. It is battery-driven, a charging lasting for some 7 to 8 hours of operation. All parts subject to wear, such as filter, tubings, and bellows, are commercially available through the medical equipment market. Reported is a period of use of more than 2000 hours, and it is hoped that other pediatric centres looking after children with similar problems will cooperate in further developing this mobile CPAP respiratory aid.