Low-Cost SpO2 Integrated Neonatal CPAP Device for Low Resource Setting.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Neonatal Care
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Preterm birth complications are a leading cause of neonatal mortality, particularly in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is an effective treatment for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in neonates, but requires careful monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate a straightforward, inexpensive, and portable SpO2-integrated neonatal CPAP device.
• To assess the feasibility of monitoring oxygen levels and pressure during CPAP in low-resource countries.
• To ensure neonates receive optimal benefits from CPAP therapy through accurate blood oxygen monitoring.

Main Methods:

• A prototype device was designed incorporating a centrifugal fan, power source, control system, and sensors.
• The system utilizes a microcontroller for sensor data management and a PI controller for pressure regulation.
• The device was tested for accuracy, affordability, and usability in simulated CPAP delivery.

Main Results:

• The centrifugal fan speed measurement achieved 94.5% accuracy.
• The oxygen concentration sensor reading demonstrated 98.5% accuracy.
• The prototype was found to be accurate, affordable, and usable for neonatal CPAP.

Conclusions:

• The developed device is a viable solution for providing integrated SpO2 monitoring with neonatal CPAP in delivery rooms in low-resource settings.
• The device enables effective monitoring of blood oxygen and pressure levels during CPAP treatment.
• This innovation can improve the safety and efficacy of CPAP therapy for preterm infants in resource-limited environments.