Resuscitation monitors for the neonatal intensive care uni (NICU)

Summary

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Development (design and fabrication) of a portable and wireless lung function monitor for the resuscitation of neonates. The project will involve embedded electronics, Labview programming, bench testing using manikins, simulations, and validation in animal and human experiments.

Supervisor

Professor Alistair McEwan.

Research location

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Program type

Masters/PHD

Synopsis

Lack of oxygen accounts for nearly half of cerebral palsy cases in the developing world. This is mainly due to the simple problem of ensuring the right amount of air is delivered to the newborns lungs - a problem complicated by lack of skills and equipment. If this volume is too high there is a risk of lung or brain bleeding, however if it is too low the risk of long term brain damage due to lack of oxygen increases. The only available technique is currently visual monitoring of the chest rise, however this is very difficult to observe in small newborns due to the tiny volume changes.In this project we aim to develop a low cost electronic device that simplifies resuscitation by providing feedback to the caregiver on the exact volume of air delivered to the lungs and any volume leaking from poorly fitted masks or other resuscitation equipment. In this project we will develop a low cost electronic display and algorithm embedded on a low cost computing device. This device and associated battery will sit on top of a flow sensor. The algorithm will be developed and tested by using data collected from a gold standard lung function monitor and manikin. The device will also record events and optionally wirelessly report data to a smartphone for surveying and improved education of resuscitation in resource poor settings.
Development (design and fabrication) of a portable and wireless lung function monitor for the resuscitation of neonates. The project will involve embedded electronics, Labview programming, bench testing using mannikins, simulations, and validation in animal and human experiments.

Additional information

The research location includes Westmead Hospital.

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Opportunity ID

The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is 2433