Design of an Integrated Sensor Platform for Vital Sign Monitoring of Newborn Infants at Neonatal Intensive Care Units

Wei Chen,Idowu Ayoola,Loe Feijs,Sidarto Bambang Oetomo,Sibrecht Bouwstra,Sietse Dols

doi:10.1260/2040-2295.1.4.535

Abstract

Continuous health status monitoring and advances in medical treatments have resulted in a significant increase of survival rate in critically ill infants admitted into Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). The quality of life and long-term health prospects of the neonates depend increasingly on the reliability and comfort of the monitoring systems. In this paper, we present the design work of a smart jacket for vital sign monitoring of neonates at a NICU. The design represents a unique integration of sensor technology, user focus and design aspects. Textile sensors, a reflectance pulse oximeter and a wearable temperature sensor were proposed to be embedded into the smart jacket. Location of the sensor, materials and appearance were designed to optimize the functionality, patient comfort and the possibilities for aesthetic features. Prototypes were built for demonstrating the design concept and experimental results were obtained from tests on premature babies at the NICU of Maxima Medical Centre (MMC) in Veldhoven, the Netherlands.

Highlights

Ill neonates are premature and full term infants that become severely ill during or immediately after birth
Continuous monitoring of health parameters is crucial for premature infants admitted at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in hospitals, so that adequate and timely medical treatment can be instituted when acute health risks are detected
We present the design work of a vital sign monitoring platform – Smart Jacket - integrated with non-invasive sensors for neonatal monitoring

Summary

Introduction

Ill neonates are premature and full term infants that become severely ill during or immediately after birth. Premature infants are babies that are born after a pregnancy lasting 37 weeks or shorter. These neonates are extremely tiny and vulnerable to external disturbance. Continuous monitoring of health parameters is crucial for premature infants admitted at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in hospitals, so that adequate and timely medical treatment can be instituted when acute health risks are detected. Advances in medical treatments resulted in a significant increase of survival [1, 2]

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion