Novel Design and Evaluation of an Automatic and Portable Phototherapy Device Using for Newborn Jaundice Treatment

Abstract

Jaundice in infants is one of the most common diseases at birth. In preterm infants, the risk is more than 80%, and in term infants, the rate is reduced to about 60%. One of the most effective and low-risk ways to treat neonatal jaundice is the use of light therapy or phototherapy. Fluorescent lamps, tungsten halogen lamps, LEDs, optical fibers and etc are used in these devices. Bilirubin reacts to green light and blue light. The green light's wavelength is in the range of 570-495 nm. The blue light has a wavelength of 495-450 nm and an absorption range of 450 nm. Studies have found that the best light for phototherapy devices is a light that has the wavelength of 400 to 520 nm, and because the blue light absorption rate is about 450 nm, so it is used in phototherapy. In addition to its proper absorption rate, it also has antimicrobial activity against bacteria. It is difficult to determine the exact duration of the phototherapy, because each infant has his/her specific conditions and the exact duration cannot be determined generally. Phototherapy should be continued until the bilirubin level in the baby's blood is sufficiently reduced, monitored by the supervision, and does not pose a threat to the baby. Phototherapy devices have different types, each with advantages over their predecessors. In existing models, because of their unique features like high sensitivity to bilirubin reduction, higher power, and efficiency, lighter, lower heat generation, lower cost and longer life devices, LED light sources are widely used in phototherapy devices. According to all the studies, we are looking for a device with proper coverage, portability, and moving the baby with the device without separating the baby from the baby as well as providing a quiet space for the mother and baby away from the hospital environment.