Innovative design for monitoring of neonates using reflectance pulse oximeter

Critically ill prematurely born babies admitted at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) have to be monitored constantly. The saturation of the peripheral oxygen (SPO2) is one of the crucial monitoring parameters on these babies. It is necessary that these fragile neonates feel most comfortable as possible during the monitoring. The current solutions for these SPO2 oximeters can be uncomfortable for use and hampers parent-child interaction. In this paper we propose an innovative solution for reflectance pulse oximeter based on Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) techniques that will lead into more comfortable use in a long term monitoring. Prototypes with the reflectance sensors embedded in soft foam and fabric materials are built to enhance a comfortable non-invasive yet reliable monitoring. These monitoring units give the opportunity of integration into a snuggle and mattress where the baby lays on most of the time. In this paper we report the integration of the prototype monitoring units into a snuggle. To evaluate the comfort as well as performance of the final prototype, we first conduct tests on adults. The prototype monitoring units are tested on various body locations of adult participants. Signal quality on different body locations is reported and questionnaires for comfort assessment are analyzed. Experiments on the premature babies will be carried out at NICU of Ma´xima Medical Centre (MMC) in Veldhoven, the Netherlands