DESIGN AND CLINIC MONITORING OF A NEWLY DEVELOPED NON-ATTACHED INFANT APNEA MONITOR
Abstract
Tragically more babies fall victim to sudden infant death syndrome than the combined numbers of respiratory ailment, heart disease and cancer deaths. The cases take place for those babies who were under one year of age and especially often for those babies who were in the age around two to four month old. Despite extensive research, the exact cause of sudden infant death syndrome is still not known. Shockingly, it can even happen to apparently healthy babies left alone for just a little while. The conventional infant apnea monitor adopts disposable electrodes as sensors for apnea detection and thus inducing the problems of skin irritated or other hazards. To tackle these shortcomings, we develop a non-attached type apnea monitor. The device monitors the temperature of the breathing airflow by means of thermo sensors. These airflow frequencies linking with respiratory rates are indicated on the monitor. There is absolutely no contact with the babies' skin, avoiding the possibilities of any skin irritations. The system detects temperature changes induced by breathing and analyzes the breathing frequency changes displayed with both LED array and computer monitor. The data are collected and analyzed simultaneously by a personal computer, which can link to the central nursery room. The device provides a convenient way for pediatricians or nurses to detect abnormal respiratory frequency in real time so they can handle any emergency and gives the necessary treatment immediately. Ten clinic cases have been analyzed and presented. Function validation of the device, on the other hand, is performed as well.