A chamber for creating continuous negative pressure (CNP) around the thorax was used to treat ten infants with idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS). Modified iris diaphragms around the neck and pelvis of the infant minimized skin damage and permitted efficient pressurization and ventilation. Seven of the ten infants responded favorably to CNP and survived. Negative pressure treatment of infants with IRDS avoids the problems of closed head hoods, positive pressure, cannulation of nose or trachea, and delays in starting treatment. The CNP chamber is simple and can be set up rapidly, permitting early treatment of infants found to be in respiratory distress.
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