Contextualizing applied interaction pressure data during simulated neonatal ventilation

Abstract

Positive pressure ventilation (PPV) provides life-saving support to newborns via face mask and air flow source. PPV requires a careful balance of applied force on the face mask to provide enough pressure to form a tight seal for air flow without delivering too much pressure that could injure the infant. Previously, there was no tool or quantitative technology to assist in training clinical staff on applying the proper amount of pressure to achieve effective ventilation. In this work, we describe the initial design of a sensor system to monitor pressures at key locations on a newborn’s head and the proximal air flow rate between the ventilator and the face mask. Using a manikin and our system, we determined the minimum pressures to form a complete seal of the mask, which will support contextualizing real-time feedback to the user.