Incubation system for liquid-based incubation of preterm infants

Abstract

The invention relates to an incubation system for liquid-based incubation of a preterm infant, comprising:-an inner chamber forming an amniotic basin containing amniotic fluid, the basin being configured for holding the infant and being made of a flexible material configured for enlarging the volume of the inner chamber according to the growth of the infant; -an outer chamber surrounding the inner chamber and comprising a temperature regulating fluid; -a fetal connection port arranged for connection with an umbilical cord of the infant, the umbilical cord providing a port in the interior chamber to the infant for providing dialysis and nutritional compounds to the infant via the umbilical cord; -a fetal control unit connected to the fetal connection port for controlling the dialysis and controlling the nutrition provided by monitoring and controlling one or more of pressure, flow and temperature of the fetal connection port; -an amniotic fluid circulation unit arranged for connection with the inlet / outlet of the inner chamber and comprising a pump for circulating the amniotic fluid from the inner chamber and through a purification system located outside the inner chamber; and-a temperature regulation fluid control unit arranged for connection with the inlet / outlet of the outer chamber and comprising a pump for circulating the temperature regulation fluid from the outer chamber and through a heat exchanger system located outside the inner chamber.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to an incubation system for liquid-based incubation of premature infants. Background technique [0002] After birth, newborns undergo a transition from life in the womb to life outside the womb. This often results in physiological changes in the circulatory and respiratory systems. In extremely premature babies, those born before the 28th week of gestation, their physiology is not ready to undergo these changes. This transition is then often complicated by various contingencies including pinching of the umbilical cord, loss of heat from immature skin, need for respiratory support, and delayed changes in blood circulation. Thus, despite promising results provided by advances in the use of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), far too many extremely premature babies who survive will suffer permanent health complications. [0003] Before birth, "fetal life support" is provided primarily through the placenta, the shared or...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Although the current intensive neonatal care is provided in a high-tech setting to mitigate the consequences of this transition as best as possible, the current incubator remains a relatively hostile environment.

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