Prémac

Hammock for NICU incubators

Hammock optimized for use in NICU incubators to improve newborn physiological conditions and safety

Source: NeoWell

UNMET NEED

Each year in the world, about 900,000 premature babies die because prematurity complications, which may be due to the stressful environments and interventions that newborns are exposed to in the first weeks of life.

The positioning of newborns in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) incubators can contribute to their physiological stability and sleep quality. A few studies have demonstrated that the use of hammocks in NICU incubators simulates an intrauterine-like environment contributing to a better physiological stability, reduced stress and pain, and improved sleep.

However, the current models of hammocks are not optimal for newborn position, safety and comfort. New models of hammocks are thus necessary for wider adoption in NICU.

TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW

The invention by the research team at Universite de Montreal is a new hammock optimized for use in NICU incubators that aims to replicate vestibular stimulation in preterm infants, similar to those experienced in the womb.

Specifically designed by nursing researchers in collaboration with NICU staff, the hammock presents multiple advantages, including increased safety, maximized comfort for the baby, and ease for use for nursing personnel.

An ongoing clinical study at Saint-Justine hospital aims to demonstrate the benefits of using this hammock for the physiological stability and sleep of premature newborns.

The new hammock is designed to improve premature newborns condition and rate of survival.

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES