BOBBY: gentle support with every breath
The LUMC has developed a device for babies in the NICU who experience apnoea. Apnoea is a brief interruption in breathing, which can have dangerous consequences such as brain damage. Premature babies are particularly vulnerable to apnoea because their lungs and brains are not yet fully developed.
BOBBY
Nurses are able to treat apnoea with, among other things, an air pressure mask and medication, but it is not always possible to intervene immediately when apnoea occurs due to high work pressure. In order to support nurses with the work load, BOBBY was created. The BOBBY is a special strap with loudspeakers that is attached to a baby's chest. As soon as the apnoea alarm goes off for a baby, the loudspeakers cause vibrations in the baby's air chambers to stimulate breathing.
Prototype
The band has been extensively tested at the LUMC, with positive results. The prototype proved to be safe, and the band is comfortable for the babies. The research is therefore promising and will contribute to reducing brain damage in premature babies and alleviating the workload for nurses. A spin-off company is taking on the further development of the device and will make it available for use in other hospitals with a CE mark.
