Neonatal Resuscitator 💓

Winter 2023 MAE 156B Senior Design Project
University of California, San Diego

Sponsor: Dr. Henry Lee, M.D., Jacobs Medical Center

An Overview

Nearly 0.1-0.3% of newborns may need some form of respiratory aid. In the most severe cases, this takes the form of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. Due to the fact that medical personnel must apply CPR quickly using little else than their fingers, fatigue can deteriorate the quality of these compressions.

To address this, Dr. Henry Lee of the Jacobs Medical Center chose to sponsor the development of a device that will apply the functions in lieu of a human. This will ensure that the compressions are of a consistent and reliable nature, easily synchronized with the applied breaths from partial pressure ventilation (PPV).

Design Requirements

Compression Requirements

90 compressions / min.
Compression depth of 1⁄3 the Anterior-Posterior diameter
Pausing 0.5s after every 3rd compression for Positive Pressure Ventilation.
Be able to run autonomously for 20 min continuously.

Safety Requirements

The stroke size and compression applicator’s height relative to bed must be adjustable.
Some sort of emergency safety switch.

Size Requirements

Must not obstruct NICU personnel.
Allow Nurse's visibility of the neonate’s chest rise & fall during compressions.
Must be able to be easily removed should compressions not be required