We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
GLOBETECH PUBLISHING LLC

Download Mobile App




Wireless Camera System Monitors Premature Babies

By HospiMedica International staff writers
Posted on 27 Apr 2017
Premature babies kept warm in neonatal incubators could soon be medically monitored using cameras rather than with sensors attached to their skin.

The system, under development at Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Centre Suisse d'Electronique et de Microtechnique and at University Hospital Zürich, is based on optical surveillance using video cameras sensitive enough to detect the minute changes in skin color that occur with every heartbeat, and on algorithms that process the colorimetric data in real time.

While the CSEM focused on respiration measurement by detecting movements of the thorax and shoulders, the EPFL worked on detecting heart rate. More...
At night, infrared cameras take over surveillance, which according to the researchers means that continuous visual monitoring could soon replace the adhesive transcutaneous skin sensors used today to measure the vital signs of premature babies. Clinical tests will soon commence at USZ.

“Skin sensors placed on the babies’ chests are so sensitive that they generate false alarms up to 90% of the time, mainly caused by the babies moving around,” said Jean-Claude Fauchère, MD, of the USZ neonatal clinic. “This is a source of discomfort for the babies, because we have to check on them every time. It’s also a significant stress factor for nurses and a poor use of their time – it distracts them from managing real emergencies and can affect quality of care.”

“The camera system was developed to improve the way babies’ heart rates and breathing are monitored. We ran an initial study on a group of adults, where we looked at a defined patch of skin on their foreheads,” said Sibylle Fallet, a PhD student at EPFL. “With our algorithms we can track this area when the person moves, isolate the skin pixels and use minor changes in their color to determine the pulse. The tests showed that the cameras produced practically the same results as conventional sensors.”

Premature babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (nICU) are fragile and at risk of sudden changes in oxygenation (pO2) and carbon dioxide (pCO2) levels, which can cause severe complications. Too much oxygen (hyperoxia) or too little (hypoxia) can cause the neonates to develop respiratory distress syndrome and other complications, such as retinopathy of prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, or periventricular leukomalacia.


Gold Member
12-Channel ECG
CM1200B
Gold Member
STI Test
Vivalytic Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Array
New
Hospital Data Analytics App
Alarm History Analytics
New
Steam Sterilizer
AMSCO 400 Series
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to HospiMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Hospital Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of HospiMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of HospiMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of HospiMedica International in digital format
  • Free HospiMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Critical Care

view channel
Image: The skin-like sensor monitors internal and external body movement, and electrical signals (Photo courtesy of Huanyu “Larry” Cheng and Jennifer M. McCann)

Skin-Like Sensor Monitors Vital Signs and Tracks Healing After Surgery

Medical conditions such as bladder control issues and the need for monitoring vital signs after surgery require precise, long-term tracking to improve patient outcomes. These conditions can be challenging... Read more

Surgical Techniques

view channel
Image: For the first time, a fluorescent-guided nerve imaging agent has shown promise for use in humans (Photo courtesy of VUMC)

Fluorescent Imaging Agent ‘Lights Up’ Nerves for Better Visualization During Surgery

Surgical nerve injury is a significant concern in head and neck surgeries, where nerves are at risk of being inadvertently damaged during procedures. Such injuries can lead to complications that may impact... Read more

Business

view channel
Image: A research collaboration aims to further advance findings in human genomics research in cardiovascular diseases (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Bayer and Broad Institute Extend Research Collaboration to Develop New Cardiovascular Therapies

A research collaboration will focus on the joint discovery of novel therapeutic approaches based on findings in human genomics research related to cardiovascular diseases. Bayer (Berlin, Germany) and... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.