Baby Warmer to Improve Neonatal Resuscitation Training

Abstract

Objectives
To enhance realism in neonatal simulations, a modification to a commercial infant warmer was desired. The ideal modification must allow use of existing controls and alarm functions, as well as work with any manikin to display temperature, and to provide feedback to learners about patient condition.

Methods
A Panda BNT-1000 radiant baby warmer was used for this warmer unit modification. The radiant warmer’s heat lamps were disconnected from the control board. Then the 120 VAC heat lamp output was connected to a low voltage (12VDC 2A) transformer to power LED lights. Two parallel strips of LEDs, with a color-temperature of 2000K, were run along the parabolic reflector.

Ordinarily, the front temperature sensor is controlled by a thermistor. We internally disconnected the thermistor, and replaced it with a fixed resistor in series with a correctly proportioned potentiometer. This modification allows the front-panel temperature readout to be altered without any actual change in temperature.

Results
The resistance of the thermistor at physiologic temperature was 12.6K-Ohm. A 10K-Ohm resistor and a 10K-Ohm potentiometer applied in series across this terminal provides controllable temperature readouts on the front panel, producing a fully functional-appearing radiant warmer with standard operation and alarms. The improved warmer design allows simulation of hypo- and hyper-thermic conditions that previously could not be accomplished.

Conclusion
Color-temperature matched LED light strips are a visually similar alternative to thermal heating elements in an infant warmer. User control (via potentiometer) of the front-panel temperature display allows training of temperature physiology while preserving system alarms. Additionally, simulation equipment will no longer experience damaging heat or UV exposure.

Keywords: Neonatal Resuscitation, Simulated Device, Innovation, Infant Radiant Warmer