Patent Application
20130204074
The disclosed device relates generally to a medical transport unit useful in emergency neonatal transport, and more specifically to a portable, compact neonate transport incubator useful in environments where transportation by vehicle, aircraft or gurney may not be readily available.
An incubator is an apparatus used to maintain environmental conditions suitable for a newborn baby (neonate). Incubators typically consist of a source of controlled heat, humidity and oxygen. A servomechanism can provide continuous monitoring of the neonate's temperature and can control the heat within the unit.
Transport incubators, which are well known in the medical industry, are designed to provide a stable, thermal environmental for a neonate during transfer from place to place. Such transfer can involve transport to a hospital having the requisite critical care facilities sought for the neonate or transport within the hospital itself. Patient transport devices, such as stretchers, gurneys and other carts have long been used to transport incubators from place to place. In addition, many patient transport devices have been adapted for use with a variety of transportation vehicles, including ambulances, helicopters, and airplanes, to name a few. Transportation time can range from a few minutes, as in the case of transport within a hospital, to several hours, as in the case where transport must take place across large distances.
The transport of neonates presents particular problems when conveyance by vehicle, aircraft, gurney or stretcher may not be readily available. As can be imagined, there are a number of situations where conventional means of transport are not possible. For example, in the event of a natural disaster such as an earthquake, an ambulance may not be able to reach a target destination. Another foreseeable complication can result when neonatal transport is required in less industrialized countries or in rural settings. During transport between locations, disturbances such as potholes, bumps, turbulence or other inconsistencies can cause abrupt positional changes that can be transmitted to a neonate, thereby causing additional complications. Since the biological systems of a neonate may not be fully developed, even the smallest amount of vibrations transmitted to the neonate during transfer can have traumatic impacts.
The disclosed system provides an apparatus which combines the elements of a transport incubator with that of portability and adaptability. Where transport from a remote location may be required before a rendezvous with conventional transportation means can be made, the disclosed system provides for a neonatal transport incubator within which a neonate can be transferred safely. After the incubator is transferred to a transportation vehicle, the system addresses vibrations which may be encountered by the neonate. While the incubator is being transported from place to place, whether it be from remote location to a medical care facility or from a remote location to a transport vehicle which then transfers the neonate to the medical care facility, the disclosed device serves as a secure and effective ambulance for a neonate, one that is equipped with the basic elements of a conventional incubator.
The disclosed system provides a compact, rugged and portable neonate transport incubator which may be carried conveniently on a user's back in a backpack format.
The disclosed system provides an incubator construction having transparent closures which enable the viewing of a neonate at all times and can be conveniently operated to open when the neonate needs attention.
The disclosed system provides a compact and portable neonate transport incubator capable of maintaining the interior of the incubator at optimum temperature and humidity conditions for the benefit of the neonate.
The disclosed system provides a portable neonate transport incubator capable of isolating a neonate in a secure microenvironment and which minimizes thermal and radiative heat losses and reduces noise trauma.
The disclosed system provides a portable neonate transport incubator which restrains the movement of a neonate within the incubator without causing pressure injuries to the neonate or hindering its breathing and other vital functions.
The disclosed system provides a portable neonate transport incubator having a reclinable support which reduces risk of injury or trauma on the biological systems of a neonate.
The disclosed system provides a portable neonate transport incubator having a pad system which lends itself to ease of sterilization and/or disposal.
The disclosed system provides a modular neonate transport incubator which is readily transportable from place to place.
The disclosed system provides a modular neonate transport incubator having stowage capabilities.
The disclosed system provides a portable transport incubator having oxygen sources for feeding controlled amounts of oxygen into the incubator chamber.
The disclosed system provides a portable and rugged transport incubator that may be disposed in a transport vehicle with a reduction of vibration to the neonate.
The disclosed system provides a portable and rugged transport incubator which may itself serve as a crib.
The disclosed system provides a portable and rugged transport incubator which may itself serve as an ambulance.
The disclosed system provides a compact, rugged and portable transport incubator which is relatively lightweight.
The disclosed system provides a portable transport incubator which is a relatively low cost alternative to conventional transport incubators.
The disclosed system provides a portable transport incubator which is independent of sources of electrical energy and which relies on battery power so it can be used in rural areas or when failure of electric power has taken place as a result of unusual conditions.
The disclosed system provides a portable transport incubator which is easy to use in congested situations or under unusual conditions.
The disclosed system provides a modular neonate transport incubator capable of collecting and communicating system data from a remote location.
These and other features and advantages of the disclosed apparatus reside in the construction of parts and the combination thereof, the mode of operation and use, as will become more apparent from the following description, reference being made to the accompanying drawings that form a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views. The embodiments and features thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which are meant to exemplify and to illustrate, not being limiting in scope.
Before explaining the disclosed embodiments in detail, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited in application to the details of the particular arrangements shown, since other embodiments are possible. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.
The disclosed system provides, for a self-contained incubator unit having a controlled microenvironment suitable for the isolation and care of neonates and premature neonates. The disclosed system comprises an incubator that is removably mounted to a transport assembly. When desired, the incubator can be readily disengaged from the transport assembly and removably mounted to a portable support assembly situated in a transportation vehicle. The portable support assembly comprises a suspension system to limit vibrations encountered by the neonate during transport to a medical care facility.
As shown in
It is well known that visibility of a neonate is an important concern. Many incubator chambers are rigid box-like enclosures constructed of a clear plastic such as Plexiglas®, which can offer clear views of the neonate from multiple sides of the enclosure, but which can unfortunately fall short of serving as a good thermal insulator. In addition, the configuration of a box-like enclosure results in the trapping of air flow, causing air pockets and hindering ventilation. Because such prior art designs, made up of primarily parallel and flat planes, are prone to reverberation and resonance, it was also not uncommon for neonates to suffer noise trauma.
Housing 110 of the present device is constructed of a clear plastic material such as PETG, and offers about an 180° view of neonate 170. The domed shape of housing 110, which is comprised of complex curves combined with parallel planes, provides a system that can more optimally move air therethrough. The air layer between the two walls of incubator chamber 260 helps to reduce thermal loss from housing 110. A double-walled construction enables housing 110 to maintain a higher inner wall temperature, which reduces the radiative heat loss of the neonate. Conventional transport incubators typically operate in temperatures ranging from about −20° C. to about 40° C. The disclosed device has been shown to maintain a temperature of about 25° C. within chamber 260. In addition, the double-walled housing of the present device also helps reduce noise trauma to neonate 170, particularly during helicopter transport and the like. The air space between the wall layers provides for an acoustic air pressure buffer therebetween. It is contemplated that gases other than air could be employed in other embodiments.
Housing 110 comprises portholes 140 which can be hingedly opened for easy access to neonate 170 with a minimum of heat and oxygen loss. Portholes 140 can be securely closed by means of retaining straps 150. In some cases, an elastic shock cord could be selected. Those having skill in the art will readily appreciate that the retaining straps just described can be of any of various configurations. Handles 160 allow a user to align housing 110 with base assembly 120 to effect a close fit thereto. Conversely, handles 160 allow a user to disengage housing 110 without too much difficulty to provide unimpeded access to neonate 170 as needed.
Base assembly 120 provides the foundation of the microenvironment which isolates neonate 170. As shown, base assembly 120 comprises vertical support 180 and base 190. Backboard 200 provides a stable plane of support for neonate 170 and is hingedly connected to vertical support 180. It is well known that the biological systems of neonates can be immature and highly susceptible to trauma caused by pressure. Thus, in one embodiment, backboard 200 is positioned at a 30° recline angle in an effort to alleviate pressure or trauma that can be suffered by neonate 170. While it has been determined that an approximate 30° recline angle can be suitable to help keep a neonate's airway open and to alleviate concerns with pressure placed on the neonate's lungs, groin, and heart, it is contemplated that other angles may suffice depending on the various parameters involved in any particular neonatal transport situation. Those having skill in the art would appreciate that other recline angles may be suitable to optimize the positioning of a neonate to prevent the transfer of forces, such as gravity, to the vulnerable biological systems of the neonate. In such cases, the dimensions of the system 1000 may have to be reconfigured.
Neonate 170 can be secured to backboard 200 by means of a plurality of restraints 210 and associated padding 220. Restraints 210 permit safe transport of neonate 170 who may already be at risk due to a medical condition and may prevent further risk of injury to neonate 170 within incubator 100. It is contemplated that restraints 210 can comprise nylon webbing; however, any suitable material of construction may be employed. It is contemplated that a neonate may be restrained at the head and across the chest and pelvis. This arrangement helps to ensure the head is supported, the airway and other vital areas are kept open, and a medical professional may still have adequate access to treat the neonate.
Restraints 210 are shown to be insertable through slots 225 whereby neonate 170 may be restrained to backboard 200. One having skill in the art would recognize that various configurations for preventing the movement of a neonate are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Pad 230 provides for the comfort and protection of neonate 170. It is contemplated that pad 230 can be covered with a material that can be readily sanitized. Alternately, pad 230 could be disposable. It may also be removable and transportable with the neonate as needed.
Referring now to
As stated above, neonate 170 can be situated on backboard 200 which may be hingedly fixed at a suitable recline angle. This configuration presupposes neonate 170 is born after about 32 weeks to about 40 weeks of gestation. In cases involving premature neonates, namely those born prior to about 32 weeks of gestation, it has been advised that the infant should ideally be situated in a horizontal position. Horizontally positioned pad 240 provides for the comfort and protection of such neonates (see
Similar to the restraint system described above, a plurality of restraints (not shown) and associated padding (not shown) may be used to permit safe transport of a premature neonate within incubator 100. Because a premature neonate is typically smaller in size than a fully developed neonate, it is contemplated that the restraint system could diverge from that required to secure and restrain neonate 170. It can be expected that incubator 100 will be capable of accommodating infants of various sizes.
Shelf 360 depicted in
Base assembly 120 can be secured to transport assembly 300 by means of pins 350 mateable with receiving holes 255 located on plate 250 of vertical support 180. See also
Attachment straps 330 and tautly-stretched netting 340 prevent contact between frame 320 and a user's back. In addition to comfort, netting 340 provides for air circulation between frame 320 and the user's back. Attachment straps 330 support strap system 310 illustrated in
As has been generally discussed herein, an incubator is capable of providing a microenvironment for a neonate in which heat, humidity and oxygen can be controlled.
The lower right corner of back wall 180b is cut away to show various internal components: an electric motor (fan blower 440), an electric heating device 460, circuit board 500 and control 600 which is in electrical communication therewith (see
A pair of portable oxygen canisters 430 may be mounted in corresponding holsters 435 situated on transport assembly 300. In one embodiment, the system is regulated to provide an air/oxygen mixture at a ratio of about 1:3. As shown, each canister 430 may introduce oxygen from inlet 420b in direction Fo into duct 420a from three locations. It has been determined that a 1 kg canister of oxygen can provide up to about 1.5 hours to about 3 hours of fresh air to chamber 260. Toggle (on/off switch) 510 activates circuit board 500 which controls the system's components. Toggle 510 is positioned on vertical support 180 at a location that can be easily accessed by user 50.
Control 600 depicted in
The transportation of neonates presents particular problems since it is necessary to maintain the neonate in a controlled environment in an incubator and to monitor and control various conditions during all phases of the trip. Thus, it is desirable to provide a power source that is not dependent upon connection to a vehicle or other external power source. Battery 410 comprises a lead-acid battery chosen for its reliability and its ability to provide a high rate of discharge if a large amount of heat is required in cold environments. It is well known that lead-acid batteries are heavy and reducing weight is an important concern for both user 50 and the transport personnel who at times must lift system 1000. Therefore, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other types of battery power could be incorporated.
Although it is not shown, it is contemplated that incubator 200 could include a light source that is useful to medical personnel who examine neonate 170. To minimize adverse and undesirable effects of such a light source on neonate 170, a light shield could be utilized. It is believed that a shade curtain attachable to housing 110 could also be helpful to shield neonate 170 from glare or sunlight. Although not shown, ice packs can be used for cooling purposes. These items and others can be stored in compartment 370 if desired.
As shown in
Support assembly 700 comprises bracket 710 which houses pedestal 720 and a plurality of suspension mechanisms 730. Each of suspension mechanisms 730 comprise a dual-component system which serves to limit vibrations encountered by a neonate during transport to a medical care facility. A first component 730a is positioned between a pair of flanges 740a, 740b. Flanges 740a are located adjacent an inner bottom surface of bracket 710. Flanges 740b are located adjacent an inner bottom surface of pedestal frame 720. A second component 730b is positioned atop flange 740b. In the embodiment shown, support assembly 700 comprises four sets of suspension mechanisms 730.
Neonatal patients are particularly susceptible to injury or harm. One serious concern, but not the only serious concern, is intraventricular hemorrhage, whereby blood vessels in the brain rupture. Because the blood vessels in the brain of neonatal patients are underdeveloped and not prepared for significant stress, vibrations and the accelerations of the patient as a result of the vibrations may cause impact to the blood flowing through those vessels.
The one or more dual-component suspension mechanisms 730 provide a system that can decouple neonate 170 from the transportation vehicle in an effort to minimize vibrations. Suspension mechanisms 730 may include springs configured to absorb energy stemming from positional changes or dampeners configured to dampen the absorption and/or release of energy through springs, or a combination thereof. While the suspension mechanisms illustrated show separate components, such devices may be a single component, and may include other spring mechanisms such as elastomers. Those having skill in the art would appreciate the numerous configurations that can be applied to buffer the incubator 100 from vibration without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure.
Pedestal 720 comprises top surface 720a having recessed area 740 for receiving vertical support 180. Plates 250 (see
It is contemplated that one or more portable oxygen canisters (not shown) may be stored in support assembly 700 in the hollow space defined between bracket 710 and pedestal 720. It is also contemplated that plug 780 can be used to provide power to battery 790 so as to maintain the microenvironment of incubator 100. In addition, it is contemplated that support assembly 700 can be a primary or ancillary device for emergency neonatal transport in helicopters, other aircraft and vehicles.
Control 600, which can be disengaged from transport assembly 300, is shown mounted to support assembly 700. Control 600 is connectable to circuit board 500 upon a mating of quick connection ends 810a and 610b. In this configuration, control 600 controls and displays conditions within the microenvironment of chamber 260, body temperature and blood oxygen saturation data relating to neonate 170, and system power, during vehicular transport to a medical care facility. It is contemplated that systems 1000 and 2000 can be adapted for data collection and remote transmission of said data
While a number of exemplifying features and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and subcombinations thereof. Other alternate embodiments of the present apparatus could easily be employed by those skilled in the art to achieve the functions of the present apparatus and methodology. It is to be understood that additions, deletions, and changes may be made to the system and various internal and external functions disclosed herein, and still fall within the true spirit and scope of the disclosure. No limitation with respect to the specific embodiments disclosed herein is intended or should be inferred.
This application is a non-provisional application claiming the benefits of provisional application No. 61/310,439 filed Mar. 4, 2010.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US11/27275 | 3/4/2011 | WO | 00 | 4/11/2013 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61310439 | Mar 2010 | US |
