When a baby is being born there is a risk for complications that reduce the blood gas exchange to the fetus during delivery. This can lead to hypoxia, acidemia and potentially cause brain damage. When complications are expected, the baby is monitored closely during the delivery and is then, if necessary, transferred to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). It is however difficult to determine at an early stage if the baby’s brain is recovering, if brain damage is still a threat or if it already has occurred.
UNDERLYING PROBLEM
At the NICU parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation and other measures are monitored regularly, but these parameters only assess the general condition of the baby. To monitor the function of the brain itself, a more direct way is to measure the electroencephalogram (EEG); a measure of the electrical signals produced by the brain. This makes possible continuous monitoring of the brain over long time with high time resolution.
The problem with monitoring EEG is that it is a highly complex signal that is not easily interpreted by the NICU staff. Therefore we are developing methods for automatic classification of the EEG activity. Another problem is that the electrodes that are used for EEG recordings are complicated to attach and/or uncomfortable to wear for prolonged time periods. To solve this problem we are investigating if conducting textile material can be used as electrodes and integrated in a comfortable and user-friendly cap.
CLINICAL BENEFITS WITH CONCEPT
A system for monitoring neonatal EEG activity using automatic classification of the full EEG would provide the clinicians in charge of the treatment of the baby with more detailed information about the status of the baby in real time, and would therefore enable them to provide better care for the baby.
MEDICAL DEVICE CONCEPT
The classification part can be implemented as software in existing monitoring devices (e.g. SACS). The other part is a cap with integrated textile electrodes.
Project leader: Dr. Johan Löfhede, School of Engineering, University of Borås
Co-researchers:
Dr. Magnus Thordstein, Clinical Neurophysiology, Sahlgrenska University hospital
Dr. Anders Flisberg, Queen Silvia Children’s Hospital, Östra hospital
Dr. Fernando Seoane, School of Engineering, University of Borås
Siw Eriksson, PhD Student, The Swedish School of Textiles, University of Borås
