Magnetically assisted video introducer for administering
surfactant to preterm infants

                      Babies born prematurely, mostly weighing less than 1000 grams, often need assisted ventilation due to pulmonary immaturity and lack of surfactant production in the lungs. Surfactant is a natural pulmonary compound that increases surface tension of the peripheral airways and improves oxygen uptake. Preterm infants often need the administration of additional exogenous  surfactant.

To administer surfactant currently the baby is intubated, a procedure where an endotracheal tube is inserted through the larynx in order to reach the lungs. A novel technique is MIST (Minimally-invasive surfactant therapy) where a smaller tube is used and babies do not have to be intubated. Positioning the smaller tube is however challenging and still requires a laryngoscope. Also the procedure is stressful for the baby.

A small magnetically assisted steerable device, equipped with a camera and light source could enable the doctor to position the tube to administer surfactant without applying much force, sedating the baby, or temporarily blocking its airways.

Design the smallest device for surfactant administration, which is magnetically steerable and video assisted. The device must be safe, easy to operate  and cleanable or disposable.

Preclinical testing for safety and feasibility is part of the design process.

Neonatologists at the Erasmus Medical Centre - Sophia Children’s hospital will give input for and feedback on the design.

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