Center for Biomedical Engineering

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Browsing Center for Biomedical Engineering by Subject "Ambu Bag"

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    Redesign of Neonatal Resuscitator for the Low-resource Settings: An Application of QFD-based UCD Approach
    (Addis Ababa University, 2021-01) Gamada, Abara; Dawit, Assefa (PhD); Fleisig, Robert (PhD) Co-Advisor
    Neonatal resuscitation is a delicate procedure which assists newborns with respiratory problems. Regardless of the life-saving potential of this assistance, numerous complications have been identified in the use of the neonatal resuscitators. Thus, the resuscitation outcomes are poor because of the procedure induced complications. These challenges are significantly apparent in low-income countries. Worldwide popular neonatal resuscitator is Ambu self-inflating bag due to its simplicity and low price. The resuscitation using Ambu is performed by two caregivers and is tiresome procedure. The genuine resuscitation can be performed by well-trained caregivers using well-equipped tool kits to mitigate the challenges. Nevertheless, there are great challenges to do so in low-resource settings because of poor facilities, lack of internationally accepted standards and lack of well-trained staff. Hence, neonatal resuscitation with the existing Ambu bag needs thoughtful attention. Objective: This thesis aimed to figure out the challenges of neonatal resuscitators and later designed an improved neonatal resuscitator to ameliorate patient outcomes and ease work for hospital staff. Methods: The study was conducted in Jimma University Medical Centre from October 10 -December 08/2019. The Quality Function Deployment-based User Centred Design approach was employed to describe the design problem systematically. The qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with the hospital staff to investigate voice of the customers. The identified customers’ requirements were to get a resuscitator which controls tidal volume, flow pressure and flow rate and is safe. They were identified as study variables and important inputs in the design process to improve the device features, thereby improving patient outcomes. The identified customers’ needs formed a basis for the development process. Results: The result from the study revealed demand for a new resuscitator with improved features. The device was designed conceptually by using 3 dimensional AutoCAD software. Arduino based electrical simulation was developed. Finally, flow scheme in the NEOVENT™ was modelled mathematically. Conclusion: The final design was expected to be better and more effective than existing solutions. However, further research should be done to ensure the safety for the neonates before launching the final product.