Smart bottle and system for neonatal nursing development

Abstract

A system for diagnosing or monitoring sucking/swallowing/breathing competence of an impaired neonate or post-operative infant, wherein a processor receives a sensed signal from a breath sensor, and develops an output for intraoral tactile or flow control feedback. In a feeding or monitoring embodiment, the processor applies the signal to control a liquid feeding valve which supplies nutrients through a feeding nipple. In various control regimens, the processor acts as a safety device and operates to restrict or close the valve to reduce flow when slowing or cessation of breath is detected, or acts as a training device to set or pace, or initially to develop basic competence, at an appropriate rate. In further embodiments, the processor also receives a signal from an intraoral suction transducer or muscle pressure gauge, and operates to control flow to a level appropriate to the available sucking activity, or to change the level to maintain a stable and non-slowing breath rate. In another embodiment specifically adapted for manual feeding, monitoring or intervention, the processor displays a waveform indicative of the breath or air flow sensor output, and a manually operated pressure bulb is provided to allow a nurse or care giver to apply a rhythmic muscular pressure stimulus via a feeding or surrogate nipple in a manner visually synchronized with the displayed breath activity. Preferred frequencies and phased coordination with the breath cycle may facilitate the development of competence and the coordination or linkage of the three sensorimotor areas. The system may also provide medical records of sensed events, and trigger an alarm when it detects a dangerous condition.