The Apnosystems Infant Care System (ICS) device is a life saving medical intervention that can cause a sleeping infant that has ceased breathing to stir, and resume breathing. This wearable will change the way we care babies, both as in-hospital and at home babies.

Premature, low birthweight babies, post-operative babies and those with congenital defects are at higher risk. Such infants may suffer critical situations during sleep resulting in temporary brain damage, permanent brain damage, or death. The device can also help to protect babies with diagnosed unstable airway conditions. If an airway obstruction results in low blood oxygen saturation, the device detects the hypoxia and provides an intervention stimulus.

Anesthesiologists (as I am) agree: when a patient is in trouble the problem must be addressed in a matter of seconds or minutes. The ICS is a device that acts automatically and within seconds. The ICS helps in three ways: by monitoring, intervening and gathering new and valuable data.

This device is a first of its kind, unique therapeutic wearable device (a garment attached to the baby’s hand or foot) that delivers a life saving intervention. It wirelessly integrates pulse oximetry with data gathering and a rescue stimulus.The device consists of a glove that houses the sensor and the stimulus circuitry, a pulse oximeter sensor, controlling logic, and low energy bluetooth for communication with smartphones, tablets and PCs.
If the baby experiences a dangerously low heart rate or blood oxygen saturation episode, and after the device’s algorithm determines the need, the device provides a brief Transcutaneous Electrical Nervous Stimulation (TENS) to rouse the wearer. The algorithm was based on a CHIME study to reduce false alarms. The rescue stimulus is minimal and cannot cause undue distress. Caregivers can adjust the intensity of the therapeutic stimulus to a lowest effective dose for each individual (high, medium, or low stimulus).

The Apnosystems ICS device may be produced for as little as $25 US per unit. Our tested technologies utilize low-cost components. As sales volumes increase, efficiencies can further reduce unit production cost. The ICS garment can be made of all natural fibers, making it enviromental friendly. The ICS’s batteries are internal and rechargeable. The device can be recharged from voltage sources that include solar arrays. The ICS can be assembled almost anywhere in the world.

The potential for global application of this wearable device is tremendous. It is the only device that delivers a therapeutic, life-saving intervention using accepted and reliable detection of health parameters. Data are gathered in real-time on infants wearing the ICS through the caregiver smartphones and other devices. In emerging economies, the device is particularly useful. Premature babies are more common and high risk babies are more likely to be sent home without a sufficient level of security because of lack of space in the nursing care units.