Fluid flow in a neonatal respiratory support system: a preliminary investigation

The subject of this study is a neonatal ventilatory support system marketed as The Infant Flow System^TM by E.M.E. (Electro Medical Equipment) Ltd. in Brighton, England. The work described was carried out as a final year project during a three year mechanical engineering degree course at The University of Sussex. The Infant Flow System consists of two major components: the Infant Flow Driver and the Infant Flow Generator. For the purposes of this study, focus was on the latter. The NCPAP Generator applies a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to the patient airway via the nose. This type of ventilatory support assists the inspiratory process and prevents alveolar collapse during expiration. Preterm infants suffering from a variety of respiratory disorders including respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary oedema, airway closure diseases, paralysis of the diaphragm and tracheomalacia, have been successfully treated with the device