The design, development and application of a virtual instrument system to assess vibrotactile stimulation to interrupt neonatal apnea

Premature infants are susceptible to apnea. Presently physical stimulation, administered to interrupt apneic episodes, is accomplished by hand contact, which is often delayed and presents infection risks. This study developed a software system to collect and analyze data to study the efficacy and safety of mechanical vibrotactile stimulation (VTS) as a means of interrupting an apneic episode. This software system was utilized to compare VTS (n=12) and hand stimulation (n=12). VTS and traditional hand stimulation were found to be equally effective in terminating apnea (9/12 (75%) vs. 10/12 (80%)). Mean time to resumption of breathing from onset of stimulation was similar (VTS 3.1±2.6 seconds vs. hand 3.7±4.1 seconds, p=0.67), as was total apnea duration (VTS 28.1±12.1 seconds vs. hand 28.5±5.2 seconds, p=0.93). The duration of VTS was half as long as hand stimulation (VTS 2.9±1.7 seconds vs. hand 6.8±5.4 seconds, p=0.05). No adverse effects of VTS were noted Overall, VTS was similar to hand stimulation in its ability to end apneic spells. Since the duration of VTS was half that of hand stimulation VTS seems more efficient in interrupting apnea