Neonatal Intensive Care Unit ( NICU )

2.4 million

Neonatal Deaths Globally

10 – 15%

of NICU Patients (Neonates)

~15%

of Neonates in NICU (US)

Since 1990, significant advancements have been achieved in child survival. Worldwide, the number of neonatal deaths decreased from 5.0 million in 1990 to 2.4 million in 2022.

  • Every year, approximately 13.4 million infants are born prematurely (before 37 weeks of gestation) (WHO 2020).
  • Depending on gestational age and complications, 60-70% of preterm infants (born before 32 weeks) require ‘Incubator Care’ and need significant attention.
  • It is estimated that 8 – 9.4 million preterm neonates need Incubators yearly.

Neonatal Intensive Care ( NICUs )
Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) present a demanding setting for healthcare professionals in the treatment of premature infants. This environment encompasses various challenges, including clinical, emotional, ethical, and systemic aspects. Numerous preterm infants face these clinical complications—

  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS): Suffer from breathing problems as their lungs are not fully developed.
  • Apnea and Bradycardia: Paused breathing (>20 secs) and often accompanied by bradycardia (slow heart rate).
  • Sepsis/Neonatal sepsis: Systemic bacterial, viral, or fungal infections due to immature immune system.
  • Many preterm babies are often Anemic and also have other conditions.

Our innovative Neonatal Incubator solution

The Luxisens unobtrusive SensorMat solution is designed to meet the unmet needs within neonatal care environments. Our technology facilitates neonatal monitoring in incubators, step-down units, and home settings by accurately providing essential parameters such as respiration rate, heart rate, and movements. We strive to alleviate the stress experienced by neonatologists and nursing staff when caring for these vulnerable infants. Unlike traditional monitoring methods used in NICUs that often rely on wired connections or intrusive patches on newborns, our solution offers a more comfortable approach without compromising clinical accuracy.

SensorMat solution for every NICU bed

Our research work !

The Luxisens team worked alongside prominent neonatologists and researchers during the initial phase of product development at Maxima Medical Center in Veldhoven. The prototype was tested and utilized in a clinical environment with 20 neonates (as detailed in a published paper). End users expressed their appreciation for the solution’s versatility and functionality. Development is currently ongoing to provide a clinically validated solution for the NICU department (incubators), step-down units, and home use.

Dr. H. J. Niemarkt

Neonatologist
Maxima Medical Center, Veldhoven The Netherlands

Dr. Niemarkt has been involved in early-stage clinical discussions and evaluation of the SensorMat solution within the NICU at MMC, Veldhoven.

He recognizes the potential of SensorMat in monitoring critically ill neonates unobtrusively. It may also offer insight into sleep patterns of these infants after discharge.