FIBRE OPTIC BLANKET INFANT PHOTOTHERAPY- BILIFLEX
Neonatal Care – Fibre Optic Blanket Phototherapy:
A portable phototherapy device called a Fibre Optic biliblanket is used to treat infant jaundice (hyperbilirubinemia). An illuminator directs light into a fibre-optic panel encased in a secure, cushioned cover. The cover is wrapped over the baby’s chest and only emits light from one side. There is no electricity or heat generated near the baby because the technology employs pure light energy. The term “biliblanket” is a combination of the terms “bilirubin” and “blanket.” The pad comes into intimate contact with the baby. Home phototherapy system, bilirubin blanket, or bidirectional fibre-optic phototherapy blanket are all terms used to describe this technology.
Blue light of various sorts, wavelengths, and degrees of irradiance are used in several types of phototherapy for jaundice. The light waves help to break down bilirubin and get it out of your system. A fibre optic blanket is a type of phototherapy that uses a fibre optic system and can be used at home, unlike other types of phototherapy. There are three parts to the fibre optic blanket phototherapy system: an illuminator, a fibre optic pad, and a disposable pad cover. The fibre optic pad is used to deliver blue or white light from the illuminator directly onto the baby’s skin.
Mechanism:
In terms of safety and comfort, blanket phototherapy is the most advanced treatment option for newborn jaundice. Optical fibre-based light treatment allows healing light to be delivered only to the skin, without polluting the environment, increasing patient and caregiver comfort. The flexible fibre optic blanket can be wrapped around the baby and held by the mother as she breastfeeds.
Some newborns’ jaundice will go away on its own in one to two weeks without therapy; however, babies with more severe jaundice will require treatment. Blue LEDs, halogen white light, and fluorescent tubes are examples of traditional phototherapy systems. A fibre optic biliblanket is a home phototherapy treatment that includes a portable illuminator and a fibre-optic pad. It treats neonatal jaundice by transferring light to a baby through a pad of woven fibres (hyperbilirubimia). It works by converting bilirubin into a more water-soluble form that can be easily dissolved in water and removed. This treatment reduces bilirubin levels in the blood. The newborn is placed on a fibre-optic pad with a disposable cover that comes into direct touch with the baby’s skin. This fibre-optic pad exposes the skin to light, which causes bilirubin to be removed. The fibre optic blanket phototherapy emits waves of blue or white light, which are absorbed by the skin and break down bilirubin, which is then removed from the baby’s bloodstream. If prescribed by your physician or healthcare expert, the Bili Blanket system can be used 24 hours a day to give continuous treatment.
This reduces the yellowing of the baby’s skin and eyes. Blood must next be checked to determine bilirubin levels and whether the fibre optic blanket is still required. The majority of babies who require a fibre optic blanket phototherapy use it for several days, but this varies depending on the state of the baby. Although a fibre optic blanket phototherapy might produce loose stools and skin rashes, it is generally regarded harmless. This device is typically only used for two to three days. Intravenous fluids may be required if the patient is in a critical condition.
Phototherapy involves the infusion and absorption of photons of energy by bilirubin found in the skin’s superficial capillaries, subcutaneous tissues, and interstitial spaces. After that, photochemical reactions convert bilirubin into harmless isomers that are more polar and water-soluble, allowing it to pass through the liver without being further processed. Urinary and gastrointestinal elimination are still crucial in lowering bilirubin levels.
Proper Use:
The light generator, also known as the light box, the fibre-optic cable that carries the light, and the fibre optic pad, which is a 25cmx13cm (10″x5″) pad that is attached to the baby, make up the bili blanket system. The light source, which is a halogen bulb, is stored in the light generator. The fibre-optic cable connects the light generator to the fibre optic pad, which contains fibre optic fibres and is normally covered.
To ensure proper ventilation, make sure the light-source equipment is positioned on a flat, level, hard surface, such as a table or nightstand. The light pad is covered with a disposable cover, which should be replaced if it becomes soiled. The baby’s skin should be exposed to the light pad as much as possible for optimal therapy. Except when bathing, the light pad should be on at all times. The light pad is typically put on the back of an undressed baby who is wearing a diaper. Clothing can be worn, but it must be worn over the light pad and the light pad must remain in direct touch with the baby’s skin. The baby’s head should never be put on the light pad. While the light pad is on, the baby can sleep, eat, or be held.
The fibre optic blanket phototherapy is safe to use and can be worn 24 hours a day, seven days a week for as long as therapy is required. However, depending on the baby’s existing condition and disease status, the length of phototherapy will vary from person to person. It will also be determined by the doctor’s clinical judgement.
During phototherapy, blood tests may be necessary regularly to assess bilirubin levels and determine if normal levels have been attained and if phototherapy can be stopped. The baby’s skin will revert to its usual colour once the bilirubin levels are normal.
Advantages:
• Fibre
optic phototherapy has the advantage of reducing the risk of overheating the
newborn.
• Fibre
optic phototherapy has the advantage of reducing the risk of overheating the
newborn. The smaller “pads”
are less efficient than bigger wrap-around blankets because spectral power
(irradiance multiplied by the size of the irradiated region) is related to the
size of the illuminated field.
• Unlike
other kinds of phototherapy, which require eye protection, a fibre optic
blanket phototherapy does not require eye protection for the baby. The fibre
optic blanket also has the advantage of being able to be used at home.
Depending on the severity of the baby’s condition, the parents may be given a
fibre optic blanket to set up and use at home. Because the parents and baby do
not have to stay in the hospital, this creates a more comfortable and
convenient environment. Other benefits of the fibre optic blanket phototherapy
include its portability, ability to be used when the baby is sleeping, eating,
or being carried, and the fact that it does not require parents and infants to
be separated during treatment.
Disadvantages:
• Fibre
optic blanket phototherapy was more effective than no treatment at lowering
serum bilirubin, but not as successful as conventional phototherapy. A
combination of fibreoptic and conventional phototherapy, on the other hand,
proved to be more successful than conventional phototherapy alone.
• Fibre
optic blanket phototherapy may have drawbacks such as noise from the light
source’s fan and a reduction in supplied energy with ageing and/or breaking of
the optic fibres.
Side Effects:
More frequent and loose stools are a common adverse
effect observed by babies getting phototherapy treatment. The colour of these
faeces is usually greenish; nevertheless, this is normal because bilirubin gets
eliminated from the body in this manner. The frequency of bowel movements and
the colour of the stools will return to normal once bilirubin levels return to
normal and phototherapy is no longer required.
Other phototherapy side effects include impacts on
circadian cycle genes, patent ductus arteriosus, and probable retinal damage if
the eyes are exposed to phototherapy on a regular basis.
Conclusion:
• Several
studies have found that fibre optic blanket phototherapy is less successful
than conventional phototherapy in term newborns in recent years.
• The goal of our research was to evaluate the efficacy of fibre optic blanket phototherapy, which has a bigger lighted area and higher irradiance, to traditional phototherapy methods.
• In terms of bilirubin reduction rate and treatment duration, fibre optic phototherapy was comparable to blue light conventional phototherapy, but fibre optic phototherapy was more effective than white light conventional phototherapy, with a significantly higher bilirubin reduction rate and shorter
treatment duration. Fibre optic phototherapy may help to reduce the negative effects of conventional phototherapy.
Application:
Level III NICU
Accessories:
Fibre Optic Cable with Pad
Roll Stand Assembly
Contact Us:
Corporate Headquarters
nice Neötech Medical Systems Pvt. Ltd., No. 85 and 86, Krishna Industrial Estate, Vanagaram, Mettukuppam, Chennai 600095, Tamil Nadu, INDIA.
Phone: +91-44-24764608 | 24762594 | 98408 73602
Fax: +91-44-24766920
Email: info@niceneotech.com | marketing@niceneotech.com
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