Medical device prevents hypothermia in newborns

Vygon has launched Neohelp to prevent hypothermia in newborns  

Without proper protection after birth newborns can develop life-threatening hypothermia. The Neohelp device has a closable plastic pouch that can be adjusted to fit a newborn infant and offers protection from anything that may cause the newborn’s body temperature to drop.

The pouch is made up of a dual-layer of polyethylene with an adjustable hood and is fully transparent to allow for monitoring of the baby’s skin color, movements and well-being.

Neohelp is the first device with CE marking developed specifically to prevent hypothermia in newborns.

The original idea was conceived, patented and designed in partnership with two health care professionals, Morten Breindahl and Berit Weisenfeld, from Rigshospitalet, the National University Hospital in Denmark.

Breindahl said: “The product was developed in response to an unmet medical need for prevention of life-threatening hypothermia in our most vulnerable patients – the sick, newborn and preterm infant.

“With its double layer of plastic, Neohelp creates a protective microclimate and acts as an effective barrier against heat loss.

“At the same time, Neohelp is designed to improve observation, stabilisation, handling and resuscitation of the infant during the first vital minutes of life without the infant being exposed to a cold environment.”

Stéphane Regnault, chairman of the Vygon management board, said: “We are pleased to support the National University Hospital in Denmark in the development and launch of Neohelp. It is a simple, effective and low-risk method of combating hypothermia in newborns that complements existing preventive measures.”