Features and Benefits
The LifeStart system provides a stable, warmed platform for resuscitation of the newborn baby. The system is very compact and has electrically operated, hands-free height adjustment. Suction, blender and CPAP ventilation with PEEP can all be easily mounted on the unit. A timer, with audio alerts, allows staff to keep track of the post-delivery period. Integrated medirails allow the user to add other equipment such as pulse oximeter and to configure all items to suit local practice.
Applications
Despite the clear evidence of the benefit of delayed cord clamping (DCC), most guidelines state that priority should be given to resuscitation of the baby where needed. The LifeStart system now enables both of these to be achieved at the same time by making it practical to resuscitate with the cord intact.
The unit has been designed to cater for all obstetric situations and has been specifically adapted to suit normal birth, assisted (“forceps”) deliveries in lithotomy position and caesarean sections.
LifeStart has been designed so that the same unit is versatile enough to cater for all clinical situations. Patient warming is provided by a CosyTherm system with mattress customised to fit the resuscitation platform. It is anticipated that the warming option will be chosen for all systems due to the clinical benefit it provides.
Inditherm can provide an injector suction unit suited for neonatal use and customised to mount onto the LifeStart unit. An air/oxygen blender and infant resuscitator are available, both adapted for optimal clinical use with the system.
Clinical Considerations
In order to resuscitate with the cord intact the height of the platform can be adjusted to position the baby correctly in relation to the placenta. The very compact design and easy manoeuvrability allow the unit to be positioned very close to the bed or operating table, well within limits of umbilical cord length. The ergonomic layout ensures access for the clinical team is not compromised and the newborn baby’s airway can be easily established.
In addition to resuscitation the unit provides a suitable environment for less critical treatment of the baby. It allows the newborn infant to stay close to its mother, helping to reduce parental anxiety in the initial period following delivery.
There is widespread clinical evidence for the benefits of delayed cord clamping. LifeStart provides the capability to realise those benefits whilst also allowing immediate resuscitation of the baby.
