Friday, December 4, 2009

Proceed With Caution

This semester the technology of the NICU, both the past and present as well as mobile and non-mobile was discussed. Not much is documented on what the future holds. However, I have a few ideas. Currently, we obtain blood samples by poking the babies in the heel or trying to find a vein. In the future a hand held scanner will be waved over the baby that would calculate all lab tests. MRI's, CT scans and x-rays will also be performed via the scanner. Medications and nutrition will be administered transdermally through skin patches. Eventually, I in vision premature babies submerged in an amniotic like type fluid until 34 weeks gestation. Sounds sci-fi, but when a parent is given to option that submerging their child for several months is the only chance for survival, more than a few might just go for it.
Technology in the NICU has come a long way quickly since the days of the Incubator-Side Shows. The future is full of exciting possibilities. Society must take time to consider the consequences not just the benefits. Proceed with caution!



Works Cited


Buchanan, Kim. “Failed Neonatal Transport” Advances in Neonatal Care 9:2 (2009): 82-84. Print

Karlsen, Kristine A. Transporting Newborns The S.T.A.B.L.E. Way. Utah 2001. Print

Mask, Mitchell F. The Bronchotron: Theory, Setup and Use Mitchell F. Mask, 2008 Web 11 Nov. 2009.

Merenstein, Gerald B. and Sandra L. Gardner. Handbook Of Neonatal Intensive Care. 6th ed. Missouri: Mosby, 2006. Print

Phillip, Alistair G.S. “The Evolution of Neonatology” Pediatric Research 58.4 (2005): 799-812. Print

“Pragel Newborn Transport Incubator ca. 1949” Neonatology on the Web. 2009. Web. 20 Sept. 2009

Silverman, William A. “Incubator-Baby Side Shows” Pediatrics 64.2 (1979): 127-141. Print

Vu, Huyen. “12.5ounces at birth, baby set to go home.” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 30 May 2009: Print