"NEOGUARD: ADVANCED BLUE LIGHT PHOTOTHERAPY SHIELD WITH INTEGRATED EYE PROTECTION FOR NEONATAL CARE"

Abstract

The present invention relates to a blue light phototherapy device designed for the safe and effective treatment of neonatal jaundice. The invention features a phototherapy screen cover attachable to neonatal cribs or incubators, equipped with embedded blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit therapeutic light within the optimal wavelength range (460-490 nm) to reduce elevated bilirubin levels in newborns. The screen is designed with an outer protective layer and an inner soft-touch layer for comfort and protection. A key aspect of the invention is the integrated eye protection system, which includes a soft, adjustable eye cover that fits securely over the neonate's eyes, preventing harmful light exposure. The device also includes a control system allowing healthcare providers to adjust the light intensity based on therapy requirements and a temperature monitoring system to ensure the neonate's comfort and safety throughout the treatment session. This invention addresses the limitations of traditional phototherapy by providing comprehensive protection, ease of use, and enhanced treatment efficiency, making it a valuable tool in neonatal care for treating jaundice.

Specification

DESC:"NEOGUARD: ADVANCED BLUE LIGHT PHOTOTHERAPY SHIELD WITH INTEGRATED EYE PROTECTION FOR NEONATAL CARE"
Field of the Invention:
The present invention pertains to the field of neonatal healthcare, specifically to medical devices designed for the treatment of neonatal jaundice. It focuses on the development of a blue light phototherapy screen cover with integrated eye protection, aimed at safely reducing bilirubin levels in newborns while minimizing exposure-related risks. This invention is relevant to pediatric medicine, phototherapy technology, and neonatal care practices.
Background:
Neonatal jaundice is a common condition that affects many newborns, characterized by high levels of bilirubin in the blood. Phototherapy is widely recognized as the first-line treatment for neonatal jaundice due to its proven effectiveness in reducing elevated bilirubin levels and preventing potential neurotoxic effects. Traditional phototherapy involves exposing the newborn's skin to blue light, which helps to break down bilirubin in the body.
However, current phototherapy methods present several challenges and limitations. One major concern is the discomfort experienced by newborns, as they are often left uncovered and exposed to the lights, which can lead to heat loss, dehydration, and disruption of normal sleep patterns. Furthermore, prolonged exposure to phototherapy without adequate protection can result in potential risks such as skin damage, eye injury, and, in some cases, adverse long-term effects like DNA damage and an increased risk of cancer. The use of eye patches is common, but they often do not fit well, leading to inconsistent protection for the infant's eyes.
Given these issues, there is a clear need for a more integrated and protective approach to delivering phototherapy that ensures the safety, comfort, and efficacy of the treatment. The present invention addresses these limitations by introducing a blue light phototherapy screen cover with an integrated eye cover, offering comprehensive protection for newborns while maintaining the therapeutic benefits of phototherapy.
Summary of the Invention:
The present invention introduces an innovative blue light phototherapy screen cover with integrated eye protection, specifically designed for the treatment of neonatal jaundice. This device offers a novel solution to the limitations and risks associated with traditional phototherapy by combining both light therapy and protective shielding into a single, comprehensive system.
The invention features a durable, breathable screen cover that can be easily attached to standard neonatal cribs or incubators. Embedded within the screen are blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that provide targeted phototherapy, ensuring uniform exposure to the therapeutic light without the need for direct skin exposure. The integrated soft-touch eye cover is designed to fit snugly over the infant's eyes, providing full protection against potentially harmful light exposure while ensuring comfort.
Key advantages of this invention include:
• Increased safety: The integrated eye cover ensures complete protection of the infant's sensitive eyes, eliminating the need for separate, often poorly fitting eye patches.
• Enhanced comfort: The screen cover maintains a comfortable environment for the newborn, reducing heat loss and minimizing discomfort typically caused by direct exposure to phototherapy lights.
• Improved efficiency: The controlled blue light emission ensures optimal bilirubin reduction while avoiding unnecessary exposure to non-targeted areas.
• Ease of use: The screen is designed for quick attachment and removal, allowing for easy integration into existing neonatal care environments.
This invention provides a safer, more effective, and user-friendly alternative to traditional phototherapy setups, significantly improving neonatal jaundice treatment outcomes.
Detailed Description:
The present invention, a Blue Light Phototherapy Screen with Integrated Eye Protection, is designed to offer a safe and effective method for treating neonatal jaundice. The invention provides both phototherapeutic benefits and enhanced protection for newborns by addressing the shortcomings of conventional phototherapy systems. Below is a detailed explanation of its components, design features, and methods of implementation.
1. Components of the Invention:
A. Phototherapy Screen Cover:
• Material Composition: The screen cover is made from a lightweight, breathable, and durable fabric designed to be hypoallergenic and gentle against the baby's skin. The fabric is capable of allowing blue light to pass through while maintaining comfort for the newborn by preventing heat buildup and minimizing irritations.
• Blue Light Emission: Embedded within the screen are blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit blue light within the therapeutic wavelength range (typically between 460-490 nm) necessary for breaking down bilirubin in the newborn's bloodstream. The LEDs are spaced uniformly throughout the fabric to ensure even light distribution.
• Protective Layers: The screen includes multiple layers:
o An outer protective layer designed to shield the baby from external environmental disturbances.
o An inner soft-touch layer that provides comfort to the newborn while ensuring that the blue light penetrates effectively.
B. Integrated Eye Protection:
• Eye Cover Design: The eye cover is an integral part of the system, designed to shield the newborn's eyes from the harmful effects of blue light exposure. The cover is made of a soft, adjustable material that fits securely over the baby's eyes without causing discomfort.
• Attachment Mechanism: The eye cover is seamlessly attached to the phototherapy screen via gentle fasteners, ensuring it stays in place during treatment. This eliminates the common issue of displacement with traditional eye patches.
• Adjustable Fit: The eye cover is designed with adjustable straps or a stretchable band to ensure a snug fit, regardless of head size, ensuring continuous protection throughout the therapy session.
C. Control System:
• Adjustable Light Intensity: The invention includes a control system that allows healthcare professionals to adjust the light intensity based on the specific needs of the newborn. A control panel located externally enables easy tuning of the light exposure to optimize treatment duration and intensity.
• Temperature Monitoring: A built-in sensor monitors the baby's temperature to prevent overheating, ensuring the newborn remains comfortable throughout the therapy process.
D. Integration with Neonatal Crib or Incubator:
• Easy Attachment and Detachment: The phototherapy screen cover is designed to be easily attached to most neonatal cribs and incubators using adjustable clips or magnetic fasteners. This ensures that the cover can be quickly set up and removed as needed, minimizing disruption to the baby.
• Flexible Design: The screen is flexible and can be adjusted to cover the crib or incubator in various configurations, allowing full or partial coverage based on the specific therapy requirements.
2. Embodiments of the Invention:
Embodiment 1: Complete Coverage System
• This embodiment includes a full-screen cover that completely encases the crib or incubator, providing comprehensive coverage for the baby during phototherapy. The eye cover is integrated within the screen, and the entire system delivers controlled blue light exposure evenly across the baby's body while ensuring eye protection.
Embodiment 2: Partial Coverage System
• In this embodiment, the screen cover can be adjusted to provide partial coverage, allowing for easy access to the baby for feeding or routine checks. The eye cover remains in place during partial coverage, ensuring continued eye protection even when the full screen is not in use.
3. Methods of Implementation:
Step 1: Setup
• The healthcare provider attaches the phototherapy screen cover to the crib or incubator using the provided fasteners. The cover is easily adjustable to fit snugly around the infant's space, ensuring secure and uniform placement.
Step 2: Eye Cover Placement
• The integrated eye cover is gently placed over the newborn's eyes. The adjustable fasteners or stretchable material ensures a secure fit, and the eye cover remains in place throughout the treatment session.
Step 3: Phototherapy Session
• Once the screen and eye cover are securely in place, the healthcare provider activates the phototherapy system using the external control panel. The intensity of the blue light can be adjusted to the desired level based on the newborn's bilirubin levels and the therapy protocol. The even distribution of blue light ensures that the entire surface of the newborn's body is exposed to the therapeutic light without the need for full-body exposure.
Step 4: Monitoring and Adjustment
• Throughout the phototherapy session, the healthcare team monitors the newborn's vital signs and adjusts the light intensity as needed. The built-in temperature sensor prevents overheating, and the eye cover continues to shield the infant's sensitive eyes from exposure.
Step 5: Completion and Removal
• After the prescribed therapy duration, the healthcare provider turns off the light system and removes the screen cover and eye protection. The system can be easily detached from the crib or incubator for cleaning or storage, making it a highly reusable device.
4. Diagrams and Drawings:
(Refer to attached drawings)
• Figure 1: Depicts the overall view of the phototherapy screen cover, showing its attachment to a neonatal crib or incubator.
• Figure 2: A cross-sectional view of the screen cover showing the layered design, including the blue light-emitting diodes, protective layers, and the soft-touch inner surface.
• Figure 3: Illustration of the integrated eye cover, demonstrating the adjustable straps or band for a secure fit.
• Figure 4: Diagram of the control system, indicating the light intensity adjustment and temperature monitoring features.
• Figure 5: A setup example showing the phototherapy screen in use with a newborn in a crib, demonstrating how the system ensures even light distribution and complete eye protection.
5. Advantages of the Invention:
• Comprehensive Protection: The invention provides full protection for both the skin and eyes, minimizing the risks associated with traditional phototherapy.
• Comfort and Safety: By covering the baby with a breathable, comfortable material and integrating a secure eye cover, the invention enhances the comfort and safety of the newborn during treatment.
• Efficiency: The controlled delivery of blue light ensures effective bilirubin reduction without unnecessary exposure, leading to faster and more efficient treatment outcomes.
• Ease of Use: The simple attachment and removal mechanisms make the system user-friendly for healthcare providers and parents alike.
This invention provides an improved, safer alternative to current phototherapy methods, making it a valuable addition to neonatal care practices for treating jaundice.
,CLAIMS:Claims
1. Independent Claim:
o Claim 1: A blue light phototherapy device for treating neonatal jaundice, comprising:
? A phototherapy screen cover attachable to a neonatal crib or incubator, said screen cover comprising an outer protective layer and an inner soft-touch layer;
? A plurality of blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) embedded within the screen cover, configured to emit therapeutic blue light within the wavelength range of 460-490 nm for the reduction of neonatal bilirubin levels;
? An integrated eye protection system, comprising a soft eye cover with adjustable straps or bands, designed to fit securely over the neonate's eyes, preventing exposure to blue light;
? A control system including an adjustable light intensity feature to regulate the amount of blue light exposure based on the neonate's needs, and a temperature monitoring system to maintain the neonate's comfort and prevent overheating during therapy.
2. Dependent Claim:
o Claim 2: The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the eye protection system is seamlessly integrated into the screen cover, allowing for quick attachment and removal while ensuring continuous eye protection during therapy.
3. Dependent Claim:
o Claim 3: The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light intensity can be adjusted manually or automatically based on the neonate's bilirubin levels, with pre-programmed settings for different therapy durations.
4. Dependent Claim:
o Claim 4: The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the temperature monitoring system includes built-in sensors that continuously measure the neonate's body temperature and regulate the ambient temperature around the neonate to prevent discomfort during the phototherapy session.
5. Independent Claim:
o Claim 5: A method for treating neonatal jaundice using the device as claimed in claim 1, comprising the steps of:
? Attaching the phototherapy screen cover to a neonatal crib or incubator;
? Placing the integrated eye protection system over the neonate's eyes;
? Activating the blue light-emitting diodes and adjusting the light intensity to the desired therapeutic level;
? Continuously monitoring the neonate's temperature and adjusting the settings as needed to ensure both therapeutic efficacy and comfort;
? Removing the eye cover and screen cover once the therapy session is complete.
6. Dependent Claim:
o Claim 6: The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the therapy duration is automatically calculated based on the initial bilirubin levels, and the system adjusts the light intensity and therapy time accordingly to optimize the treatment outcome.
7. Dependent Claim:
o Claim 7: The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the phototherapy screen is flexible and can be folded or adjusted to provide partial coverage, allowing for easy access to the neonate during the therapy session without interrupting the treatment.
8. Dependent Claim:
o Claim 8: The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the screen cover is made from a hypoallergenic and antimicrobial fabric to ensure a safe and hygienic environment for the neonate during the phototherapy session.

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