Comfitube

During the Comfitube project we focused on developing a scanner that will aid nurses in the NICU verify the correct location of the feeding tube neonates depend on.

During my study abroad semester I worked with another student on to improve accuracy in placement verification of feeding tubes. This project semester we focused on developing a scanner that will aid nurses in the NICU verify the correct location of the feeding tube neonates depend on.

Infants that are born prematurely often do not have the strength or coordination to such and swallow in order to breast or bottle fed thus depend on the feeding tube. Correct placement of this tube is vital to the safely and optimal feeding of these fragile infants. Currently the location placement verification methods are not dependable.

For improved safety and certainty about the positioning verification of the feeding tube we created the Comfitube system. This system includes feeding tubes which communicate with a hand held, fully enclosed and hygienic scanner. Through simple LED feedback the scanner can be used to find the exact location of the tip of the feeding tube after insertion, so the nurses know if the tube is placed optimally.

Since, I have continued my work for this product.

Our semester work resulted in a proof of concept and an initial scanner design. When I returned to the Netherlands for my Masters degree, I was excited to be asked to join the Comfitube team. Over the past year I have enjoyed working in this interdisciplinary team as their lead designer. While the team developed the technology and software I worked on the design of the scanner and scanner charger through an iterative process with many intervals of end-user and expert feedback from different hospital wards.