Resources
The SurePulse VS is a wireless heart rate monitor specifically designed for newborn babies. It displays this information, the pulse waveform and digital timer on the dedicated Display Unit, and also records this information as a downloadable record.
SurePulse VS uses reflective photoplethysmography (PPG) which is a similar technology to a pulse oximeter, but it utilises green light. The sensor is integrated into a thermoprotective Cap which is placed on the baby’s head at birth. The heart rate information is wirelessly sent to the Display Unit.
SurePulse VS provides wireless, accurate and continuous heart rate information (to within 5 beats per minute of ECG)
The Cap can be kept on the baby’s head (once the sensor has been removed) for 30 days. We recommend that the sensor is only kept in direct contact with the baby’s head for 4 hours – the sensor can be removed from the Cap without removing the Cap from the baby’s head, thereby minimizing heat loss
The Cap/sensor unit is single-use, and should be disposed of following local hospital guidelines and procedures. Due to the possibilities of contamination re-use of the Cap and sensor is not recommended
The Module is not disposable and should be returned to its dock in the Display Unit for re-charging after the monitoring session has ended
Once fully charged the Display Unit battery will last in use for 4 hours (the device can also be used whilst on mains power supply); each Module has, from full charge, a 2 hour battery life in use.
Clinical trials conducted at the Nottingham Universities NHS Trust are complete and have been submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journal; Clinical evaluation is currently taking place in several hospitals in Europe
Publications
M R Grubb et al 2014 Physiol. Meas. 35 881: ‘Forehead reflectance photoplethysmography to monitor heart rate: preliminary results from neonatal patients’ (Link to publications page)
L Pickup et al 2019 JMIR Hum Factors; 6(2): e12055.”The development of a clinical interface for a novel newborn resuscitation device; a Human Factors approach to understand cognitive user requirements.” (Link to publications page)
There are 5 Cap sizes which will accommodate babies from 20cm head circumference up to 40cm. This will normally mean that babies 23 to 42 weeks Gestational Age will be able to use the SurePulse VS device
The device records the heart rate and pulse waveform information and also has a touchscreen that can be used to record clinical events which are time and date stamped. This information can be downloaded as a permanent record and used for audit, training and clinical governance.