News About this Project

• News: Wisconsin Students Perfect Breathing Device for Pediatric Surgeries: BTN Network (January 1, 2020)
• News: Undergrads design ventilator device; form company to aid newborns during surgery (January 25, 2019)
• Company: Wye-Not Medical , LLC (2018)

Project Overview

Ventilating babies in the operating room is difficult. The anesthesia machines used at American Family Children's Hospital were previously only FDA approved for use in babies >3kg (term babies and older). Their neonatal intensive care unit opened in 2014 and is so busy they are doubling the size of the unit from 14-28 beds. Their NICU is for surgical patients, so they now routinely care for babies

American Family Children's Hospital currently uses the Vital Signs Pediatric Anesthesia Breathing Circuit and Fisher and Paykel Infant Respiratory Care System. The Vital Signs circuit is short and frequently falls apart at the wye-piece. The Fisher and Paykel is extremely heavy. Both circuits have a 90-degree elbow connector that hooks up to endotracheal breathing tubes, which push the breathing tubes too deep into babies' airways once surgical drapes are in place. Ideally they need a circuit that is able to provide active or passive humidification (using a heat moisture exchanger or the Fisher and Paykel heater and humidifier), with strong connections that does not fall apart, light weight, with the option to have a straight connection or a 90-degree elbow at the end.

Team Picture

Contact Information

Team Members

• Sara Martin - Team Leader
• Megan Skalitzky - Communicator
• Lena Hampson - BSAC
• Margaret Edman - Co-BWIG
• Samuel Peters - Co-BWIG
• Sara Jorgensen - BPAG

Advisor and Client

• Prof. John Puccinelli - Advisor
• Dr. Lana Volz - Client
• Mr. Russ Ward - Alternate Contact