A unique way to support premature newborns is used at the Faculty Hospital in Brno (FN Brno). The non-invasive method helps small patients who need hospital machine support to breathe. At the same time, it prevents possible respiratory failure.
The NAVA breathing support strategy adopted at Brno monitors breathing by sensing the electrical potential of the human diaphragm. Although it has already been used for patients in the Czech Republic, Brno hospital claims to be the first to use it for very immature newborns. This system helps babies who have chronic breathing problems and spend several weeks on the device.
FN Brno has been using the NAVA method since 2020. It is starting to develop in the world in the United States, developed countries in East Asia, in Europe, especially in Scandinavia. It helps newborns, children and adults.
The Center for Perinatology of the National University of Brno treats about fifty such newborns each year, most of whom require care for more than a quarter of a year. The new assistant evaluates the electrical signals sensed from the main respiratory muscles sixty times per second and transfers them to synchronous breathing support. The device then ensures adequate oxygenation of the patient without excessive exertion.
According to doctors, the NAVA method is non-invasive and, unlike invasive rescue breathing methods, does not damage the lungs. “The non-invasive form helps delay or even completely prevent respiratory failure. From our experience so far, we have been able to see that the NAVA method is very well tolerated, and stabilization and improvement of respiratory function occurs soon after initiation.” said the doctor from Brno University of Applied Sciences Zuzana Zavřelová.
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