Biliblanket

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Bili light with newborn

A biliblanket is a unique medical device that plays a crucial role in treating neonatal jaundice or hyperbilirubinemia in newborns. Originally a trademark of General Electric's Datex-Ohmeda subsidiary, the term "biliblanket" has evolved into a generic name for various similar phototherapy products in the medical realm.

Etymology

The name "biliblanket" stems from the merger of "bilirubin," the yellow compound that causes jaundice, and "blanket." The device has been known under various titles such as home phototherapy system, bilirubin blanket, and phototherapy blanket.

Overview and Benefits

Biliblankets have revolutionized the treatment approach for neonatal jaundice, primarily by enabling treatment in the comfort of one's home, given the infant's overall good health. This home-based treatment model boasts several advantages:

• Cost-Effective: Biliblankets negate the need for prolonged in-patient care, making it an economically preferable choice for many insurance companies.
• Parent-Child Bonding: Instead of separating the newborn and placing them in a closed phototherapy box, biliblankets ensure the child remains close to the parents.
• Mobility Limitations: While the baby might be somewhat restricted due to the biliblanket setup, many parents and caregivers see it as a more favorable option compared to in-patient treatments.

Phototherapy Mechanism

Phototherapy, using biliblankets, leverages the properties of blue/white light, which is either placed adjacent to the infant's skin or made to permeate it through a specific, light-permeable fabric.

Device Components

• Light Box: This serves as the light generator.
• Fibre-Optic Cable: The medium through which light travels from the generator to the baby.
• Light Pad: Measuring around 25cm x 13cm (10"x5"), this pad, infused with light, is affixed to the infant.

Safety

The application of biliblankets as home phototherapy solutions has been demonstrated as safe. Notably, unverified claims suggesting infants suffered burns due to biliblankets remain unproven and are largely dismissed as myths.

Biliblanket Brands and Variations

The biliblanket has witnessed several technological advancements, with various manufacturers introducing their versions of this phototherapy tool. These blankets have become crucial in treating neonatal jaundice. This section provides a detailed overview of some prominent biliblanket brands and their features.

Philips Bilirubin Blanket

Royal Philips Electronics, a pioneering electronics company, showcased its bili blanket iteration on 27 September 2011 during the Innovation Experience event in Eindhoven, The Netherlands. This blanket is uniquely integrated with LEDs of a distinct wavelength, enhancing the therapeutic efficacy.

• Innovation: Unlike traditional light generators and optical fibers, the Philips Bilirubin Blanket is portable due to its embedded LED technology.
• Design: Crafted from a plush, flexible textile, this blanket illuminates the infant directly, offering a gentle embrace during treatment.
• Comfort: The design ensures that parents can cradle their baby while undergoing therapy, offering a comforting alternative to hospital-based treatments.

Ohmeda BiliBlanket

Originating in the early 1990s, the Ohmeda BiliBlanket has undergone various refinements over the years.

• Design: The current design is robust and portable.
• Application: Infants are secured to the pad either via a paper harness or by placing the pad loosely beneath their attire.

Healthdyne Wallaby

Healthdyne, a subsidiary of Respironics (known predominantly for their sleep apnea devices), offers the Wallaby biliblanket.

• Older Models: Early iterations were weighty and emitted significant noise.
• Features: A distinctive feature is the elongated cable, providing added mobility for the parent and infant.
• Newer Models: Modern versions of the Wallaby are on par with updated Ohmeda models in functionality.

Olympic Medical Bili-Lite Pad

The Olympic Medical Bili-Lite Pad has a distinct, no-frills design.

• Functionality: While it performs similarly to its counterparts, it lacks adjustable light intensity settings.
• Design: Boasts a potent light source, but adopts a more rudimentary design approach.

Ibis Medical - IREX Blanket LED Phototherapy

IREX Blanket LED Phototherapy, presented by Ibis Medical, employs flexible LEDs.

• Design: The enhanced surface area of the LEDs ensures reduced power consumption and extended durability.
• Guidelines: This phototherapy blanket aligns with the AAP guidelines for phototherapy.

Biliblanket Resources
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