ELMSFORD, N.Y., Sept. 24, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A uniquely designed warming system that specifically addresses the clinical issues of cold stress and hypothermia in newborn babies has been introduced by NovaMed USA, a worldwide leader in critical care temperature products.
The Koala Infant Warmer, is a patented reusable conductive thermal mattress that provides continuous even warmth to an infant, effectively simulating a mother's natural body warmth. Unlike the traditional radiant warmer, the Koala conducts heat from beneath the infant rather than from above, thus optimizing heat transfer directly to the infant. Since radiant warmers transfer heat from above the infant, the system is subject to air currents within the room, making it less efficient. The radiant warmer design does not provide easy access to the infant and the infrared rays generated by the warmer can be extremely uncomfortable for medical personnel.
The Koala can address those infants prone to hypothermia outside the NICU and eliminate the need for intensive intervention and the complexity of an incubator or radiant warmer. This FDA-approved product can be utilized in the Delivery Suite, Newborn Nursery, Neonatal ICU, ER, OR and can be configured for Intra-Hospital Transport.
As a leader in critical care temperature products, NovaMed USA recognized the need for an effective, low cost, portable warming device that could address the importance of neonatal thermoregulation. Any deviation from the norm can have serious implications on a newborn's early development, overall health and well-being. The stability of an infant's body temperature from first minutes to first week of life is often challenging.
"Now, there is a new solution to keep baby warm as the Koala Infant Warmer offers a simple, effective, and economical solution to neonatal warming," stated Carol Schuler, EVP Marketing & Sales of NovaMed USA.
With the increase in pre-term, high-risk low birthweight babies, the Koala Infant Warmer is also certain to be favored by EMS Transport teams and hospital Emergency Rooms to help critical care neonates maintain normal body temperature. It is ideal for these scenarios as the Koala Infant Warmer is intended to become a standard warming method adopted in hospital delivery suites, neonatal intensive care units and newborn nurseries.