Phototherapy Systems

A high performance LED phototherapy system

The advanced LED phototherapy system from Delta Medical International offers unbeatable performance for bilirubin therapy. The product has high light output, large area of illumination and a combination of numerous other unique features to provide most effective treatment.

• Clinical background
• Technology
• Product features & benefits
• Phototherapy accessories
• Product Specifications
• References
• Brochure download

Clinical Background

There are a number of factors that can lead to development of jaundice (hyperbilrubinemia) in babies. High bilirubin levels can be dangerous for the neonate and in modern medical practice more effective treatment is achieved by exposure of the skin to intensive ultraviolet light in a specific wavelength band. The light breaks down the bilirubin in the skin and blood, allowing it to be metabolised. Decision to treat is usually ascertained by measuring serum bilirubin levels from a blood sample; more recently however a non-invasive transcutaneous jaundice meter may be used as a first stage diagnostic tool, reducing the trauma for the baby, as recommended by NICE (National Institute for Health & Care Excellence)¹.

Jaundice is present in over 80% of newborn babies² and is typically the most common cause of neonatal readmission to hospital³.  Guidelines recommend that phototherapy should be used to treat significant hyperbilrubinaemia^1,4 and if bilirubin levels are above the treatment threshold then phototherapy should be instigated. NICE also recommend that if serum bilirubin levels are rising rapidly, fail to respond to initial phototherapy, or reach a level that is less than 50µMol/L of exchange transfusion threshold, then intensified phototherapy should be considered¹.

The effectiveness of phototherapy in breaking down bilirubin is directly related to the wavelength of the light, its intensity and the amount of surface area of the patient that can be effectively illuminated. The amount of body area exposed to the light should be maximised, with light in the waveband 460-490nm being the most effective at converting unconjugated bilirubin⁵.

Technology

The LiLLY phototherapy system uses state-of-the-art LED technology giving highest light output in the required wavelength and very long life. The unit design further ensures a large illumination area can be achieved to give high efficacy, without generating heat. The use of LEDs ensures low power consumption and long life.

The LEDs used in the phototherapy unit have an unrivalled life of over 60,000 hours, giving best possible product life and reliability.

Product Features & Benefits

Dual Output Level: The phototherapy system has two light output levels allowing the user to easily choose between standard and intensified treatment modes. The high quality LED light source gives best possible jaundice treatment, to reduce bilirubin levels, with its combination of high intensity and large illumination area and helps to minimise the treatment time needed. A timer automatically monitors total treatment time

Examination Light: The system has an integrated white examination light for correct identification of the baby’s skin colour. This allows quick and easy visual assessment and helps to facilitate other procedures.

Mounting Options: The phototherapy unit can be used directly on top of the incubator or on an optional mobile stand. This allows easy positioning of the phototherapy lamp to suit individual needs, with a low profile wheelbase to ensure it fits under different incubators. The stand is easily operated, with a foot-switch for simple height adjustment.

Flexible Positioning: Setting up the phototherapy for each patient is assisted by two red light pinpoint indicators that can be activated to indicate the illumination field. The mobile stand has a versatile mounting that allows the light direction to be adjusted to a wide range of angles to suit every situation. In this way nursing staff can be confident that they can easily ensure optimal application of phototherapy to each individual patient.

Automatic Output Regulation: There is a control function that can automatically adjust the light output intensity to compensate for distance of the phototherapy light from the patient to give maximum treatment effectiveness.

Programmable Therapy Sequences: Users can program a number of different therapy routines, if required, that will allow simple activation of stored phototherapy sequences. The sequences allow staff to define light intensity and period of treatment for a series of steps. Once stored the programs can be activated at the touch of a button when needed. When using the unit in simple manual mode the total treatment time is logged and displayed and automatically adjusts for any periods when the light is off.

Patient Temperature Monitoring: During phototherapy there can naturally be a concern that the unclothed baby may become cold, or even too hot, depending on thermal management practice.  The LiLLY phototherapy system from Delta Medical has a patient temperature monitor fitted as standard. This means that for convenience the baby’s temperature can be monitored if desired, without the need to attach additional equipment.

Phototherapy Accessories

A number of accessory products designed to protect babies during phototherapy are also available. These include a wide range of protective eye shades and special phototherapy nappies that prevent light penetration. Full details can be found on the Baby Care product page.

Product Specifications

References

1. National Institute for Health & Care Excellence (NICE). Clinical Guidance CG98: Jaundice in newborn babies under 28 days.  www.nice.org.uk, 2010.
2. Bhutani, V., Stark, A., Lazzeroni, L., et al.  Predischarge screening for severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia identifies infants who need phototherapy. Journal of Pediatrics, 2013.
3. Sgro, M., Campbell, D., Shah, V.  Incidence and causes of severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia
   in Canada.  Canadian Medical Association Journal, 2006.
4. American Academy of Pediatrics Subcommittee of hyperbilirubinemia. Management of hyperbilirubinemia in the newborn infant 35 or more weeks of gestation.  Pediatrics, 2004.
5. Muchowski, K.  Evaluation and Treatment of Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia.  American Family Physicians Journal, 2014.

Brochure Download

Click to download the phototherapy system brochure.