A Novel Prototype Neonatal Resuscitator That Controls Tidal Volume and Ventilation Rate: A Comparative Study of Mask Ventilation in a Newborn Manikin

Anne Lee Solevåg, Enrico Haemmerle, Sylvia van Os, Katinka P. Bach, Po-Yin Cheung, Georg M. Schmölzer

The objective of this randomized controlled manikin trial was to examine tidal volume (VT) delivery and ventilation rate during mask positive pressure ventilation (PPV) with five different devices, including a volume-controlled prototype Next Step™ device for neonatal resuscitation. We hypothesized that VT and rate would be closest to target with the Next Step™. Twenty-five Neonatal Resuscitation Program providers provided mask PPV to a newborn manikin (simulated weight 1 kg) in a randomized order with a self-inflating bag (SIB), a disposable T-piece, a non-disposable T-piece, a stand-alone resuscitation system T-piece, and the Next Step™. All T-pieces used a peak inflation pressure of 20 cmH2O and a positive end-expiratory pressure of 5 cmH2O. The participants were instructed to deliver a 5 mL/kg VT (rate 40-60/min) for 1 min with each device and each of three test lungs with increasing compliance of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mL/cmH2O. VT and ventilation rate were compared between devices and compliance levels (linear mixed model). All devices, except the Next Step™ delivered a too high VT, up to sixfold the target at the 2.0-mL/cmH2O compliance. The Next Step™ VT was 26% lower than the target in the low compliance. The ventilation rate was within target with the Next Step™ and SIB, and slightly lower with the T-pieces. In conclusion, routinely used newborn resuscitators over delivered VT, whereas the Next Step™ under delivered in the low compliant test lung. The SIB had higher VT and rate than the T-pieces. More research is needed on volume-controlled delivery room ventilation.