Lumbar Puncture in Neonates
(2020-2021)
Our team is focusing on lumbar puncture in neonates. Neonates are classified as infants that are less than four weeks old and thus highly susceptible to infections. Lumbar puncture is the formal name for a “spinal tap” procedure done to withdraw cerebrospinal fluid for diagnostic purposes (primarily to confirm meningitis in neonates and infants). Currently, the standard of care for lumbar puncture leaves too much room for guesswork and can result in a “traumatic tap” in which blood contaminates the CSF sample or no CSF fluid is withdrawn and the procedure must be repeated in another area. In adults and even older children, a metric for the procedure being done correctly is a “pop” being felt by the practitioner when the needle experiences a change in resistance from a spinal ligament to the cerebrospinal canal. However, in neonates, undeveloped ligaments might result in the absence of a “pop,” making the procedure even less guided. As this procedure deals with such a vulnerable population of patients and has the potential to be quite traumatic, we foresee room to improve the accuracy and standardization of the procedure. A possible area of intervention we have come across is in the stabilization of the neonate during the procedure. Yet another could be the mechanical design of the needle to allow for a more accurate puncture trajectory or real-time correction of alignment during the procedure rather than requiring another puncture of the neonate’s back. Alternatively, chemical indicators could be used to inform the practitioner of the trajectory of the puncture.
After performing extensive research and receiving input from healthcare professionals, we have decided to focus on stabilization of the neonate during the procedure through a swaddle-based device. We are currently working on the finer details of the device and writing a provisional patent for our ideas.
After performing extensive research and receiving input from healthcare professionals, we have decided to focus on stabilization of the neonate during the procedure through a swaddle-based device. We are currently working on the finer details of the device and writing a provisional patent for our ideas.
Team Member Bios:
Amber Helton is a third-year student studying Biomedical Engineering through the progressive degree program. She is thinking about going into the biomedical industry, with the possible goal of going into teaching or academia. Amber has also worked as a Resident Assistant and Virtual Peer Mentor (VPM) for first year students.
Vy Ho is a sophomore in Biomedical Engineering with an Electrical Engineering Emphasis. She’s the current Funding Chair for MEDesign, and she’s interested in applying for the PDP program at USC. After graduation, she aspires to work in industry in one of the various engineering subfields.
Lindsey Marks is a senior studying Biomedical Engineering with a Mechanical Engineering Emphasis and is pursuing a master’s degree through the PDP program at USC in Product Development Engineering. She will be pursuing a career in medical device R&D.
Nick Enriquez is a sophomore studying Biomedical Engineering and was conducting on-campus research in a related field. He hopes to pursue a minor in entrepreneurship and career in a related start-up company.
Paris Blass is a junior majoring in Biomedical Engineering with a Mechanical Engineering Emphasis. She hopes to one day work in the bioelectronics industry. She is looking to go through the progressive degree program at USC to additionally earn her Masters in Biomedical Engineering.
Vy Ho is a sophomore in Biomedical Engineering with an Electrical Engineering Emphasis. She’s the current Funding Chair for MEDesign, and she’s interested in applying for the PDP program at USC. After graduation, she aspires to work in industry in one of the various engineering subfields.
Lindsey Marks is a senior studying Biomedical Engineering with a Mechanical Engineering Emphasis and is pursuing a master’s degree through the PDP program at USC in Product Development Engineering. She will be pursuing a career in medical device R&D.
Nick Enriquez is a sophomore studying Biomedical Engineering and was conducting on-campus research in a related field. He hopes to pursue a minor in entrepreneurship and career in a related start-up company.
Paris Blass is a junior majoring in Biomedical Engineering with a Mechanical Engineering Emphasis. She hopes to one day work in the bioelectronics industry. She is looking to go through the progressive degree program at USC to additionally earn her Masters in Biomedical Engineering.