Problem being addressed[edit | edit source]
Twenty million babies are born prematurely every year; the majority in resource-limited settings where access to advanced medicine is difficult. Many premature babies have difficulty regulating their own body temperature so hypothermia a serious problem. Incubators used in advanced healthcare nations, however, are too expensive to be applicable to resource-limited settings.
Detailed description of the solution[edit | edit source]
The Embrace Infant Warmer works by combining a hypoallergenic sleeping bag with a compartment that holds a pouch of wax. The pouch of wax is first heated to 37 degrees Celsius and then inserted into the sleeping bag with the baby. The bag will stay between 36 and 37 degrees Celsius for up to 4 hours. The warming bag is made of a phase-change material that prevents the baby from getting too warm or too cold.
Designed by[edit | edit source]
- Designed by: a non-profit organization called Embrace. It originated from a course at Stanford University. Embrace's website found here.
- Manufacturing: San Francisco, California, USA
When and where it was tested/implemented[edit | edit source]
The device was launched in India in 2010 and is currently in its clinical trial phase in India.
Funding Source[edit | edit source]
There is a combination of funding from university, private and NGO sources. Embrace, as a non-profit organization, is also partnering with GE Health.
References[edit | edit source]
Internally generated reports[edit | edit source]
Downloadable press kit with fact sheets and photos available here.
Externally generated reports[edit | edit source]
Chen, J. (n.d.). A warm embrace that saves lives. TED Talks. Link to TED talk available here.
Dooley, S. (2010). Embrace Infant Warmer Could Save Thousands. ABC. Link available here.
Sidner, S. (2011). Saving babies in India. CNN. Link to video available here.
IP and copyright[edit | edit source]
Pub. No.: WO/2009/139877 International Application No.: PCT/US2009/002977 Publication Date: 19.11.2009 International Filing Date: 12.05.2009 Chapter 2 Demand Filed: 11.12.20