A device developed by two Western Michigan University students may soon be helping keep premature babies alive in developing countries.
Joseph Barnett and Stephen John developed the NeoVent for hospitals in developing parts of the world. Barnett joined WMUK's Gordon Evans in studio, while John joined the conversation from Nepal via Skype. John says some hospitals in rural parts of Nepal did not have the equipment needed for the sickest of premature babies. He says many of the infants would die on the long drive to a larger city. John says the rural medical centers needed something that was affordable, low-power and easy to use.
The device improves on a machine that many hospitals have to help premature babies breathe. Barnett says the pressure from the device prevents lung collapse and allows them to keep breathing in and out. He says the cost is low for rural hospitals on tight budgets. Barnett says the adapter device can be added on for about $25.00.
John says there is a working prototype in the lab. He says once they get the machine produced they will probably start in Nepal. But John says there is need all over the world. Barnett says once they can prove the concept in Nepal, they hope to bring the machine to other countries.
Both John and Barnett plan to attend medical school, and both say they want to continue working in developing countries. Both men say they also plan to continue looking for opportunities to develop new medical devices that can help hospitals with limited resources.
After the interview was recorded, it was announced that John and Barnett are among this year's winner's of the Lemelson-MIT National College Prize Competition. The prestigious award includes a $10,000 cash prize.
Barnett, John and their new device were featured in the Spring 2015 edition of the Western Michigan University Magazine.
