Triggering non-invasive mechanical ventilation with transcutaneous electromyography of the diaphragm in infants

Neonatologists mention synchronization of non-invasive respiratory support with spontaneous breathing as one of the major challenges in their respiratory support management of (preterm) infants.With this NWO-grant we aim to develop a new ventilator triggering method based on transcutaneous electromyography of the diaphragm (dEMG). dEMG is an easy-to-use bedside technique, which is able to measure the breathing effort of preterm infants. Using the dEMG signal to detect the start of inspiration and import this into the ventilator could result in synchronized nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation, making the non-invasive respiratory support more effective.