MiraCradle – Neonate Cooler

MiraCradle® is used for inducing therapeutic hypothermia in babies suffering from birth asphyxia. It works by absorbing heat from the baby’s body to bring an equilibrium at desired temperature of 33.5°C for 72 hours. This is achieved using specifically engineered phase change materials (PCMs). The thermal energy storage technology and cascaded PCM design allow temperature to be maintained at a precise point throughout the course of therapy.

Therapeutic hypothermia is the recommended therapy where the baby is cooled to temperatures 33°C-33.5°C for 72 hours; cooling reduces metabolism and therefore reduces the oxygen demand by brain cells preventing cell death.

Asphyxiated babies should be given hypothermia within 6 hrs of birth. Since baby could have been asphyxiated even before birth, it is advisable to give hypothermia as soon as the possible.

Yes. MiraCradle – Neonate Cooler induces and sustains hypothermia for 72 hours and provides precise temperature control. However, the following equipment used alongside the MiraCradle is essential for effective treatment of the newborn:

• Warmer: an infant radiant warmer is essential for using MiraCradle. The warming source is required to keep a check on temperature dropping below 33°C. The warmer should be used in manual mode, it is turned off when cooling is initiated and used when the temperature drops below the desired range.
• Neonatal rectal probe: required to monitor the core temperature of the newborn.
• Multi-parameter monitor: required for constant monitoring of the temperature and setting alarms for the desired temperature range of the newborn.

The treatment of HIE may also require other devices such as a ventilator, neuro-imaging devices, etc. The hospital and the doctor should have the required understanding and arrangements before starting the therapeutic hypothermia treatment.

For decontamination (contamination not due to soiling) of MiraCradle®, liquid chemicals are used to kill non-spore forming bacteria on the device. Some commonly used disinfectants are Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach), ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol (70%), Alconox, Liquinox, Cidex (Glutaraldehyde).
However, we recommend ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol or mixture of two, with minimum concentration of 70%. Labels and stickers used on MiraCradle® are tested for compatibility with alcohols only. Any deviation from the recommendation is at the own risk of user.

For more specific questions regarding assembly, use, cleaning, maintenance and repair, please consult the Frequently Asked Questions document available for download.