Advice
Specialist commentator comments
Specialist commentator comments
Comments on this technology were invited from clinical experts working in the field and relevant patient organisations. The comments received are individual opinions and do not represent NICE's view.
One of the 4 specialist commentators had used this technology before.
Level of innovation
All specialist commentators stated that the design of the device is novel but is based on existing EEG concepts.
Potential patient impact
One specialist said the device could be quicker to apply causing less disturbance to the newborn and result in a faster result. It could also be less invasive but the integrity and quality of the signal produced and its stability over prolonged periods (up to 72 hours) would need to be proven. One specialist stated that adhesive electrodes are likely to be more comfortable for the baby than needle electrodes. One specialist noted that Neon EEG may save time for staff if the electrodes stay in place better and do not need to be adjusted. The commentators agreed that this device would be used on babies in intensive care who may have had hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy, seizures, strokes and babies who are critically unwell and are muscle relaxed.
Potential system impact
Specialist commentators thought there could be lower staff costs but only where multichannel EEG is routine. In units using multichannel EEG, this would be a useful addition to existing methods. One specialist noted that non-invasive EEG monitoring often provides a lower quality signal than invasive needle electrodes. One specialist noted that babies will usually need aEEG monitoring for a minimum of 72 hours, there are no data on how Neon EEG performs over prolonged periods and the instructions for use for Neon EEG state that it is single use only (12 hours).
General comments
One specialist noted that, although multichannel EEG is the gold-standard for monitoring brain function, because of the lack of devices and expertise in interpretation, most NICUs in the UK adopt aEEG monitoring. One specialist said reliability of the Neon electrodes will be important, as will evidence of the signal quality performance in cases of high impedance, such as with hairy babies. One specialist noted that Neon EEG is a fixed size whereas the head size of newborn babies is highly variable, they concluded that the device may not be suitable for every baby.