1. Biogel Paste and Electrode System for Rapid Neonatal Monitoring
Russel Hirsch, M.D.
Director, Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory
Diector, Pulmonary Hypertension Service

2. Title
The Issue
Wet skin surface to attach electrodes or other electrical instrumentation for example:
Immediate newborn monitoring is frequently delayed due to inability of standard ECG electrodes to adhere to wet or moist skin surface
Observation of skin color, respiration attempts and cord pulse may impede speed of onset of standard neonatal resuscitation
Most relevant when:
Emergency deliveries
Associated congenital heart disease
Potential need for immediate neonatal intervention
However: This is a universal problem

3. Current Practice Immediate drying, warming and stimulation of patient
Palpation of cord pulse and auscultation in newborn (inaccurate, emergency situation)
Attempted placement of standard ECG electrodes and other monitoring devices (pulse oximeter and temperature probes, etc.)
Often need to be replaced or repositioned when they slip off due to skin moisture and vernix

4. The Proposed Solution
Inexpensive. Short term use. Disposable. Electroconductive material or electrode that adheres to a wet surface of the skin without breaking down the tissue.

5. Restrictions / Limitations
Material needs to stay in place, and should not spread
Should be easy to remove
Non-allergenic
Non-reactive
Ability to interact with existing monitors, EEG, ECG, etc.
Interface with commercially available ECG monitors

6. Summary
Integrated system that allows for immediate neonatal monitoring under adverse skin conditions and other wet enviroments 
Low-tech / Inexpensive / Reusable tube
Potential for widespread use