NeoFusion — a fully mechanical syringe pump for neonatal care in low-resource settings

Introduction

Neovi Medical is a team of engineers dedicated to developing innovative medical solutions for low-resource countries. Our flagship product, NeoFusion, is a fully mechanical syringe pump designed to address neonatal mortality in regions with limited infrastructure and unreliable electricity.

Up to 80% of medical devices do not function properly upon arrival to low-resource countries

Needs Statement

There are approximately 6,500 newborn deaths every day. Although many of these deaths are preventable with proper access to quality healthcare, the world continues to see a health crisis that disproportionately impacts low-resource countries, with 98% of newborn deaths occurring in these regions. The WHO has identified syringe infusion pumps as necessary medical devices in low-resource countries. Syringe pumps are able to deliver precise amounts of medications, fluids, nutrients, and electrolytes to neonates, and they are critical in helping preterm babies maintain normal glucose levels. However, the majority of syringe pumps on the market depend on electricity, which is often unreliable in areas lacking proper infrastructure. Our solution, NeoFusion, does not require electricity and is fully mechanical, driven by the potential energy of a spring. We are collaborating with physicians, global-health experts, engineering faculty, and business mentors to design our product.

Neonatal mortality statistics: 2.3 million deaths yearly, 98% in low-resource countries, preventable deaths with proper care

Initial Pitch

Watch our opening pitch recording (NeoFusion).

Approach

NeoFusion uses a circular spring that is manually wound before use, providing the energy to power the syringe pump without any electrical requirements. The rate of energy release from the spring, and consequently the flow rate, is controlled by adjusting the position of a weight on a pendulum escapement—much like how a mechanical metronome works.