INFANT SPINAL TAPS? An easier way??!! SMöLTAP Demo & Review!!
Neonatal lumbar punctures are not always easy! Holding and performing! More data is emerging that the sitting up position may be more successful in the bigger babies. I'm Dr. Tala, board-certified neonatologist, and in this video, I'm sharing an honest, unsponsored review of the SMöLTAP device — a cradle designed to position babies safely in an upright sitting position during lumbar punctures (LPs).
In this video, I walk you through:
— What SMöLTAP is and how it works
— The 3 key benefits: gravity assist, pelvis tilt & baby comfort
— Step-by-step demo of placing a baby in the device
— Who can use it (34 to 50 weeks of gestational age)
— Safety considerations for tiny NICU babies
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Dr. Tala is a board-certified neonatologist and has worked in busy level III and IV units for the past 18 years. She has won multiple teaching awards throughout her time as a neonatologist.
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References:
https://smoltap.com/
Improved success rates with LPs when infant sitting up NOT decubitus position: Assessment of infant position and timing of stylet removal to improve lumbar puncture success in neonates (NeoCLEAR): an open-label, 2 × 2 factorial, randomised, controlled trial Marshall, Andrew S J et al. The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, Volume 7, Issue 2, 91 - 100
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10591282/
Sitting up position for LP: https://www.loc.gov/resource/ppmsca.09456/
Holding in a Side-lying position: one hand on legs & one on head: https://dontforgetthebubbles.com/how-to-perform-a-lumbar-puncture/
Sweet-Ease sucrose drops: For pain reduction prior to procedures: https://int-bio.com/developmental-care/calming-and-soothing/sweet-ease-sucrose-solution/
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***TIMESTAMPS***
00:00 — Introduction
00:24 — Why Sitting Position is Better for Baby Spinal Taps
03:33 — 3 Key Advantages of the SMöLTAP Device
05:33 — Device Overview
06:11 — Step-by-Step Demo | How to Place Baby in the SMöLTAP device
08:24 — Final Thoughts
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*Disclaimer*: This video is intended for educational purposes only and while we strive to give the most accurate information, errors may occur. Subsequently, this video should not be a replacement for medical advice.