Newborn flexible electrode

Newborn Electroencephalogram (EEG)

The neonatal period refers to the first 28 days after full-term birth, or the equivalent age range for premature infants after correction for gestational age. Neonatal EEG is primarily used for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of neonatal seizures, as well as for functional assessment of neonatal brain development and brain injury. Neonatal EEG recording has specific requirements that differ from those applicable to other age groups. First, neonatal EEG monitoring should adhere to the basic requirements for routine EEG and video EEG procedures; at the same time, it is necessary to establish EEG technical standards that are tailored to the unique characteristics of newborns.

Amplitude-Integrated Electroencephalogram (aEEG)

With advances in modern medicine, the neonatal mortality rate has been steadily declining, and the survival rates of premature and extremely premature infants have improved.
The incidence is gradually increasing. However, since critically ill newborns and preterm infants born at very low gestational ages who survive are both high-risk groups for brain injury, monitoring brain function in premature newborns is of great significance.

Amplitude Electroencephalography (aEEG) is an important electrophysiological technique for assessing brain function in newborns. It can be used to evaluate neonatal brain development, diagnose brain injury, and assess prognosis. It is also valuable for monitoring neonatal seizures and thus holds significant clinical importance. Under the organization of the Perinatal Medicine Committee of the Pediatric Society of the Chinese Medical Association and following discussions among experts in the field, a consensus statement was published in the January 2019 issue of the Chinese Journal of Neonatology. This consensus indicates that amplitude electroencephalography (aEEG) will be applied more widely and in a standardized manner in the clinical assessment of neonatal brain development and brain injury.

Requirements for Electrodes in Newborn EEG Monitoring

Considering the special health needs of newborns and premature infants, the “Clinical Guidelines for EEG Technique Operations” provides clear operational guidelines for electrodes used in EEG monitoring of newborns.

1. Hospital Infection Prevention Measures: The hospital infection control regulations for neonatal wards must be strictly enforced. Before installing electrodes or performing any other procedures involving contact with the infant, personnel must thoroughly wash their hands or use a quick hand sanitizer and carefully clean the infant’s scalp. Only disinfected disc-shaped electrodes should be used; electrodes must be securely fixed using conductive gel, medical adhesive tape, and an elastic cap. Bridge electrodes or needle electrodes are not recommended, nor is the use of collodion for electrode fixation. After each recording session, electrodes should be thoroughly rinsed with running water, then wiped clean with 75% alcohol or disinfecting wipes. If necessary, UV disinfection should be performed to prepare the electrodes for subsequent use. All EEG equipment and devices located in the neonatal ward must be regularly cleaned and wiped down.

2. Electrode Placement: Given the small head circumference of newborns, the number of recording electrodes can be appropriately reduced. We recommend using either 9 or 11 EEG recording electrodes. The 9-electrode configuration includes the following channels according to the 10-20 system: Fp1/Fp2, C3/C4, T3/T4, O1/O2, and Cz. Among these, Fp1/Fp2 can also be replaced by Fp3/Fp4 (located midway between Fp1/Fp2 and F3/F4). The 11-electrode configuration adds Fz and Pz to the above-mentioned 9-electrodes (see Figure 8-1). The reference electrodes are placed at A1 and A2. Since newborns have small earlobes, the mastoid regions (M1 and M2) can also be used as substitutes. The ground electrode (G) is positioned along the midline of the forehead or at the mastoid region. When placing the electrodes, avoid areas where the skull has not yet fused (such as the anterior or posterior fontanelles), scalp edema, hematomas, or any lesions on the scalp as much as possible. However, ensure that the electrodes are symmetrically placed on both sides, and clearly document any adjustments made to the electrode positions in the recording protocol. Typically, one lead for electrocardiography, one lead for electromyography (mandibular region), bilateral electrodes for electrooculography, and a respiratory sensor should also be included.

3. Scalp Care: Newborn skin is delicate. During prolonged EEG monitoring, electrodes can easily compress and damage the local scalp. Nursing staff should temporarily interrupt recording approximately every 12 hours, remove all electrodes, and gently clean the scalp. After an interval of 2 hours, the electrodes should be repositioned to resume recording, thereby preventing skin pressure injuries. If any skin lesions occur, they should be properly treated; if necessary, the EEG examination should be discontinued. It is recommended that each shift have a relatively fixed nurse in charge.

What are the current limitations and unmet needs regarding electrodes used for newborn EEG?

Considering the special health needs of newborns and premature infants, the “Clinical Guidelines for EEG Technique Operations” provides clear operational guidelines for electrodes used in EEG monitoring of newborns.

Amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) monitoring has been used in clinical practice for many years and can be employed for the early diagnosis of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy in premature infants and high-risk newborns, as well as for assessing the extent of brain injury. It holds significant clinical value for monitoring neonatal brain function. According to the operational guidelines for clinical EEG technology outlined in the "Clinical Guidelines for EEG Techniques," traditional EEG electrodes are reused. Because these electrodes are made of relatively rigid metal, they may cause adverse effects such as pressure ulcers and blisters. Therefore, they require frequent cleaning and disinfection, along with regular inspections to prevent skin injuries in newborns. Moreover, electrode placement is cumbersome and extremely inconvenient to use.

In response to the need for early diagnosis of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and for brain function monitoring and assessment, GreenTech has developed a new type of flexible, single-use neonatal EEG electrode. This electrode features convenient operation, efficient signal acquisition, and long-term monitoring capabilities. During use, it avoids cross-interference and effectively reduces the risk of pressure ulcers and skin damage in clinical settings. Its adoption will significantly enhance the operational efficiency of clinicians and promote the wider application of EEG technology in neonatal neurological monitoring. By doing so, it can help mitigate issues such as poor prognoses in infants with brain injury, demonstrating both strong practical value and broad application potential. This new flexible, single-use neonatal EEG electrode will drive advancements in the widespread adoption of neonatal EEG recording technology, providing clinicians with a more convenient and safer solution for neonatal EEG sensing.

Glintech Disposable Flexible Neonatal Electrode

Integrated multi-channel EEG electrodes that are lightweight, safe, and quick to install and position—facilitating easy operation and use for physicians. They enable effective, long-term monitoring, ensuring greater comfort for newborn babies.

What are the advantages of Greentech’s flexible electrodes for newborns?
1. Quick installation to enhance physicians’ operational efficiency.

Traditional EEG recording requires training for physicians or nursing staff who operate the equipment. Electrodes must be placed one by one according to specific positioning rules, and conductive gel must be applied separately and used in conjunction with the electrodes to complete data acquisition. Greentech’s new flexible neonatal electrodes feature an integrated, printed electrode array. Utilizing a novel conductive silver-silver chloride paste technology, the electrodes are printed onto a flexible substrate following a predetermined circuit design, integrating multiple recording channels into a single electrode array. A light-curing encapsulation process ensures that signals from different electrodes do not interfere with each other. Moreover, a pre-applied conductive gel technology is employed, with the conductive gel already pre-positioned at the front end of each electrode. Compared to traditional cable-based electrode systems, these new flexible neonatal electrodes are simpler and easier to use. Medical personnel can quickly install and position them during operation, significantly improving physician efficiency and saving clinical working time.

2. Soft and comfortable, making newborn babies even more cozy.

Compared to conventional clinical metal electrodes, Greentech’s flexible, printed electrode patches for newborns feature softness, excellent adhesion, and ease of long-term wear—making them particularly well-suited for extended monitoring and measurement applications. Unlike rigid metal electrodes that can cause adverse reactions such as blisters and redness due to their hard contact with the skin, Greentech’s flexible newborn electrodes address these issues effectively. Neonatal EEG monitoring places even higher demands on the long-term stability and biocompatibility of electrodes. Test results demonstrating the long-term conductivity stability of Greentech’s flexible newborn electrodes under skin-simulating conditions show that they meet the requirement for continuous conductivity over 24 to 48 hours. Moreover, both the raw materials and accompanying components are made from medical-grade materials, and the entire product has successfully passed biocompatibility tests—including assessments for skin irritation and allergic reactions. Additionally, small-scale trials have been conducted in multiple hospitals to gather user feedback, ensuring that these electrodes fully satisfy the needs of long-term monitoring for newborn infants.

3. Single-use electrodes to prevent cross-infection.

Because newborn babies have extremely delicate scalp skin, especially in cases of traumatic brain injury or cerebral hemorrhage, the repeated use of consumables carries a high risk of cross-infection. Greentech’s neonatal flexible electrodes are manufactured using a printing process, which significantly reduces production costs. As single-use consumables, they offer the advantages of cleanliness, convenience, and zero risk of cross-infection—making them particularly well-suited for EEG recordings under extreme conditions such as intensive care.

GreenTech newborn flexible electrodes have been recognized and highly praised by users.

The numerous advantages of Greentech’s neonatal flexible electrodes provide clinical practitioners with a more convenient consumables solution while effectively reducing the risk of cross-infection. The product has already been piloted and promoted in several institutions across Xi'an, Guangdong, and Nanjing. We have collected feedback from several Grade-III hospitals regarding the product’s comfort, ease of use, device compatibility, electrode placement accuracy, and signal quality. Doctors and medical professionals have expressed strong approval of the product, noting that it enhances operational efficiency and delivers excellent signal quality.

Clinical trials and partial user feedback

If you have any requirements for disposable flexible electrodes, please contact Greentech’s technical staff. Contact: Dr. Li, Phone: [phone number] 15926282558。