A new way to detect swallowing problems in premature infants using a special bottle.

A Novel Non-Invasive Method of Dysphagia Detection in Preterm Infants: Bottle Finalization & Validation

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · NUBORN MEDICAL, INC. · NIH-11008443

This study is testing a new, safe bottle that helps doctors check if preterm babies have trouble swallowing, so they can start the right treatment early and help these little ones get better faster.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorNUBORN MEDICAL, INC. (nih funded)
Locations1 site (Eden Prairie, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11008443 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a non-invasive method to detect dysphagia, or swallowing difficulties, in preterm infants using a specially designed SMART bottle. The bottle allows clinicians to objectively assess an infant's sucking and swallowing abilities without exposing them to harmful radiation, which is a risk with traditional diagnostic methods. By identifying swallowing deficits early, healthcare providers can implement appropriate treatment plans to improve the health outcomes of these vulnerable infants. The goal is to reduce hospital stays and associated costs while enhancing the overall care for preterm infants.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are preterm infants born at less than 37 weeks gestation who may be experiencing feeding difficulties.

Not a fit: Patients who are full-term infants or those who do not exhibit any swallowing difficulties may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and treatment of swallowing difficulties in preterm infants, improving their health outcomes and reducing hospital stays.

How similar studies have performed: While traditional methods for assessing dysphagia have been established, this non-invasive approach using a SMART bottle is a novel technique that has not been widely tested in clinical settings.

Where this research is happening

Eden Prairie, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.