A new way to detect swallowing problems in premature infants using a special bottle.
Official title: A Novel Non-Invasive Method of Dysphagia Detection in Preterm Infants: Bottle Finalization & Validation
Funded at Nuborn Medical, INC. · NIH-11008443 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Nuborn Medical, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Eden Prairie, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 16, 2020 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $859,275 |
| NIH project number | 2R42HD104305-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11008443 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are preterm infants born at less than 37 weeks gestation who may be experiencing feeding difficulties.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are full-term infants or those who do not exhibit any swallowing difficulties may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Nuborn Medical, INC.
Eden Prairie, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcgrattan, Katlyn Elizabeth — Nuborn Medical, INC.
- Study coordinator: Mcgrattan, Katlyn Elizabeth
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Non-Invasive Dysphagia Detection for Preterm Infants
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This grant studies how body composition in very preterm babies relates to later brain development and risk of obesity or diabetes, with findings meant to improve care from NICU through early childhood.
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This project follows newborns with congenital heart disease born early to understand how their brains are affected and how different surgical approaches might influence outcomes.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.