This study presents a novel method for rapid prototyping of polymer microsystems. The method is based on excimer laser ablation of a thermally and mechanically stable polymer, such as PEEK (poly-ether-ether-ketone). A negative of the desired microsystem is laser machined in PEEK, which can then be used directly for hot embossing or injection moulding of a series of prototypes. This approach is very rapid and considerably cheaper than more traditional approaches to toolmaking, while still performing well in terms of reproduction of tool dimensions. The reduction in time and cost for a master tool using this method opens up new possibilities for testing small series in the R&D phase of a microsystem. Finally, two particular applications of the technique are presented.

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BACKGROUND: An emergency-release blood transfusion (ERBT) protocol (uncrossmatched type O-negative red blood cells, AB plasma, AB platelets) is critical for neonatology practice. However, few reports of emergency transfusions are available. We conducted an ERBT quality improvement project as a basis for progress. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:For each ERBT in the past 8 years, we logged indications, products, locations and timing of the transfusions, and outcomes. ABBREVIATIONS: CPDA-1 = citrate phosphate dextrose adenine 1; ERBT = emergency-release blood transfusion; IRB = Institutional Review Board; NICU = neonatal intensive care unit; QI = quality improvement; REDCap = Research Electronic Data Capture. From the ERBT = emergency-release blood transfusion; IVH = intraventricular hemorrhage; UAC = umbilical artery catheter; UVC = umbilical venous catheter.

BACKGROUND: In 2011 we reported 38 neonates with subgaleal hemorrhage (SH), relating that our incidence appeared to be increasing. DESIGN: We retrospectively analyzed every recognized case of SH in our hospitals from the end of our previous report to the present. We redescribed the incidence, compared severity to fetal/neonatal and obstetrical features, tabulated the blood products transfused, and recorded the outcomes at two-years.RESULTS: Across 141 months, 191 neonates were diagnosed with SH; 30 after vacuum or forceps. The overall incidence (one case/1815 births) was higher than in our 2011 report (one case/7124 births). Also, the incidence of severe SH (requiring transfusions) was higher (one case/10,033 births) than in our previous report (one case/20,950 births). Four died (all with severe SH) and 12 had neurodevelopmental impairment at two years. CONCLUSION: Recognized cases of SH are increasing in our healthcare system, without a clear explanation. Adverse outcomes are rare but continue to occur.

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