Designed to help reduce anesthesia mask anxiety in children
Breathe Down Buddy™ helps distract pediatric patients during mask induction.
Meet the Breathe Down Buddy™ - Patent Pending
A single use, non-pharmacological device intended to ease pediatric anxiety during mask inductions
For many kids, the most frightening part of surgery is the moment the anesthesia mask comes out. Bright lights, unfamiliar voices, and then a mask moving towards their face.
What should be a calm, routine induction often becomes the most traumatic moment of the entire experience.
The Breathe Down Buddy™ is a device that fits within the current anesthesia breathing circuit and is designed to keep the child distracted as the anesthetics are delivered in a calm, controlled manner.
Why this device is important
In the United States, an estimated 3–5 million pediatric surgeries are performed each year, with up to 80% of children experiencing perioperative anxiety.
Elevated anxiety levels have been associated with increased incidence of induction-related challenges, including agitation and combativeness, as well as higher risk of postoperative complications. Studies also link perioperative distress to negative behavioral outcomes such as sleep disturbances, enuresis, and, in some cases, persistent psychological effects.
Hospitals benefit with the Breathe Down Buddy™
OR delays create substantial downstream scheduling and staffing costs.
A difficult induction disrupts the operating schedule. This can lead to rescheduled or canceled surgeries, which are expenses the hospital cannot recoup.
The stress on clinicians' compounds across the entire day. Anesthesia professionals have to deal with the stress of complicated inductions, while other OR staff have to try to make up time to keep the day "on schedule."
Clinicians are under pressure to reduce restraint and unnecessary medications. And at the same time, patient experience and satisfaction are becoming increasingly tied to hospital performance.
Momentum & Traction
Selected participant in regional startup pitch competition
Selected to participate in the Innovate South Pitch Competition, showcasing Breathe Down Buddy among emerging healthcare and technology startups.
Opportunity Machine Builder Program Participant
Participated in the Opportunity Machine Builder Program, focused on customer discovery, business development, and startup commercialization.