Device developed for premature babies patented

Üsküdar University has achieved a significant success in the field of health technologies. The IoT-based “Oral-Motor and Suck-Swallow Assessment Device”, which can analyze the “suck-swallow-breathe” coordination – critically important for premature babies during hospital discharge – with objective data, has been awarded a “Utility Model Certificate” by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office. The device analyzes the complex coordination of swallowing and breathing with a holistic approach, not limiting sucking behavior solely to pressure measurement. The device aims to contribute to the early detection of developmental risks in infants and improve their quality of life.

From scientific insight to technological solution

Developed by faculty members of the Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences, Speech and Language Therapy Department, Prof. Ahmet Konrot, Asst. Prof. Göksu Yılmaz Tarakçı, and Dayan Ofoghata, the device analyzes the complex coordination of swallowing and breathing with a holistic approach, not limiting sucking behavior solely to pressure measurement.

In this context, the “Oral-Motor and Suck-Swallow Assessment Device” was awarded a “Utility Model Certificate” by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office with the number TR 2023 012541 Y.

Starting point: Sucking and feeding difficulties

The starting point of the invention was the suck and feeding difficulties frequently encountered in newborns and premature babies, which are often not objectively assessable. Ensuring safe and adequate oral feeding in newborns is considered one of the most important conditions for discharge, especially for premature babies.

Furthermore, studies in the literature indicate that impairments in these skills can be indicators of early neurodevelopmental risks.

Multiple physiological parameters analyzed simultaneously

The developed device stands out as a system capable of simultaneously recording and analyzing multiple physiological parameters related to suck-swallow-breathe coordination. The device was designed to enable remote data sharing between clinician and patient, allowing its use in both assessment and rehabilitation processes.

Thanks to its IoT-based structure, the aim is for measurements to be performed outside hospital environments and for data to be instantly transferred to the clinician.

Also usable in therapy processes

The system is not limited to evaluations for the neonatal period but also holds potential for use in assessing swallowing difficulties and oral-motor muscle function problems seen in childhood and adulthood, as well as in therapy processes. In this respect, the device is positioned as an important part of remote monitoring and early intervention systems.

Under protection for 10 years

The Utility Model, registered on March 23, 2026, was placed under protection for a period of 10 years within the scope of Industrial Property Law No. 6769. This development once again demonstrated Üsküdar University's R&D and innovation capacity in the field of health.

Transformed into added value with BrainPark TTO support

Üsküdar University BrainPark Technology Transfer Office (TTO), which provided strategic support throughout all stages of the project from the idea phase to the registration process, played a key role in transforming this innovative invention from an academic study into social and economic value.

With this registration, Üsküdar University not only implements a domestic and national health technology but also aims to improve the quality of life by contributing to the early detection of developmental risks in infants.