Diaphragm Electrical Activity of Preterm Infants on nCPAP With Binasal Prongs Versus RAM Cannula

Preterm babies have immature lungs and frequent pauses in their breathing which often necessitates breathing support. Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (nCPAP) is one of the most commonly used tools, but the standard interfaces (prongs or mask) may cause nasal-septal injury and discomfort. The RAM cannula is another interface that consists in soft and curved prongs to avoid this nasal injury, but as the seal is not 100%, suboptimal delivery of airway distending pressure could result if they are used to deliver CPAP, as compared to standard interfaces. The investigators plan to study very low birth weight preterm babies who are generally well but require some support with their breathing. By inserting a special feeding tube with sensors into the stomach, the investigators can measure the electrical activity of the diaphragm (EAdi), which is an important muscle for breathing. By analyzing EAdi in babies receiving nCPAP either with prongs or ram cannula, the investigators will be able to measure and compare how each method of support affects a baby's breathing. This important study will help us determine the most appropriate breathing support for preterm babies.