THE STATUS QUO
A better way.
The existing standard of care for infant spinal tap procedures is to utilize an expert team to physically position the infant and perform the lumbar puncture. Even under ideal conditions, 25% or higher, lumbar punctures are unsuccessful; often leading to hospitalization due to diagnostic ambiguity.
30M
INFANT E.R. VISITS A YEAR (US)
38%
$5K
3.6M
BIRTHS IN THE U.S. PER YEAR
INTRODUCING SMöLTAP
The first vision of the future.
SMöLTAP is an innovative positioning cradle that secures an infant in a consistent position for a tap. The solution is a compelling response to a frustrating need that can improve procedural stress to infant and team.
The Impact
By centering the spinal tap procedure around the SMöLTAP device—developed by hospitalists with years of firsthand experience in the field—the process can become more consistent and replicable. With SMöLTAP, the energy and focus of the team can shift from physically positioning the infant to tap accuracy and infant comfort.
FIRST REACTIONS
The power of a breakthrough idea.
During our market validation studies, MDs, nurses, and operations team members who partnered with us during our development process, along with those who are active in our pilot program, have had a similar reaction to the SMöLTAP experience:
“Why did it take so long? When can we get one for our unit?”
“I can’t believe something this needed hasn’t been developed until now. I anticipate a lot of pent up interest…I have waited all my career for a device to make this procedure easier and I bet many others have as well.”
James J. O'Callaghan, MD
Hospitalist - Pediatrics
Seattle Children's
“Great idea for safer, easier, and more successful taps. About time! Great value proposition. I can't believe this is the first product to address this problem.”
Matthew Garber, MD
“The most common reason for a failed LP is the difficulty in positioning a baby. SMöLTAP solves the entire problem with such a simple and obvious solution that I'm honestly shocked it doesn't already exist.”
Eric Biondi, MD, MS
“The emotional, economic, and clinical value of the SMöLTAP product will be huge. This product would be ideal to elevate parent/patient satisfaction scores by minimizing discomfort for the infant and the emotional stress on the family.”
Jeremy Yardley, MD, FAAP
“Smoltap is a great product!! It was easy to place the infant in it, held the infant in a steady secure position. Thoughtfully designed so I had easy access to infant’s mouth to comfort with pacifier. Awesome device-easy to use, holds infant well and my hands didn’t hurt at the end of the procedure from holding the infant!! Wish it had come out sooner!!”
Tinu Singh, EVERGREEN NICU RN
SMöLTAP in
your department.
Our mission is to increase 1st stick success rates and improve the infant spinal tap procedure experience - for all involved! We are actively working with teams across various departments including ED/ER, PICU, NICU, Cancer Centers, OR, Wards and IR. If you are interested in learning more, please reach out via our “Contact Us” page!
