CHRISTUS Southeast Texas St Elizabeth Unveils HFOV Technology

​CHRISTUS Southeast Texas – St. Elizabeth recognized the National Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) by providing a high-frequency oscillatory ventilator to help save the lives of critically ill newborns. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), prematurely born babies, especially before 32 weeks, have higher death rates and disability. The high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) technology helps premature babies to breathe properly by protecting their delicate and underdeveloped lungs.

According to Lacey Goodman, director of neonatal services for CHRISTUS Southeast Texas - St. Elizabeth, unveiling HFOV technology to assist the most vulnerable babies served as a great milestone. Ms. Goodman indicated that since early 2024, HFOV had successfully treated three critically ill babies thanks to facilitation from the Children’s Miracle Network.

Colter Belk, born prematurely, remained in the NICU for 96 days as the first patient at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas—St. Elizabeth’s Level III NICU to receive HFOV treatment. After successful treatment, Colter has grown to a happy and healthy 5-month-old baby. Besides saving Colter’s life, the advanced technology has renewed hope for other babies faced with the same predicament in the southeast Texas community.

Paul Generale

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