Stanford’s new invention -penguin-shaped armband- reduces the pain of injections in children

During a recent demonstration at Stanford Children’s Hospital, a team of doctors and researchers introduced an innovative device aimed at alleviating the pain and anxiety children often face during vaccinations, blood draws, or IV insertions. The device, called “Buddy Guard,” is a penguin-shaped vibrating wristband that connects via Bluetooth to a tablet, allowing kids to play a game reminiscent of whack-a-mole. Each time a player taps on a chicken in the game, the wristband vibrates, helping children to engage in the fun and temporarily forget the discomfort associated with medical procedures.

Astrid Suen, a research coordinator from Hong Kong who joined the project earlier this year, shared her thoughts on the initiative. She highlighted that both the penguin vibrator and the accompanying game were developed by their team, inspired by observations from pediatricians at Stanford concerning the anxiety that injections can provoke in children.

One young patient, Nicole, who had the opportunity to try out the device, remarked, “I wasn’t really scared of needles before, but having one poke into my body is always nerve-wracking. The penguin vibrator really helped me feel more comfortable, and the game was a lot of fun!”

Nicole’s mother, Susana, expressed her gratitude for the device, explaining that it provided both her and her daughter with a sense of security. With Nicole needing treatment that involves multiple needle encounters each day, Susana believes that this device plays a crucial role in supporting her daughter’s emotional wellbeing.

Dr. Sam Rodriguez, a pediatric anesthesiologist at Stanford and co-director of the Stanford Chariot Program, elaborated on the inspiration behind the penguin theme, which originated from a previous virtual reality game where patients would slide down a mountain as a penguin. This concept has gained traction among children due to its cute and entertaining nature.

Dr. Rodriguez shared that approximately 150 to 200 children aged two and older have tested the product so far. While the device can be used by children as young as two, he noted that it is most effective for those aged three and older, who can fully appreciate its benefits.

Currently in the development phase, Dr. Rodriguez acknowledged that the product is somewhat pricey, primarily funded by research grants and donations to Stanford Hospital. He plans to discuss with the production team the possibility of reducing the price to below $100, hoping to expand the device’s availability to other hospitals by the end of the year.