Company Releases Refined Phototherapy System for Kids Born With Jaundice

A few years ago D-Rev, a nonprofit organization, developed the Brilliance, an affordable phototherapy system for treating infantile jaundice in the developing world. The $400 device has been  effective at treating the disease by delivering wavelength specific therapy as recommended by the standards of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Now D-Rev has released the new Brilliance Pro version of the system. The Pro builds on the Classic model thanks to modifications based on feedback from existing users. The new device costs $500, but includes some new features that really improve the effectiveness of therapy.

SmartTilt technology adjusts the light produced by the built-in blue LEDs based on the angle of the head of the unit, delivering consistent, even coverage of light over the baby’s skin. Additionally, the Brilliance Pro comes with a handheld light meter to make sure the light’s intensity meets the criteria of optimal therapy delivery. Finally, the device has been aesthetically improved and optimized to be able to be manufactured easier and in larger quantities.

“Brilliance Pro reflects D-Rev’s design process in action: learning from our customers and updating our products,” said Krista Donaldson, CEO. “We believe Brilliance Pro will help us reach further, giving under-served communities access to better healthcare and decreasing the number of newborns who die or are disabled as a result of severe jaundice.”

D-Rev has partnered with Phoenix Medical Systems of India to manufacture and distribute the updated model of its phototherapy system. Since its original launch in November 2012, Phoenix has sold more than 1,100 Brilliance Classic units in 23 countries, according to D-Rev bigwigs. The device has treated roughly 43,000 babies; of that total, 36,000 would not have received effective treatment otherwise. The company claims its Brilliance treatment has saved the lives of 560 infants.

“D-Rev listens to customers and works with Phoenix so the product and manufacturing capabilities are aligned; it is a true partnership,” said Sashi Kumar, managing director of Phoenix Medical Systems. “The cooperation will create more products at affordable costs, and be a catalyst for market change. Brilliance Pro has the potential to make kernicterus a thing of the past by 2020.”

Based in San Francisco, Calif., D-Rev’s work is funded largely by grants from global foundations, corporate donors and private funding.