Approved for use on COVID-19 patients requiring oxygen supplementation up to 35 per cent
CSIR-NAL scientists along with medical professionals from CSIR-IGIB came of forward to address the shortages of ventilators in the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and indigenously designed and developed the non-invasive bi-level positive airway pressure ventilator –SwasthVayu, with additional features to treat COVID-19 patients and make the country self-reliant.
As per a PIB release, the performance of the device has been evaluated by the expert committee constituted by Director General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. The expert committee, after careful evaluation, has concluded that SwasthVayu may be used on COVID-19 patients who require oxygen supplementation up to 35 per cent.
CSIR-NAL has commercialised this technology with six private companies and one of these companies (which is in the MSME category) has reportedly set up production facilities for almost 300 units per week. CSIR-NAL recently bagged an order for supply of 1200 SwasthVayu machines to Delhi Government, and the execution and installation at various hospitals in Delhi is being implemented.
SwasthVayu developed by CSIR-NAL is a microcontroller based precise closed-loop adaptive control system with a built-in biocompatible “3D printed manifold and coupler” with HEPA filter (Highly Efficient Particulate Air Filter). These unique features help to alleviate the fear of the virus spread. It has features like CPAP, Bi-Timed, Spontaneous / AUTO modes with provision to connect Oxygen concentrator or enrichment unit externally.
The ventilator has gone through stringent tests for electrical safety, performance and bio-compatibility at NABL accredited agency and clinical trials have been conducted at Command Hospital, Bangalore and Mysore Medical College & Research Institute, Mysore on 50 COVID-19 patients, as per a PIB release.
The clinical trial reports reporetedly reveal that the performance of “SwasthVayu” ventilator device is satisfactory and effective in improving saturation during use for CoVID-19 patients. It is the culmination of dedicated efforts of medical professionals at CSIR-IGIB and aerospace scientists at CSIR-NAL including support from CSIR-NAL Health Center, Command Hospital, Bangalore and Mysore Medical College & Research Institute, Mysore.