New Delhi: Indian Institute of Technology, Ropar has developed a device ‘Jeevan Vayu’ which can be used as an alternative to CPAP machine. However, it is the first device in the country that works without electricity and is optimized for both oxygen production units like oxygen cylinders and oxygen pipelines in hospitals. These provisions are not available in other existing CPAP machines.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a treatment method for patients with breathing problems during sleep, called sleep apnea. This machine uses light air pressure to keep the air passages open for easier breathing. It is also used to treat newborns whose lungs are not fully developed. This machine blows air into his or her nose to help expand the baby’s lungs. This treatment is most important during the early stages of COVID-19 infection. It reduces lung damage and helps patients recover from side effects.
Meeting all medically required standards, this leak-free and low-cost CPAP delivery system, “Jeevan Vayu” is designed for 22 mm CPAP closed circuit tubes. It can also be customized to suit the size of the tube. Since it can run even when there is no electricity, it can be used for safe movement of patients.
Dr. Khushboo Rakha, Assistant Professor of Metallurgical & Materials, who developed the device at IIT Ropar’s Advanced Materials and Design Lab, said, “This machine was the need of the hour during the current COVID pandemic when there was a need for medical equipment like ventilators and oxygen concentrators. To save lives of people, the supply of electricity is a major concern.”
“It has an inbuilt viral filter at the air entertainment end, which has a viral effectiveness of 99.99 per cent,” assures Dr. Rekha. The viral filter ensures that the air does not bring disease-causing bacteria from the environment. The device has been fabricated using 3D printing and has also been mechanically tested.
‘Jeevan Vayu’ can provide high flow oxygen (20-60 lpm) while maintaining a constant positive pressure of up to 20 cm of H2O. This device is designed to maintain a FiO2 above 40 percent with a PrEP (Positive End-Expiratory Pressure) of 5-20 cm H2O.
Dr. Khushboo Rakha and her team have collaborated with Mr. Suresh Chand, Department-in-Charge of Rapid Prototyping Lab at Siemens Center of Excellence, Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh for 3D printing of the equipment.
The device is ready for medical testing and mass production.