The device, called AirBridge, works as a bridge for a few hours to a few days before conventional ventilation is provided
The demand for ventilators across the country has increased due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. To meet this demand, researchers from Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), Kerala developed an Emergency Breathing Assist System (EBAS) called AirBridge.
The portable, battery-operated and user-friendly device can be used for ventilator support during COVID-19-related and other emergency situations. It can be used in hospital wards, when patients are being transported in ambulances and in small hospitals that do not have central oxygen supply systems and rely on oxygen cylinders.
“The device is not a replacement for a mechanical ventilator. It works as a bridge for a few hours to a few days before conventional mechanical ventilation can be provided,’’ said SCTIMST director Asha Kishore.
The know-how and design of the EBAS was transferred to Wipro 3D — a business division of Wipro Infrastructure Engineering — in April 2020 for further joint development.
AirBridge was declared ready for commercial production and jointly launched by SCTIMST and Wipro 3D through video conference July 7, 2020.
A team of engineers Sarath S Nair, Vinod Kumar V and Nagesh DS from SCTIMST’s department of medical device engineering and professors Thomas Koshy and Manikantan from the department of anaesthesia developed the specifications and technology. (India Science Wire)
The device has been certified by Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
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