COVID-19: National Aerospace Laboratories develop 'SwasthVayu', a non-invasive ventilator

In a record time of just 36 days, a non-invasive BiPAP ventilator 'SwasthVayu' has been developed by CSIR - National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Bengaluru, a constituent of the lab of CSIR to treat COVID-19 patients.

Bengaluru: CSIR - National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Bengaluru, has developed a non-invasive BiPAP ventilator to treat COVID-19 patients.

The premium aerospace lab of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research said its team of doctors and specialists used a spinoff aerospace technology to come out with the device. The ventilator, named SwasthVayu, was developed in a record time of 36 days, a release said.

In a statement issued on Monday, NAL has said that BiPAP non-invasive ventilator is a microcontroller-based precise closed-loop adaptive control system with a built-in biocompatible “3D printed manifold & coupler” with HEPA filter (Highly Efficient Particulate Air Filter).

These unique features help alleviate the fear of the virus spread. It has features like spontaneous CPAP, timed AUTO BIPAP modes with provision to connect oxygen concentrator or enrichment unit externally. 

The system has been certified for safety and performance by NABL accredited agencies. The system has undergone stringent biomedical tests and beta clinical trials at NAL Health Centre.

NAL director Jitendra J Jadhav said, “This is ideal for treating COVID-19 patients in wards, makeshift hospitals, dispensaries and home in the current Indian COVID-19 scenario.”

NAL said its BiPAP, with an externally connected oxygen concentrator, will be ideal to treat moderate or mid-stage severe COVID-19 patients who do not require intubation and invasive ventilation.

While it shortly expects approval by regulatory authorities, NAL has already initiated dialogues with major public/private industries as a partner for mass production.