A device that enables independent ventilation of two patients with a single ventilator has been developed by Scientists from the Nalecz Institute of Biocybernetics and Biomedical Engineering PAS.
According to the institute, the first one hundred units will be ready in three weeks.
Minister of Science Jarosław Gowin wrote on Twitter: “The Institute of Medical Technology and Equipment in Zabrze (part of the Łukasiewicz Research Network) launched the production of unique ventilators, which can be connected to two patients at the same time. Congratulations on your great success!”
The head of Łukasiewicz Research Network Piotr Dardziński added that 'the production of these devices would not be possible without the know-how of the project initiator, the Nalecz Institute of Biocybernetics and Biomedical Engineering PAS. We are very happy to cooperate!”
PAS project manager Dr. Krzysztof Zieliński told PAP: “The Ventil system works with a ventilator and can be used in two applications. Firstly, according to the original assumptions of the institute's team, the Ventil system is designed for independent ventilation of both lungs of a patient with acute respiratory failure.
“Secondly, in conditions of ventilator shortage, Ventil devices can be used for independent ventilation of two patients, connected to a single ventilator. This application is particularly important in the current epidemic situation. Ventil can be used to connect two patients who will use one ventilator.
'The device is designed to enable independent adjustment of the basic parameters of the mechanical ventilation process for both patients.”
According to Zieliński, the device developed by a team led by Professor Marek Darowski successfully completed many years of clinical tests in the intensive care unit conditions.
The Nalecz Institute of Biocybernetics and Biomedical Engineering PAS started cooperation with the Łukasiewicz Research Network - Institute of Medical Technology and Equipment to ensure that the device quickly goes into production.
“The current joint work will use the know-how developed at the Nalecz Institute of Biocybernetics and Biomedical Engineering PAS and the expert knowledge of the scientific staff of our two institutes', adds Professor Adam Liebert, head of the Nalecz Institute of Biocybernetics and Biomedical Engineering PAS.
“The first series of one hundred Ventil systems should be manufactured within three weeks. Then the devices will be subjected to clinical tests in designated hospitals', says Dr. Janusz Wróbel, director of the Institute of Medical Technology and Equipment.
The project aimed at implementing and manufacturing a series of Ventil devices, which will be subjected to clinical tests in the near future, is financed by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.
PAP - Science in Poland, Ludwika Tomala
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