Mysore/Mysuru: CSIR – National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Bengaluru, a constituent lab of CSIR, has developed a Non-Invasive BiPAP Ventilator “SwasthVayu” in a record time of 36 days to treat COVID-19 patients. 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 to 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.

The major advantage of this machine is that it is simple to use without any specialised nursing, cost effective, compact and configured with majority of indigenous components. This is ideal for treating COVID -19 patients in Wards, Makeshift Hospitals, dispensaries and home in current Indian COVID-19 scenario.

CSIR-NAL is in the process of taking it forward with the regulatory authorities for the approval and expected to get shortly. CSIR-NAL has already initiated dialogue with major public/private industries as a partner for mass production.

 The DG of CSIR, Dr. Shekhar C. Mande, has complimented CSIR-NAL team which has enabled a spin-off technology based on its expertise in the aerospace design domain. He also recalled the contribution of CSIR-NAL in the flight of indigenously developed Hansa-3, on May 11 in 1998, which is one of the achievements that is also celebrated on National Technology Day (May 11).

 The Director of CSIR-NAL, Jitendra J. Jadhav, stated that based on global experience and specific inputs from pulmonologists in India and abroad, CSIR-NAL developed BIPAP Non-Invasive Ventilator with externally connected Oxygen concentrator which will be ideal to treat moderate or mid-stage severe COVID-19 patients who do not require intubation and invasive ventilation.

 The success is the culmination of efforts of team of technocrats and medical practitioners under the leadership of Dr. C.M. Ananda, Head, Electronics Department, Dr. D. Amarnarayan, Chief Medical Officer,  NAL, Dr. Viren Sardana,  Respiratory Physiologist, CSIR-IGIB and team of scientists at NAL who have worked relentlessly during COVID-19 restrictions.