PRADEEP RANA | NEW DELHI A team of aerospace scientists and respiratory medicine experts have designed and tested a handy ventilator that can be used to treat a wide range of Covid patients who do require admission in ICU. Called SwasthVayu, it is a portable, low-cost device that is just about the size of a typewriter and uses a controller, blower pump and Hepa filter to supply a quick, clean air to a Covid patient gasping for breath. The scientists at CSIR-NAL (National Aerospace Laboratories) are excited about the new device and are in talks with manufacturers for a bulk production of this life-saving device as ICU facilities in hospitals are outstripped with rush of Covid patients. Six private companies have come forth and one of these has set up the production facility for 300 units per week. "Based on global experience and specific inputs from pulmonologist colleagues in India and abroad, NAL developed BIPAP non-invasive ventilator with externally connected oxygen concentrator. It will be ideal to treat moderate or mid-stage severe Covid19 patients who do not require intubation and invasive ventilation," Jitendra J Jadhav, Director NAL, said. "This is ideal for treating Covid19 patients in wards, make shift hospitals, dispensaries and home in current scenario," he added. Its unique features protect against virus spread. It has features like sleep mode, timer, spontaneous, and auto modes which makes this device usable in all situations. The ventilator has gone through stringent tests for electrical safety, performance and bio-compatibility at NABL accredited agency. The SwasthVayu has successfully conducted clinical trials at Command Hospital, Bangalore and Mysore Medical College & Research Institute, Mysore on 50 Covid-19 patients, a report in Indian Science Wire said. The clinical trial reports clearly bring out that the performance of "SwasthVayu" ventilator device is satisfactory and effective in use for Covid19 patients. It is the culmination of dedicated efforts of medical professionals at CSIR-IGIB and aerospace scientists at CSIR-NAL including support from CSIR-NAL Health Centre, Command Hospital, Bangalore and Mysore Medical College & Research Institute, Mysore, the report added. (editor@dailyworld.in)