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Kolkata scientist invents pocket ventilator to aide COVID-19 patients

Ascientist in Kolkata has invented a first-of-its-kind “pocket ventilator” that may come in handy during the current Covid-19 crisis. Dr Ramendra Lal Mukherjee, an engineer by profession and a serial innovator by passion has manufactured a highly portable, battery-operated pocket-sized ventilator that can provide instant support to patients with breathing trouble. Non-invasive and inexpensive, it can be an effective substitute for the bulky CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) device used in hospitals.

Mukherjee says the idea for such a device came to his mind when his own Oxygen saturation level went down drastically while suffering from Covid-19 recently. “There was a point when my SpO2 level went down to 88. At that time my family wanted me to get admitted to a hospital. Though I came out of the crisis, I was struck by the idea of a portable device to help patients breathe easy,” he says.

Soon after recovering, he began working on the plan, arranged necessary components, and giving shape to his latest innovation, the pocket ventilator. The final prototype, he says was ready in just 20 days.

The device has two parts – a power unit and a ventilator unit attached to the mouthpiece. Once switched on, the ventilator extracts air from outside and makes it pass through an ultra-violet (UV) chamber purifying it of viruses and germs. It then flows into the mask strapped to the device creating a thrust which increases the airflow into the respiratory system. Similarly, when the user exhales carbon dioxide, it is channeled through another UV chamber before being discharged out.

“This ensures that even if a person is infected with Covid, the UV filter kills the virus before the air is discharged out of the device after it is exhaled. This will ensure reduced transmission of the virus and doctors will feel more protected,” Mukherjee explains, adding that the device could be a safe alternative at times when there has been a sudden spike in cases of Black fungus.

In the power unit, there is a control knob with which the user can regulate the flowing of air into the system. Weighing just 250 grams and powered with rechargeable batteries and could run nearly eight hours on a single charge. One can use any USB type 2 android mobile charger to power the device.

With the country’s health infrastructure already stretched during the second Covid wave, many have died due to a lack of basics like oxygen beds and ventilators. Mukherjee, who has more than 30 patents to his credit, his latest invention can be an affordable yet effective means to bridge that deficit. India Today

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