Buet researchers develop cost-effective portable ventilator

Amidst the ongoing countrywide strain on the supply of medical oxygen, researchers at Buet's Department of Biomedical Engineering have developed a portable ventilator that gives us hope for the near future. The device, named OxyJet CPAP, is a non-invasive one that can be used without electricity by simply being connected to an oxygen cylinder or medical oxygen supply. The researchers have developed it keeping in mind the plight of severe Covid-19 patients with low oxygen levels. This ventilator will also be cost-effective, as it can be produced at Tk 25,000 now, and will require an even lower cost once it goes into commercial production. It has already been field-tested and approved for clinical trials and is currently in its third-phase trial.

The second wave of the pandemic has brought to light many deficiencies in our healthcare system, one of the major ones being the lack of resources. Be it ICU beds or an even and consistent supply of oxygen for every patient, people have had to suffer immensely for these deficiencies. Though not a long-lasting solution, the OxyJet CPAP would be a great device to have during emergencies for critical Covid-19 patients as it "can provide up to 60 litres/min of 100 percent oxygen" before admission into the ICU. The device would also eliminate the potential risks of using invasive ventilators and it is also much cheaper than the usual high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) support devices. Plus, it can be used by any physician with ease after only an hour of training, unlike a HFNO cannula for which there are not enough expert operators in the country.

We highly commend the researchers' initiative to produce this necessary device and the three organisations funding the project (Ankur International Foundation, the ICT Division of the government, and Manusher Jonno Foundation). Though it is still being tested and will not be widely available for another few months, the OxyJet CPAP can be a life-saving device that can help us reduce the fatalities of Covid-19 in our country. But it can only be properly realised with consistent support and funding from authorities.