A new non-invasive ventilator (NIV) manufactured in South Africa boasts state-of-the-art functionality for safe and easy application in a homecare or clinical environment.

The device is intended for therapy of spontaneously breathing patients who suffer from respiratory insufficiency and conditions such as sleep apnoea and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Pretoria-based Etion Create, an original design manufacturer of advanced electronics, recently launched its Cube 25 NIV ventilator for the local and international market. The company is registered with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority and is awaiting authorisation of the non-invasive ventilator for treating patients suffering from Covid-19. In addition, the company is in the process of registering the Cube 25 NIV for a CE mark, aimed at marketing it worldwide beyond the Covid-19 emergency.

Etion Create manufactures the Cube 25 NIV in South Africa under licence from JFR Medical Instruments and highlights that it has already received a substantial order from its local distribution partner, Channels Medical Solutions.

“With a view to establish a medical department in Etion Create as a future long-term investment in this field, we have collaborated closely with medical and other experts,” explains senior product manager Jaco Botha.

The following features are said to differentiate the device from other ventilators:

• Trigger technology and target minute volume algorithm
• A highly reliable alarm system, with audible and visual alarms, to indicate various fault conditions
• Compact size
• Ease of use

The system comprises a cube measuring less than 18 cm in size and 1.6 kg in weight and can be navigated by means of a tile design menu on a 4.3” colour screen.

Various oxygen supplementation approaches were tested for the treatment of Covid-19, with a medical team in KwaZulu-Natal finding that the most effective solution was to combine oxygen through nasal prongs with additional oxygen fed to the breathing circuit.

“The device incorporates intuitive functionality, with simple text information to ensure correct parameter settings, in addition to different menu screen colours to identify Patient and Clinical modes,” Botha explained. “Its innovative trigger technology and target minute volume algorithm optimise the therapy to meet individual patient requirements.”

The device provides pressure support ranging from zero centimetres of water pressure (cmH2O) to 25 cmH2O, as the patient breathes. The gentle pressure process is designed to keep the patient’s airway open when treating respiratory complications. Multiple treatment modes are available, including continuous positive airway pressure and various bi-level support options.