IIIT-Bhubaneswar develops unique ventilation device

Given the surge in the number of Covid-19 cases, the demand for ventilators has hit an all-time high with governments and hospitals struggling to meet the demand. To address this shortage, a group of engineering students from IIIT-Bhubaneswar have developed SWASNER, a first-of-its kind helmet-like ventilation device for patients suffering from Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Unlike regular devices, SWASNER can be used without a ventilator by directly plugging in to available oxygen ports at hospitals and thereby help reserve the existing ventilators for the critical patients. In fact, according to research conducted by University of Chicago Medicine, patients demonstrate a better recovery rate by wearing helmet-shaped ventilator masks than regular ventilator support. Further, the team has conducted trials at a hospital in Cuttack, and has also applied for a patent for the design and technology.