FAQs

  • What is VPE?
    • VPE stands for Ventilation & Protective Equipment that assures virus-free ventilation to the health care provider without Hypoxia, Hypercarbia, Claustrophobia, Fogging, Restriction of vision.
  • Who developed VPE?
    • VPE is a novel biomedical instrument developed by Mitral Healthcare Engineers and a group of Anaesthesiologists
  • Who will be benefitted by VPE?
    • VPE will be helpful to all healthcare professionals. It is most helpful for doctors and paramedics who are involved in aerosol-generating procedures. Dental surgeons, Anaesthesiologists, ENT surgeons, Endoscopists, Intensivists, Surgeons and Physicians who provide care for COVID 19 patients are the major beneficiaries.
  • What are the parts of VPE?
    • 1. The inner hard gear is re-useable. It has an adjustable head strap, a fan and a chamber above it.
    • 2. The customised external visor is detachable and can be discarded after each day/shift/procedure.
    • 3. Two 12v batteries with charging adapter.
    • 4. A hip belt with a pouch to hold batteries
  • What is the weight of the Inner Head Gear?
    • Only 570 grams
  • What are the steps to be followed to wear the VPE?
    • 1. First, wear the inner headgear strap to your head circumference
    • 2. Then take it out from your head
    • 3. Fix the external protective visor on the top of the chamber
    • 4. Make sure the external protective visor is completely fitting on the circumference of the inner head gears chamber
    • 5. Close the external protective visor with the zipper given posteriorly with the help of your assistant
  • What is the mechanism of action of VPE?
    • The inner headgear has an adjustable head strap, a fan that provides negative suction and a chamber. The fan runs on a 12V battery. When the fan runs it creates a negative pressure in the chamber above it. This negative pressure suctions the atmospheric air through the N95 mask situated above the chamber with the external protective visor. The clean air thus suctioned through the N95 mask and it will be blown towards the user.
  • How does it prevent hypoxia?
    • When the unit functions, filtered clean air from the atmosphere is directed towards the user, thereby ensuring a sustained oxygen supply.
  • How does it prevent hypercarbia?
    • The 360-Degree external protective visor has four standard respirators with unidirectional valves that allow for carbon dioxide wash out.
  • Has the efficacy of the VPE been tested?
    • The efficacy of the VPE has been tested in the operating room setting with anaesthesia machine and sensors. It was tested in 10 healthy volunteers for 90 minutes of sustained use. The volunteers were attached to ECG, pulse oximeter, non-invasive blood pressure monitor, respiratory rate monitor and etco2. There was no drop in spo2 and no raise in etco2 or respiratory rate. There was also no increase in heart rate or blood pressure. We also noted that there was no fogging or claustrophobia.
  • What are the disadvantages of using routine PPE/N95?
    • The routine PPE and Viral filter mask use have the following disadvantages. It is frequently associated with
    • 1. Hypoxia
    • 2. Hypercarbia
    • 3. Communication Difficulty
    • 4. Claustrophobia
    • 5. Reduced range of vision
    • 6. Sweating
    • 7. Fogging on the user’s spectacles
    • 8. Headache (because of hypercarbia)
    • 9. Reduced work Performance
    • 10. Additional resistance on breathing (2 CmH2O to 12 CmH2O)
  • What are the advantages of using novel VPE?
    • 1. It provides virus free clear air for inspiration.
    • 2. Allows for efficient carbon dioxide elimination, preventing hypercarbia.
    • 3. Reduces the work of breathing as there is no resistance
    • 4. There won’t be any fogging
    • 5. There won’t be any claustrophobia
    • 6. No fatigue and Increased work performance
  • Is there any re-entry of air inside the VPE?
    • No. There is no re-entry of air. The negative pressure chamber and the users head are completely separated airtight chambers. The four respirators with unidirectional valves push the exhaled air outside.
  • How long should I charge the battery?
    • We are providing two batteries with this unit. You can use these batteries alternatively. Batteries need to be charged for 3 hours continuously. After a full charge, each battery will optimally function for 2 to 3 hours. Whenever the fan speed becomes slow the battery needs to be changed.
    • Caution: In low speeds, the fan will not suction the air. Make sure you are optimally getting the air for your respiration. Otherwise, change the battery. If it is still not throwing air on your head please do not use the equipment and call for our help.
  • What are the standards followed for Viral filter?
    • We have incorporated the N95 standard (NIOSH or EN 149 or Equivalent) viral filter in the external protective layer.
  • What are the standards followed for External protective material?
    • We have used SITRA certified PPE materials for the external protective layer
  • What are the standards used for inner headgear?
    • The inner headgear is made of ABS polymer. ABS polymer is standard medical quality plastic that is lightweight and non-allergic.
  • How can we maintain the sterility?
    • The inner headgear is made of ABS polymer which is easy to clean with 70% alcohol or 1% sodium hypochlorite solution. Please take necessary precautions to not to soil the fan and its circuits with any kind of liquids.
  • Do I need to use separate N95 mask along with the device?
    • Theoretically, no separate mask needed. Anyway we suggest using a simple triple-layer mask when using this equipment
  • Is the VPE design patent protected?
    • Yes. The patent for the invention and design of inner headgear and viral filter (N95) enabled 360-Degree external protective layer has been filed before the intellectual property of India. The international patent application will follow this.
  • Is the VPETM brand trademarked?
    • Yes. The VPE (ventilation and protective equipment) is a trademarked product.
  • Is there any warranty?
    • Yes. VPE has 30 days replacement warranty. The battery is provided with three months warranty. Damages occurring due to water, fire, or physical damage is not covered under warranty.
  • What are the precautions to be taken with this instrument?
    • 1. User comfort is ideal in an air-conditioned environment. The user may sweat and feel suffocated due to heat convection in the absence of air conditioning
    • 2. The instrument is not to be used when the fan is not running. If used without the fan, it can cause serious hypoxia and hypercarbia leading to major organ damage, including loss of life.
    • 3. It is advised to use this device only for two hours, after charging the battery to full. If the fan speed is reduced, the battery must be replaced.
    • 4. The instrument is not designed for children. Keep out of reach of children. It may lead to accidental suffocation