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
Reach Us
Office Location
No.87A, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Street,
SM Block, Jafferkhanpet,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600083