Ahmedabad kidney research centre develops multiplexer to increase the capacity of ventilator

The Institute of Kidney Disease and Research Centre (IKDRC) has developed a four-way multiplexer to increase the capacity of a ventilator. The air exhaled by the patients merges with the second set of a multiplexer through an HME filter and goes back to the ventilator.

Ahmedabad: The Institute of Kidney Disease and Research Centre (IKDRC) has indigenously developed a multiplexer to enable the supply of oxygen to four patients simultaneously from one single ventilator. The air exhaled by the patients merges with the second set of a multiplexer through an HME filter and goes back to the ventilator.

“In case there is a spurt in the number of COVID-19 patients who require the support of ventilator the multiplexer increases the capacity of the ventilator machine,” explained the IKDRC spokesperson.

He said if the multiplexer is attached to a ventilator with high tidal capacity it can support eight patients simultaneously. “If not ideal, it is a better support system than the manual MBU bag resuscitator", said Dr Mishra.

He said this technique has proven efficient in meeting the rush of patients in US hospitals. Explaining further, Dr Mishra said one control the level of oxygen for four patients without compromising on the quality.

Dr Mishra said the COVID-19 infection breaks the red blood cells to form a clot which blocks the lungs in pneumonic condition. Such patients need the support of a ventilator. After learning from the experience of intensive care units of European and American hospitals in treating the COVID-19 patients, it was decided to develop a homegrown multiplexer.