AS healthcare workers struggle to contain a second wave of COVID-19, some hope is at hand with the formal licensing approval of a simple, efficient, portable and cost-effective device that delivers consistently high levels of oxygen to COVID-19 patients and helps keep their lungs from collapsing.
This proudly South African invention, named OxERA (Oxygen-Efficient Respiratory Aid), could be a game changer where there are a large number of COVID-19 patients lacking skilled staff, ICU and high care facilities, and insufficient bulk oxygen supplies.
The device was developed by a group of East London–based volunteers who include doctors, engineers and entrepreneurs.
Dr Craig Parker, a medical officer working in anaesthetics, with a background in mechanical engineering, said the group was determined to find a solution when they realised that South Africa would face similar patient loads seen in Europe during the COVID-19 pandemic, but would have limited high care capacity and fewer resources to respond.
They set up a social enterprise (a business with specific social objectives) in March last, trading as Umoya (‘air’ in isiXhosa). Drawing inspiration from sources as diverse as scuba diving equipment and 3D printing, they built a working prototype within two weeks, and a 3D-printed final design within seven weeks.
The overwhelming need of COVID-19 pneumonia patients is oxygen, said Parker.
OxERA’s key components are an anaesthetic mask and an adjustable mechanical valve, known as a positive end respiratory pressure (PEEP) valve. Oxygen is supplied via a hose and accumulator bag, with the hose connected to any available oxygen source. A viral filter removes viral particles from expired air, which is a safety benefit for health practitioners using the device.
“The high oxygen level delivered by the device ensures that maximum oxygen content is available to diseased lungs.
“The valve on the device maintains slight pressure to prevent lungs from collapsing when the patient breathes out, and reduces the amount of work it takes to breathe.
“Furthermore, as the oxygen supply can be adjusted to patient demand, less oxygen is usually required. In our oxygen resource constrained environment this is a game changer,” Parker said.
Dr Carolyn Mason, a specialist physician in internal medicine in East London in the state sector, has personally used over 40 devices, mainly selecting patients aged between 40 and 70 who, due to comorbidities, would not have been ICU candidates.
“Their baseline oxygen saturations were all horrific and terrifying even to point of 20%. What was so amazing to myself as a health care professional was to see the saturation improve to 90% and to eventually even successfully discharge these patients home was a blessing as they would not have survived,” said Mason.
The device will be manufactured, distributed and supported by Gabler Medical.
Reiner Gabler, MD of Gabler Medical, said industrialisation and licensing had been a lengthy process, but now that the company has obtained South African Health Products Regulatory Authority approval for the device, they can focus on scaling up production.
“We can produce over 15 000 units a week, so capacity is not an issue. This will definitely create jobs during the pandemic and, if the product achieves general acceptance, also after the pandemic. The device holds export potential too,” Gabler said.
