Under the medical guidance and supervision of Semmelweis University, Femtonics Kft. created a portable ventilator designed specifically for the effective treatment of respiratory failure caused by the novel coronavirus. By filtering exhaust air, the invention provides protection for healthcare workers while treating patients.
By adding up their knowledge of mechanics, electronics, medical technologies and clinical practice, Femtonics Kft. and Semmelweis University had developed the first working prototype by the end of March.
“During the design process, special emphasis was made on the easy operation of the device for those doctors who are less experienced in ventilation. The second phase of the development resulted in a much more sophisticated device thanks to the tests performed with the help of Semmelweis University’s active artificial lung.”, said Dr. Balázs Rózsa, founder and owner of the company.
According to Dr. András Lorx, associate professor of Semmelweis University’s Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, the device has particularly good flow properties and speedy control.
“The closed breathing-circuit and the gas supply are economical, therefore its huge advantage is that its use does not overwhelm the hospital’s gas network.”, he said.
“The developers used materials that are in compliance with the regulations related to medical devices and are not subject to shortages, which makes production more simple.”, said Dr. Balázs Rózsa.
Dr. László Palkovics Minister for Innovation and Technology emphasized that participants of the Hungarian RDI sector have demonstrated how prompt and efficient reactions can be given to unexpected changes in a state of emergency by close cooperation. The Ministry of Innovation received nearly half a hundred project proposals, and 20 of them have been supported and are under development. The ventilator under patent protection procedure may contribute to increasing Hungary’s ability of self-sufficiency in prevention.
The serial production of the Hungarian invention can start after the conclusion of the patent protection procedure. The production is supported by 77 Elektronika Kft., the largest Hungarian manufacturer of medical devices with its own capacities at disposal.
Source: Ministry of Innovation and Technology
Featured image (illustration): Attila Kovács – Semmelweis University
Translation: Ágnes Raubinek
