Etion Create unveils non-invasive ventilator manufactured in SA

Pretoria-based Etion Create, an original design manufacturer of advanced electronics, has just launched its Cube 25 NIV ventilator for the local and international market. The device is intended for therapy of spontaneously breathing patients who suffer from respiratory insufficiency and conditions like sleep apnoea and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).

The Cube 25 NIV incorporates intuitive state-of-the-art functionality allowing safe and easy application of the device in a home care or clinical environment.

Etion Create is already registered with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) and awaits authorisation of the CUBE 25 NIV for use during the COVID-19 pandemic. A process is already under way to register the Cube 25 NIV for a CE mark with an eye on marketing it worldwide beyond the COVID-19 emergency.

“Seeing that Etion Create’s Cube 25 NIV is based on a proven and very successful German design, we are confident CE certification will be completed in the first quarter of 2021,” said Jaco Botha, Senior Product Manager.

Etion Create manufactures the Cube 25 NIV in South Africa under licence from JFR Medical Instruments. “We already received a substantial order from our local distribution partner, Channels Medical Solutions” said Jaco Basson, Business Development Manager.

“With a view to establish a medical department in Etion Create as a future long-term investment in this field, we have collaborated closely with medical and other experts,” Botha said. Our Cube 25 NIV will not only be available for the emergency treatment of COVID-19, but was rated as the best product on the market for its original intended use – one that will take us beyond the current situation.”

What differentiates the Cube 25 NIV from other ventilators are several important key features. These include a unique trigger technology and target minute volume algorithm, as well as a highly reliable alarm system, with audible and visual alarms, to indicate various fault conditions. Further benefits are its compact size and ease of use.

The system comprises a cube measuring less than 18cm in size and 1.6kg in weight. Navigation takes place via a tile design menu on a 4.3-inch colour screen.

For COVID-19 treatment, various oxygen supplementation approaches were tested. The medical team in KZN found that an effective solution is to combine oxygen through nasal prongs to the patient with additional oxygen fed to the breathing circuit.

In essence, the device provides pressure support ranging from 0cmHO to 25cmHO (centimetres of water pressure) as the patient breathes. This gentle pressure process keeps the airway open, which is the objective when treating for respiratory problems. Multiple treatment modes are available, including CPAP and various Bi-Level support options.

“The device incorporates intuitive functionality, with simple text information to ensure correct parameter settings, in addition to different menu screen colours to identify patient and clinical modes,” Botha explained. “Its innovative trigger technology and target minute volume algorithm optimise the therapy to meet individual patient requirements.”