A Vsmart VFS-410 ventilator model. It took three weeks for Vingroup engineers to complete manufacturing of the two models – VFS-410 and VFS-510. — Photo courtesy Vingroup
Vingroup has announced it has completed the design and is preparing to introduce to the market two invasive ventilator models which adhere strictly to international standards while achieving a significantly high localisation rate in design and manufacture.
It took just three weeks for Vingroup engineers (Vinfast and Vinsmart) to complete manufacturing of the two models – VFS-410 and VFS-510 – with the strong support of relevant ministries, domestic and foreign health experts and Medtronic as Vingroup’s US-based partner.
Despite being developed based on the original community-shared design by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Vsmart VFS-410 is a “made in Viet Nam” product which is manufactured and completed entirely by the Vingroup ecosystem.
After evaluation by the Advisory Council headed by the Ministry of Health and consulted by Vinmec doctors and experts from the US and Europe, VFS-410 was modified to be an invasive ventilator with turbine technology instead of automatic bag squeezer technology to ensure high accuracy. Sensors will monitor and give warnings about maintaining oxygen levels, positive end-expiratory pressure, measure patient breathing, and self-adjust to synchronise with this breath.
Vingroup's engineering team designed the entire operating principle for VFS-410 ventilator and produced its circuit boards, mechanical components besides software and design development to enable it to have features comparable to high-end portable invasive ventilators on the market (only discarding Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) mode).
VFS-510 ventilator model has six breathing modes, based on the design of PB560 ventilator model manufactured by Medtronic (USA), which has been familiar to doctors in Viet Nam for many years. VFS-510 is a compact, lightweight, and portable ventilator that can be used for both adult and paediatric patients who need invasive or non-invasive breathing support as directed by their physicians.
Due to the global scarcity of materials for ventilator production, Vingroup has actively researched to address the situation by self-producing or localising up to 70 per cent of its ventilator components including extremely important and modern components such as blower, boards (PCBA controller, power), keyboard, display, battery and case.
Especially, these two ventilators will continue to be used effectively in intensive care units (ICU) of medical facilities when the OVID-19 pandemic has been controlled. Vingroup’s two ventilator models can help control the costs during the uncontrolled outbreak of COVID-19 in many countries (the PB560 ventilator selling price in Viet Nam is now over VND250 million (US$10,730) per unit).
These ventilators will continue to be tested by leading hospitals and experts in Viet Nam and will be evaluated by the Medical Council of all levels to ensure compliance with pre-circulation regulations to support OVID-19 prevention and control.
It is expected that the first batch of ventilators will be available on the market on May 15. — VNS