Prisma Health introduces VESper™
VESper™ is a new device that allows one ventilator to support up to two patients under emergency use authorization (EAU) by the FDA during times of acute equipment shortages such as the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Ethicon Inc., part of the Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies, is manufacturing and distributing the VESper at no cost to healthcare providers in the United States under the EUA to address the COVID-19 health emergency.
Product RequestWhat is VESper™?
VESper™ is a unique ventilator expansion device that allows a single ventilator to support up to two patients during times of acute equipment shortages such as the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Produced using 3D printing technology, the device is developed with material already in use for medical devices and produced at minimal cost.
The device:
- designed to work with ISO standard respiratory connections;
- can be easily produced;
- allows for appropriate filtering of bacteria and viruses in the ventilator tubing;
- is strong and impact resistant; and
- does not impact the care of other patients connected to the same machine.
How VESper™ works
Two VESper™ devices are needed for each ventilator, one on the intake and one on the return. VESper™ splits the airflow to the ventilator, acting as a Y connector.
Multiple combinations of the VESper™ device can be configured to allow a single machine to be used for up to two patients. It is important to match the clinical characteristics of the patients connected to a single machine as the machine will deliver the same settings such as oxygen concentration, amount of air in each breath and the pressure of the air delivered.
Instructions for use
For technical support, refer to product labeling.
For product complaints, call 1-877-384-4266, Option 5.
Is it FDA approved?
Prisma Health has received emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for VESper™. Emergency use authorization can offer critical care patients access to a medical device that has not gone through normal FDA approval; this is used when no comparable or satisfactory alternative options are available.
Prisma Health experts are working with national COVID-19 teams who have no more ventilator capacity and who can initiate emergency use of the prototype.