Panasonic produce CPAP devices for Covid-19 response
Panasonic Manufacturing UK’s facility in Cardiff has produced 80 prototype breathing devices to assist hospital patients suffering from COVID-19.
The CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) device was designed by Dr Rhys Thomas at Glangwili Hospital, Carmarthen and Maurice Clarke of Ammanford-based engineering firm CR Clarke & Co.
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In a statement the company said staff worked around the clock in response to a Welsh Government request to procure parts and produce the units for regulatory approval and use in clinical trials.
The device has been given initial approval by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Clinical trials are ongoing and the Panasonic facility is on standby to produce a 1,000 more devices if required.
The CPAP unit provides a controlled flow of positive pressure, highly oxygenated air to coronavirus patients, helping to improve their blood oxygen levels. The breathing aid can reduce the number of patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation in Intensive Care Unit treatment.
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