Drawing on the strength of Prisma Health's existing academic partnerships, specifications were sent to engineers at Clemson University and University of South Carolina for 3D materials testing and printing of prototypes. The team began working to secure FDA approval and collaborations with private sector businesses came together within a matter of days.
Physicians used Prisma Health's Healthcare Simulation Center to begin testing the VESper™ device with medical manikins, allowing for the simulation of multiple clinical scenarios. The device was able to deliver the appropriate breathing parameters without difficulty, creating an opportunity to pursue an application for emergency use authorization with the FDA to rapidly bring this life-saving device directly into clinical use.
Hospitals can begin to apply to receive the free source code and printing specifications for the device today by registering on Prisma Health's Website www.prismahealth.org/VESper for their use in printing the VESPer™ device. Prisma Health is collaborating with other major companies such as HP Inc. and its Digital Manufacturing Network to quickly scale 3D production of validated parts for distribution in areas of greatest need and areas with the potential to exceed their ventilator capacity in the near future, such as COVID-19 "hot spots" as designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Currently Prisma Health and South Carolina hospitals have enough ventilators available for patients.
"This is an exemplary demonstration of rapid innovation and collaboration," said Mark O'Halla, president and chief executive officer of Prisma Health. "I am so proud of the creativity and perseverance of our clinical team who came together to develop a potentially life-saving solution at a critical time for our country, our communities and our patients. We are anxiously awaiting the results of the prototype field tests."
About Prisma Health
Prisma Health is a not-for-profit health company and South Carolina's largest private employer. With nearly 30,000 team members, 18 hospitals, 2,984 beds and more than 300 physician practice sites, Prisma Health serves more than 1.2 million unique patients annually. Its goal is to improve the health of all South Carolinians by enhancing clinical quality, the patient experience and access to affordable care, as well as conducting clinical research and training the next generation of medical professionals.
