IIT Roorkee Develops Prana-Vayu, a Low-Cost Portable Ventilator for COVID-19 Patients

Team L&M

Researchers at IIT Roorkee have developed Prana-Vayu, a low-cost portable ventilator designed to support patients suffering from COVID-19-related respiratory complications. Developed within just a week through remote collaboration with AIIMS Rishikesh, the innovation aims to provide an affordable and reliable respiratory support solution during medical emergencies.

The project was led by Prof Akshay Dvivedi and Prof Arup Kumar Das from IIT Roorkee, with clinical guidance from Dr Debendra Tripathi of AIIMS Rishikesh.

How Prana-Vayu Works

Prana-Vayu is a closed-loop ventilator system built on the controlled operation of a prime mover that delivers the required amount of air to patients. Its automated mechanism precisely regulates:

• Air pressure
• Flow rates in inhalation and exhalation lines
• Tidal volume
• Breaths per minute

This advanced control system ensures effective respiratory assistance for patients with varying levels of lung congestion.

Developed During Lockdown Against All Odds

Building the ventilator during a nationwide lockdown posed major challenges. The team had to design and develop critical components such as:

• Microprocessor-controlled non-return valves
• Solenoid valves
• One-way valves

Using the facilities at the Tinkering Laboratory, IIT Roorkee, the researchers successfully overcame logistical and technical barriers with one clear objective — saving lives.

Portable, Safe and Suitable for All Age Groups

Prana-Vayu is designed for patients of all age groups, from infants to overweight adults, with particular relevance for elderly patients who are more vulnerable to severe respiratory distress.

The ventilator has been successfully tested for:

• Normal breathing conditions
• Patient-specific respiratory support requirements

Its compact design makes it highly portable and ideal for situations where hospital wards or open spaces need to be rapidly converted into ICUs.

Advanced Features of Prana-Vayu

The portable ventilator includes several smart features such as:

• Real-time spirometry monitoring
• Automated high-pressure limitation with alarm system
• Remote monitoring by healthcare professionals
• Touchscreen control of operating parameters
• Moisture and temperature control for inhaled air
• Automatic atmospheric circuit opening during system failure to prevent choking

Unlike many conventional ventilators, Prana-Vayu does not require compressed air, making it easier to deploy in emergency setups.

Affordable Manufacturing for Large-Scale Deployment

Prof Akshay Dvivedi, Coordinator of the Tinkering Laboratory at IIT Roorkee, said:

“Prana-Vayu has been designed especially for the COVID-19 pandemic. It is low-cost, safe, reliable, and can be manufactured quickly. We have successfully achieved the ventilatory requirement on a test lung, and it can be used for both infants and overweight adults.”

The commercial version is expected to measure 1.5 ft x 1.5 ft, ensuring effective portability. The estimated manufacturing cost is approximately ₹25,000 per unit, making it a cost-effective ventilator solution for mass deployment.

A Step Forward in Affordable Healthcare Innovation

Prana-Vayu demonstrates how Indian institutions are leveraging innovation and rapid engineering to strengthen healthcare infrastructure during critical times.