The journey of the CSIR L.I.F.E. CPAP ventilator

Abstract

The development, manufacturing and deployment of a South African engineered Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Ventilator is described. The CSIR L.I.F.E. (Lung Inspiratory Flow Enabler) Ventilator was developed during the COVID Pandemic in response to the need for a ventilator solution to assist patients suffering from respiratory distress. A supply chain was created resulting in a near fully locally sourced product of which 18,000 units were manufactured and distributed to hospitals throughout South Africa.