Yeditepe University produced an emergency/pandemic transport type ventilator prototype, one of the most needed medical devices in the Covid-19 pandemic. Technical tests of the prototype named “7Vent”, developed under the leadership of Yeditepe University Biomedical Engineering Department, were successfully completed.
The most important and most challenging effects of Covid-19 after it enters the body occur in the lungs. The patient has difficulty breathing after hospitalization, which increases the need for respirators in hospitals. In order to contribute to this increasing demand, Yeditepe University started to work and produced an emergency/pandemic transport-type ventilator prototype for short-term primary use.  Technical tests of the device, which was produced under the leadership of Yeditepe University Engineering Faculty Biomedical Engineering Department Head Prof. Dr. Ali Ümit Keskin, were successful.
Prof.  Dr. Ali Ümit Keskin reminded us that the main task of universities is to train education and staff, but in such crises, they are expected to fulfill their social responsibilities and support the country's self-sufficiency goal. For this purpose, Yeditepe University determined its own goals. Prof. Dr. Keskin noted that four weeks ago, in addition to the production of specific mask parts that healthcare professionals desperately need, they also started work on the development of emergency ventilators.

Made in Four Weeks 

Stating that this study, which was carried out under restrictive conditions specific to the current situation, such as contamination concerns, curfews, the difficulty of material seller companies in bringing materials from abroad, the work of some enterprises in industrial zones with narrow staff, and the protection of social distance in production, Prof.  Dr. Ali Ümit Keskin noted the following:
“Within four weeks, the prototype ventilator work we developed was successfully completed. The device, which we call ’7Vent', contains completely original design and know-how from product planning to the final test phase. The device provides patients with 100 percent, 40 percent, or 21 percent oxygen and supports peep (positive end-of-breath pressure) if needed and includes various electronic alerts and alarms by performing airway pressure checks. ” 
Emphasizing that it is possible to mass produce the ventilator within the possibilities and conditions, Prof. Dr. Keskin said that the production cost of the device is quite low.
Stating that Prof. Dr. Özge Köner, Head of the Department of Anesthesiology at the same university, Prof. Dr. Sibel Temür, Intensive Care Responsible Faculty Member, Can Karaağaç, Biomedical Manager, Sabri Egemen Keskin, Electrical Engineering Department Student Sabri Egemen Keskin, Mechanical Engineering Technician Emirhan Şayhan and Tayfun Mert from Erdemir actively took part in the project team, Keskin said that Draeger and Kılıçlar Medical companies supported the project by providing various test equipment and some materials free of charge.  

Full Face Mask with Virus Filter: Snorkeling to Mask 

Yeditepe University, in cooperation with the departments of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, produced different types of adapters in three-dimensional printers and presented "Virus-filtered full face masks" consisting of three parts for the use of health personnel in Yeditepe University Hospitals Emergency and Intensive Care Services.
Prof.  Dr. Ali Ümit Keskin  gave the following information about the mask: 
“The full face mask with security virus filter provides longer and more comfortable breathing than the commonly used N95 filters. Mist, which is a major problem in masks, does not occur in this type of mask. It consists of three parts: 1- Bottom: The snorkel, which fully covers the face, its size is selected to suit the person; 2- Adaptor part: It is produced from PLA-filament material with 3D printing; 3- Disposable virus filter. As of the beginning of April, the mask order was put into use in Yeditepe University Kozyatağı Hospital Emergency and Intensive Care services and was found successful. We are also continuing our efforts to expand the use of virus-filtered full-face masks throughout the country to protect healthcare professionals from the virus during the treatment of Covid-19 patients, to the extent that snorkeling mask supply and/or production facilities are available. The production of various materials such as masks with visors, liquid hand disinfectants, and environment disinfectants continues in other faculties and departments of the university. These produced materials are used both for the needs of the university itself and for the needs of other health institutions and various institutions.”

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