Impulse Biomedical created a one-way valve system called the AfriValve™ for Allergy Foundation South Africa’s AfriSpacer™, and assisted in developing their essential device for mass production.
AfriSpacer™ AfriValve™
Empowering Respiratory Support
AfriSpacer™ AfriValve™
Empowering Respiratory Support
Impulse Biomedical created a one-way valve system called the AfriValve™ for Allergy Foundation South Africa’s AfriSpacer™, and assisted in developing their essential device for mass production.
The Role of Spacers in Medication Delivery
A spacer is necessary for people using inhalers to enhance the effectiveness of medication delivery. It helps them overcome common challenges such as coordination difficulties in pressing the inhaler and inhaling simultaneously. Additionally, a spacer can slow down the speed of the medication spray, allowing more of the medication to reach their lungs and improving the overall delivery and efficacy of the treatment.
The Role of Spacers in Medication Delivery
A spacer is necessary for people using inhalers to enhance the effectiveness of medication delivery. It helps them overcome common challenges such as coordination difficulties in pressing the inhaler and inhaling simultaneously. Additionally, a spacer can slow down the speed of the medication spray, allowing more of the medication to reach their lungs and improving the overall delivery and efficacy of the treatment.
A Life-Saving Collaboration
The AfriSpacer is distributed by the Allergy Foundation South Africa (AFSA), headed by CEO Prof Michael Levin, an esteemed Allergy specialist at Cape Town’s Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital.
With its reusable one-way valve system, the AfriSpacerTM, featuring the AfriValveTM by Impulse Biomedical, delivers a safe, effective, and durable solution comparable to more expensive commercial asthma spacers. The AfriSpacer is particularly beneficial for children who may find it challenging to coordinate inhaler use properly, with the AfriValveTM minimising medication backflow.
The AfriSpacerTM is available to buy at national DisChem, Spar Pharmacies, Local Choice Pharmacies, Alphen Wholesaler Pharmacies, and on the AFSA website.
Delivering Impact at Scale
Impulse Biomedical took on a pivotal consulting role in the development of the AfriSpacer™, ensuring its readiness for large-scale production. They spearheaded the design and testing of production jigs, while also innovating the AfriValve™, a cost-effective injection-moulded component. Their technical expertise and dedication were instrumental in helping AFSA bring the AfriSpacer™ to life as an accessible medical device for millions of South Africans.
Delivering Impact at Scale
Impulse Biomedical took on a pivotal consulting role in the development of the AfriSpacer™, ensuring its readiness for large-scale production. They spearheaded the design and testing of production jigs, while also innovating the AfriValve™, a cost-effective injection-moulded component. Their technical expertise and dedication were instrumental in helping AFSA bring the AfriSpacer™ to life as an accessible medical device for millions of South Africans.
The Afrispacer Journey
Plastic Bottle Spacer
Biomedical engineers in South Africa developed AfriSpacer, modeled from a plastic bottle, as a more effective device for asthma medication delivery, addressing the connection between asthma and allergic airway diseases.
Access
Red Cross sought Impulse Biomedical’s help for affordable spacers in developing country. Solution: Use 500ml plastic bottle by Heather Zar. Melt bottle with soldering iron for cleaner lid profiles
Professor Michael Levin approached Impulse Biomedical with the problem
Prof. Levin sought Impulse Biomedical’s help to create AfriSpacer Rig with UCT, using coke bottles. Red Cross hospital requested 7000 for COVID-19 patients.
Increase in Production Capacity
Impulse Biomedical collaborated with organizations to produce 100,000+ AfriSpacers for COVID-19 patients in South Africa, optimizing production for 10 bottles/minute.
Expectations
Launching AfriSpacer with Afri-valve by year-end, aiming for injection molding production. Market availability via Allergy Foundation SA website.
