Member Article

Innovative device set to transform treatment

A Sunderland firm is set to make the lives of people with cystic fibrosis easier with the development of a new breathing apparatus device. Product development company Design Right Solutions (DRS) has assisted marine engineer Chris Ball in developing PremiAir, a new monitor which aims to replace the equipment currently used in Positive Expiratory Pressure (PEP) treatment, a technique which helps clear users’ airways and prevent infections.

Chris Ball said: “At the moment PEP treatment is carried out using a pressure gauge and the user must count in their head. I became aware that the process was potentially problematic for young children who are easily distracted. I began thinking that, by using modern technology, I could perhaps find a way to improve the delivery of the treatment.”

Using his engineering knowledge, Chris began to develop a device that would automatically assess times, measure pressure and ensure that users would complete their treatment fully. After completing his initial designs, Chris approached DRS, with the goal of turning his ideas into a tangible reality.

Peter Warriner, DRS Electronic Engineer, said: “As soon as we met Chris it was clear that he had huge passion and insight into the proposed purpose of the device. From that point on we embarked on a 3-year development and testing schedule which has culminated in the production of PremiAir.

“The PremiAir monitor provides a superior functionality and data recording facility that is not possible with the older equipment. The other added advantage lies in the fact that it saves users time and effort, making the lives of those affected by this illness a little simpler.”

Now commercially available, the PremiAir records users’ treatments, replacing manual methods and traditional percussion physiotherapy. In November the device was nominated as a finalist in the Working in Partnership with the NHS category of the Cels Healthcare Network Business for Life Awards.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .