PLAN B: The MARK V Modified NPWT Pump

The Mark V Modified NPWT pump was developed because of the need for an affordable yet effective vacuum pump for NPWT.

The Mk V is intended to be the heart of the  Plan B Low Cost NPWT system.

It has most of the capabilities of commercial NPWT devices but at a fraction of the cost, providing an economical alternative to delivering NPWT.

IMPORTANT QUALITIES IN A VACUUM SOURCE

• Generates clinically significant suction pressures & adequate flow rates
• Pressure gauge & regulator present
• Operates quietly
• Operates continuously without overheating (24/7 operation)
• Portable & rugged
• Easy to operate & maintain
• Affordable & available

The Mk V NPWT pump has met these specifications,  and more:

•   It is effective, being able to generate vacuum pressure up to 140mmhg. A pressure regulator allows the user to regulate the pressure from 0-140mmHg. It has a flow rate of 10L/min, which greatly helps in making and maintaining the airtight seal in the NPWT dressing.

•   It is reliable, being able to operate continuously for days or weeks on end, interrupted only by short dressing changes.

•    It is robust. Even when exudates enter the pump itself (as in the case when the collection bottle overflows), the Mk V can continue operating without fear of electrical malfunction.

•   It is quiet. The noise level is low enough to be almost inaudible 5-10 feet away.

•   It is versatile. It has two operating modes: Continuous and Intermittent. The Intermittent mode allows the pump to run for 5 minutes out of every 7 (i.e., 5 minutes ON, 2 minutes OFF). This feature allows for greater granulation tissue proliferation, provided that the wound is noninfected and is exudating minimally.

• It is portable. At 1.75kg, it can be brought to any part of the hospital and even at the patient’s own home. The Mk V is even much lighter than any suction machine.

•   Most of all, it is affordable. It costs a mere pittance when compared to commercially-available NPWT  pumps. Considering that the average rental fee for a commercial NPWT device is around   Php 2,000-3,000 per day, the projected cost when a surgical unit owns a Mk V and uses it every day for a year is less than Php 20.00 per day. Along with the cost of the makeshift dressings, the patient may only need to spend PhP 30-50.00 a day.

In utilizing Plan B as a low-cost NPWT system, all a surgical unit needs is the vacuum source, which could be the Mk V Pump. All the other materials for dressings and reservoir can be obtained from the hospital or the grocery.

                           

An inventory of expensive  dressing  systems is no longer needed. The surgical unit will no longer be dependent on the availability and supply of dressing materials, which can be quite expensive for the patient.

Technical specifications:

Dimensions

Length: 17.5 cm

Width:   12 cm

Height:   14 cm

Weight:   1.75 kg

Overall length (including

  carrying handle &

  reservoir holder): 29 cm

Operating Modes

Continuous Mode

Intermittent Mode

   (5 mins ON, 2 mins OFF)

Performance

Max. Suction Pressure: -130 to

                          -140mmHg

Suction Pressure Range: 0 to   

                           -140mmHg

Flow Rate: 10L/min

Power Supply: 220V AC, 60Hz

Other Features

Carrying handle,

Fluid collection

bottle holder

Power Rating: 8W