Technological Innovation: Modular Ventilators in Intensive Care Ventilation
Balancing advanced patient care with budget constraints remains a constant challenge within intensive care. For example, should all ventilators provide specialized custom functionalities, or is there a more efficient approach? Getinge offers a modular concept with its Servo ventilators, enabling tailored, needs-based solutions without requiring investment in highly specialized equipment for every use case.
The challenge – Maximizing functionality with limited budgets
Healthcare providers are often faced with the challenge of achieving maximum functionality from their ventilators while working within limited budgets. Every investment in new equipment is significant and must be carefully considered, particularly in the context of ongoing cost pressure in healthcare systems worldwide.
In many cases, basic ventilation modes and functions are sufficient to provide evidence-based care for a large proportion of patients. However, there are situations where advanced therapies such as Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist (NAVA) or advanced monitoring such as transpulmonary pressure (a method to assess lung mechanics) may be required — for example, in cases of difficult or prolonged weaning from mechanical ventilation or severe respiratory failure.
As these patient groups often represent only a small proportion, investing in highly specialized devices that are used only occasionally can be a complex decision.
Within this context, Getinge offers an approach designed to help balance clinical needs and economic considerations.
Modularity – From basic to advanced
Getinge Servo ventilators are designed with a modular approach. Systems can be configured as a base unit covering essential functions and expanded with additional modules to support more advanced therapies when needed.
Available modules include the Edi module for NAVA and the CO2 analyzer module for mainstream CO2 monitoring. Additional options include the Y sensor module that enables High Frequency Oscillation (HFO) for neonatal care and Transpulmonary pressure monitoring for Adult and pediatric patients. For situations requiring extended battery operation, additional battery modules can be added.
The ability to exchange modules during operation supports flexible use across different clinical scenarios.
Cost efficiency and workflow optimization – The benefits of modularity
Introducing modular Servo ventilators can support both cost efficiency and workflow optimization in intensive care settings.
Supporting more flexible investment decisions:
By enabling modules to be used across multiple devices, the need for fully equipped specialized ventilators for every bed can be reduced. Modules can be allocated based on patient needs, supporting a more flexible and potentially cost-efficient use of resources.
Optimizing workflows in the ICU:
The modular concept can reduce the need to move entire ventilators between rooms or units. This is particularly relevant in environments with fixed installations. Modules can be exchanged as needed, which may help save time and simplify workflows. In addition, reducing repeated setup and dismantling processes may also help lower the consumption of disposables and reduce workload.
Experience from the pediatric ICU at the University Hospital Cologne
In the pediatric intensive care unit at the University Hospital Cologne, which has nine ventilated beds, nine Servo-u ventilators were implemented, each equipped with essential core functions to meet the needs of most patients. In addition, 2–4 Edi modules and 2–4 Y sensor modules are available and can be flexibly shared between devices.
Team lead Mareike Brandt highlights the benefits of this approach for individualized patient care without requiring fully equipped ventilators at every bed:
"One advantage of the modular approach is that we do not need to replace the entire ventilator when a patient requires NAVA. The module can simply be transferred from one device to another during ongoing ventilation. This not only saves time but can also help reduce the use of disposables."
A balanced approach for different stakeholders
The modular concept of Servo ventilators addresses the needs of different stakeholders — from procurement teams to clinical specialists — by combining flexibility, usability, and the ability to adapt to varying clinical requirements.
It also reflects a broader direction in medical technology development: solutions that support alignment between clinical performance, operational efficiency, and financial sustainability in modern healthcare systems.
NB! This information is intended for an audience outside of the U.S.