AIIMS Raipur nurse develops patented respiratory device to curb airborne infections, ET HealthWorld

Raipur: Arokiaraj U, a Senior Nursing Officer in the Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS) at AIIMS Raipur, developed a device named Highly Oxygenated Aerosol Controlled (HOAC) Combo. The Indian Patent Office in New Delhi granted a utility patent for the device.

The HOAC Combo is a closed-system respiratory support unit designed to reduce the risk of airborne infections during nebulisation, sputum sampling, incentive spirometry, and low-flow oxygen therapy. It offers protection to both patients and healthcare workers.

The HOAC device is currently in the functional prototype development phase, with efforts underway to secure funding. This will be followed by pilot studies and clinical validation, paving the way for its large-scale implementation in India and globally.

Arokiaraj U showcased this device at the India Innovation Summit 2025, held on March 18–19 at Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre, New Delhi. The Department of Health Research (DHR) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) organised the summit.

The device has also been published on the ATLAS of Innovation platform, a research platform supporting the development of new technologies for TB elimination.

Lt. Gen. Ashok Jindal (Retd), Executive Director and CEO of AIIMS Raipur, congratulated Arokiaraj, calling the development a significant achievement for AIIMS Raipur. AIIMS Raipur nominated Arokiaraj for the National Florence Nightingale Award and the National Science Award 2025 in recognition of his contribution.

Arokiaraj expressed gratitude to the Medical Superintendent, the CTVS department, and the AIIMS administration for their support and guidance.