Background and Identification

The newest model of the Vapotherm ventilator is the Precision Flow Heliox, which replaced the 2000i in 2009. It boasts an electronic flow meter (Vapotherm Website) and a proprietary oxygen compressor. The look and design of the 2000i are distinct from its successor. The 2000i is a rectangular grey box with a digital temperature screen and indicator lights for each function of the ventilator, and the model number is clearly displayed on the bottom front of the unit.

The Vapotherm 2000i has been a popular respirator since its re-release in 2007. It has been used in more than 1,600 hospitals world-wide and on over 2 million patients. The Vapotherm is more comfortable and has fewer health risks than a standard mask ventilator. Furthermore, it benefits patients of all ages, particularly infants and the elderly. Vapotherm ventilators are used in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, congestive heart failure, COPD,  dyspnea, pneumonia, and several other medical conditions.

The Vapotherm 2000i has been subject to one recall in its history prior to 2007. Hospitals in 16 states reported that used cartridges from the device tested positive for the harmful bacterium Ralstonia, (Medscape). An intensive investigation concluded the source of the contamination was from the use of tap water and improper cleaning procedures between patients (RTmagazine). The company rewrote the device’s instruction manual to strongly suggest the use of only sterilized water for the device. This problem highlights the need to keep the device clean as well as the potential dangers involved with replacing certain parts. The last reported figures of the 2000i being used in the United States were in 2006 by the CDC, where they assert that roughly 4,500 devices are in use (CDC website). It is recommended to consult the manufacturer and the CDC when repairing a medical ventilator.

 

Technical Specifications

General Vapotherm 2000i Device:

  • Height 11” (280 mm)
  • Width 5.5” (140 mm)
  • Depth 4.5” (114 mm)
  • Weight less than 6 lbs (2.7 kg)
  • Rear mounted clamp fits standard IV pole or hanger

Vapotherm Water Bag:

  • Sterile water bags up to 2000 ml bag
  • Circulating water volume  <100 ml (excluding Patient Patient Delivery Tube)

Power/Voltage:

  • Power (US) 115 V, 60Hz, 250 VA (warm up) approximately 80 VA (continuous)
  • Power (Other versions) 220 –240 V, 50 –60Hz, 250 VA (warm up), approximately 80 VA (continuous)

Gas/Pressure:

  • GSP: 4–50psi At high pressures (e.g. hospital wall system) the Vapotherm 2000i must be connected to the gas outlet via a standard medical flowmeter and flow regulator with approved fittings. 
  • Gas flow: Controlled by external flowmeter. Operating range 1 –40lpm
  • (US) 33 – 43ºC at outlet of the delivery tube, adjustable by front panel settings
  • Output gas temperature: (Other versions) 33 – 41ºC

Humidification:

  • Output is at least 95% relative humidity at nasal cannula at a flow rate up to 20 lpm, at least 90% at flow

Vapor Transfer Cartridge:

  • The high flow cartridge (VT01-AS) flow range of 5 – 20 liters per minute (lpm)
  • The low flow cartridge (VT01-BS) flow range of 1– 8 lpm

Additional Information