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CASE STUDY

Veterinary Anesthesia Ventilator

We designed and engineered an anesthesia ventilator with a sleek appearance and cutting-edge technology for veterinary clinics.

Company

Dispomed

Industry

Veterinary

Therapeutic Segment

Respiratory

Product Type

Physical Device

Expertise

Innovation Strategy

Human Factors Engineering

UX & UI Design

Industrial Design

Mechanical Engineering

Electronic Engineering

Embedded Software Development

Quality Assurance

Modernizing Veterinary Anesthesia

Dispomed, a manufacturer and distributor of veterinary healthcare equipment, set out to breathe new life into one of its anesthesia ventilators. The goal was clear: make it more modern, simpler to use, and better aligned with the day-to-day reality of veterinary clinics.
When taking a closer look at the market, Dispomed realized that clinics were forced to choose between two extremes: aging, low-cost veterinary ventilators or high-end human systems that were often far too expensive. Between these two worlds, there was space for something new. Dispomed saw a real opportunity to design a ventilator made specifically for veterinarians: modern, reliable, intuitive, and accessible.

A Full Partnership, From Concept to Production

Dispomed already had strong expertise in pneumatic and mechanical systems, CLEIO provided everything else. Our team brought together specialists in industrial design, mechanical and electronic engineering, embedded software development, UX/UI design, and quality assurance to complement their know-how.

Together, we created a compact, cutting-edge device that redefines industry standards.

An Intuitive Interface to Prevent Cognitive Overload

Our human factors experts went into the field to meet with veterinarians, understand their day-to-day reality, and observe how they interacted with the existing device.
It quickly became clear that several recurring issues were affecting their work: the information displayed on the device lacked clarity, visual and audio alarms created unnecessary stress, and manual controls made every adjustment more complicated than it should be.
All of these factors slowed down procedures, making it essential for our team to reduce pain points and bring forward new solutions.

The Right Information,
At The Right Time

Our UX/UI design team first rethought the user flows to ensure the device remains easy to operate, even in stressful situations. The goal was to avoid cognitive overload, especially when managing alarms.
More concretely, the team made sure the information displayed on the device was sufficient, easy to understand, and aligned with the user’s mental model, regardless of their level of expertise. The result: information that appears at the right time, in the right amount, and in a way that feels intuitive for every user.

Good Design Also Means Preventing Errors

Because good design also means preventing use errors, we integrated a feature that didn’t exist in previous generations of ventilators: automatic adjustment of ventilation parameters based on the animal’s weight.

The device suggests typical values to guide users during the initial setup and reduce the risk of configuration errors. It’s a valuable aid for less experienced users as well as for teams who need to act quickly during procedures.

Less to Handle, More to Focus On

The new interface was designed so that every action counts. It features a main rotary knob for quick adjustments, a touchscreen that displays clear information, and only the essential physical buttons.

This way, veterinarians can focus on what truly matters: the well-being and safety of their patients.

A Turbine-Based System for Lower Manufacturing Costs

At first, our mechanical engineers considered using a pneumatic system powered by compressed gas, as found in most ventilators on the market. But after digging deeper through feasibility studies and reviewing the latest innovations, our team proposed a different solution: a turbine-based system.
This alternative simplified the overall design by eliminating the need for internal pneumatic components, and most importantly, it drastically reduced manufacturing costs. In return, it posed a new challenge for our developers: designing a more advanced algorithm capable of controlling the turbine with precision, regardless of the use scenario.

A Reliable Embedded Software Built to Handle Any Scenario

Behind its easy-to-use interface lies a sophisticated software architecture, the true backbone of the ventilator’s performance. It ensures stable and reliable operation in every situation, no matter the context or conditions of use.

A Dual-Core Microprocessor

The embedded software runs on a dual-core microprocessor: one core drives the control algorithm, while the other manages the graphical interface.

This separation was essential to reduce risk. In this way, all safety-critical functions remain isolated and continue operating even if a non-critical system fails.

A Closed-Loop Algorithm

Because a cat doesn’t breathe like a dog, the software had to adapt to every type of animal. We developed a closed-loop algorithm capable of automatically adjusting ventilation parameters based on each animal’s specific respiratory characteristics.

To validate this approach, we first created a proof of concept tested on an artificial lung. Through continuous optimization, the embedded software achieved stable performance across all operating modes.

A Compact Design Tailored to Clinical Environments

While the device’s performance is essential, its appearance is just as important.

A Distinctive Visual Signature

The blue bellows have become the defining visual element of the ventilator, instantly recognizable and helping Dispomed stand out in the market.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this signature color unifies the product with the rest of Dispomed’s lineup, reinforcing a cohesive brand identity.

A Minimalist and User-Friendly Design

The bellows housing, featuring a distinctive square top, can be easily removed without the need for handles. This subtle ergonomic choice enhances the device’s minimalist look while improving usability.
It keeps the focus where it matters most during procedures: on the screen, the true heart of the interface.

A Compact Size

Our engineers integrated all pneumatic, electronic, and mechanical components into a compact enclosure without compromising performance.
Despite the limited space, they optimized every detail to simplify assembly, maintenance, and cleaning, three key benefits in clinical environments.

A Rigorous Quality Approach That Puts Safety First

During the regulatory assessment, our quality assurance team found that the standards governing veterinary ventilators are far less defined than those applied to medical devices for humans. To bridge this gap, we chose to apply the same internationally recognized safety standards used in the medical field, including IEC 60601-1.
It was a deliberate choice to ensure the device’s safety and performance while setting a higher standard in a market where compliance requirements are often inconsistent.

A Brand Identity Focused on Innovation and Animal Well-Being

Our collaboration with Dispomed went far beyond product development. Together, we shaped the launch strategy for their first device fully designed and manufactured in-house.
Our innovation strategy experts helped lay the foundation for a distinctive brand identity, supported by a roadmap for future products. From defining the wording and visual identity to creating early marketing content and a tagline, we proposed creative directions that emphasized both innovation and animal well-being.
With this groundwork, Dispomed was ready to build on these ideas, refining them through their own vision to create a brand identity that truly reflects who they are.

An Innovative Ventilator Ready for Production

Before moving into production, the prototypes were first tested by our teams on artificial lungs, then by veterinarians on real four-legged patients. These trials allowed us to fine-tune the final details.
In the same time, we supported Dispomed in building their supply chain, from selecting and communicating with suppliers to inspecting the first manufactured parts and training their team on-site for assembly. The goal was clear: to make them fully autonomous when it came to production.
Today, the ventilator is on the market and already earning outstanding feedback from early users, who praise its ease of use, reliability, and ergonomic design.
With CLEIO’s support, Dispomed now offers veterinary clinics a ventilator as precise and comfortable as those made for human use.  Its compact size and affordable price make it perfectly suited to the realities of clinical practice.

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