What Is a VOCSN Ventilator? Understanding Its Five Functions

The VOCSN ventilator is different from most portable ventilators because it combines multiple respiratory therapies into a single device.

Instead of requiring a separate ventilator, oxygen concentrator, cough-assist machine, suction machine, and nebulizer, VOCSN integrates these five functions into one respiratory system:

V — Ventilation
O — Oxygen
C — Cough
S — Suction
N — Nebulizer

Developed by Ventec Life Systems, VOCSN was cleared by the FDA in 2017 as a unified respiratory system. The device is designed for use across hospital, institutional, transport, and home environments and can provide invasive, non-invasive, and mouthpiece ventilation.

Today, VOCSN is part of the React Health respiratory product portfolio.

What Does VOCSN Stand For?

VOCSN is an acronym for the five therapies incorporated into the system:

• V – Ventilation
• O – Oxygen
• C – Cough
• S – Suction
• N – Nebulization

The important thing to understand is that VOCSN is not simply a ventilator with a few accessories attached.

The system was specifically designed to integrate these therapies so they can be accessed through one device and, in many applications, through a single patient circuit.

That integration can reduce the amount of equipment that needs to be transported, powered, cleaned, maintained, and connected.

1. V = Ventilation

The primary function of VOCSN is mechanical ventilation.

VOCSN provides invasive, non-invasive, and mouthpiece ventilation and includes a range of ventilation modes and settings. The FDA documentation describes volume, pressure, and spontaneous breath types incorporated into ventilation modes such as Assist Control, SIMV, and Bi-Level.

The ventilator is designed for use in multiple environments, including:

• Hospitals
• Long-term care
• Skilled nursing facilities
• Homecare
• Inter-facility transport
• Intra-hospital transport
• Other portable applications

VOCSN is intended for pediatric through adult patients weighing at least 5 kg, according to the manufacturer's clinical documentation.

Why the ventilation function matters

For a patient who requires mechanical ventilation, the ventilator remains the central component of the system.

What makes VOCSN different is that additional respiratory therapies can be incorporated around that ventilator rather than requiring the patient to be moved between multiple separate devices.

2. O = Oxygen

The second function is oxygen therapy.

VOCSN can provide supplemental oxygen using its integrated oxygen concentrator. The system is designed to provide the equivalent of up to 6 L/min of oxygen, depending on configuration and operating conditions.

VOCSN can also work with external oxygen sources in configurations that support them.

This gives facilities and caregivers additional flexibility when oxygen is required along with mechanical ventilation.

Why integrated oxygen can be useful

With a conventional setup, a ventilated patient may require:

• A ventilator
• A separate oxygen concentrator or oxygen source
• Tubing and connections between the systems

VOCSN can integrate oxygen delivery into the respiratory system, reducing the number of separate devices involved.

For portable applications, that can be particularly useful.

3. C = Cough Assist

The third function is cough assistance.

Some patients who require mechanical ventilation also have difficulty generating an effective cough. This can make it difficult to clear mucus and other secretions from the airway.

VOCSN incorporates Touch Button Cough™ therapy.

The system uses positive pressure followed by negative pressure to simulate the basic mechanics of a natural cough and help move secretions from the airway. The manufacturer also describes a Breath Sync feature that can synchronize cough maneuvers with patient effort.

One of the interesting aspects of the VOCSN design is that cough therapy can be performed without completely disconnecting the patient from the ventilator.

The system can transition into cough therapy and then return to ventilation.

Cough + suction

VOCSN can also combine cough and suction functions.

When configured for this feature, the system can activate suction when cough therapy begins, helping remove secretions from the airway and circuit.

For patients who routinely require both cough assistance and suction, integrating these functions can simplify the respiratory-care setup.

4. S = Suction

The fourth function is suction.

VOCSN incorporates a suction system intended to help remove airway secretions and fluids.

Suction can be used during ventilation or cough therapy, depending on the device configuration and clinical application. The system can work with suction accessories such as secretion traps and suction catheters.

Why integrated suction matters

A traditional respiratory setup may require a separate suction machine in addition to the ventilator.

That means another:

• Device
• Power source
• Tubing
• Canister
• Set of accessories
• Equipment item to transport and maintain

VOCSN combines suction into the same overall respiratory system.

This can be particularly valuable in situations where portability and equipment consolidation are important.

5. N = Nebulizer

The fifth function is nebulization.

VOCSN includes an integrated nebulizer drive designed to provide aerosolized medication through the patient circuit. The manufacturer specifies a 6 L/min nebulizer drive.

Nebulizer therapy can be initiated through the VOCSN touchscreen, and the system can compensate for nebulizer flow while ventilation therapy is being delivered.

This means the patient does not necessarily need to be disconnected from the ventilator and moved to a separate nebulizer setup every time aerosolized medication is administered.

Why Combine Five Devices Into One?

The biggest advantage of VOCSN is the integration of multiple respiratory therapies.

A traditional respiratory setup might look something like this:

Ventilator + Oxygen Source + Cough Assist + Suction + Nebulizer

VOCSN brings these functions together:

VOCSN = Ventilation + Oxygen + Cough + Suction + Nebulizer

That can reduce the amount of equipment that has to be transported and managed.

The manufacturer designed VOCSN for use from hospital to home, including institutional and transport environments.

For patients who require several of these therapies, the ability to access them through one system can simplify the overall respiratory-care setup.

Does Every VOCSN Have All Five Functions?

No.

This is an important point when buying or selling a VOCSN.

VOCSN is available in different configurations, and not every unit necessarily includes all five therapies.

The configuration is identified by the combination of functions included with the device. For example, a configuration may provide ventilation and cough assistance without including every other therapy. The full V+O+C+S+N+Pro configuration includes all five therapies along with the Pro capabilities.

Common configuration terminology

You may see VOCSN units identified with combinations such as:

• V — Ventilation
• V+C — Ventilation + Cough
• V+O+C — Ventilation + Oxygen + Cough
• V+C+S+N — Ventilation + Cough + Suction + Nebulizer
• V+O+C+S+N+Pro — Full configuration with all five therapies and Pro capabilities

Because configurations can differ, buyers should always verify exactly what functions are enabled on the specific unit they are purchasing.

What Is the VOCSN Pro?

You may also see VOCSN units identified as VOCSN Pro.

The "Pro" designation relates to additional capabilities, including support for external high-pressure oxygen and FiO₂ monitoring in applicable configurations.

This is another reason not to assume that every VOCSN is configured identically.

When evaluating a used VOCSN, it is important to look at the exact configuration and model/part number, rather than simply identifying it as a "VOCSN."

VOCSN and Portability

Portability is another important part of the VOCSN design.

The system can be powered from AC power and includes rechargeable battery capability for portable use. Manufacturer documentation describes two removable rechargeable batteries along with an internal rechargeable battery.

VOCSN can therefore be used in applications where the patient needs to move between locations while continuing respiratory support.

Potential environments include:

• Hospital transport
• Homecare
• Long-term care
• Skilled nursing
• Inter-facility transport
• Other portable applications

The exact battery runtime will depend on settings, configuration, battery condition, and operating circumstances.

What Should You Look for When Buying a Used VOCSN?

If you're considering purchasing a refurbished or used VOCSN, don't stop at the model name.

There are several things worth checking.

1. Exact configuration

Determine which functions are actually included and enabled.

A VOCSN with ventilation, oxygen, cough, suction, and nebulization is different from a V+C configuration.

2. Serial number

The serial number should be recorded so the specific device can be identified and its service history evaluated.

3. Operating hours

Check the ventilator's operating hours and record the actual hours shown on the device.

4. Software version

VOCSN functionality can vary by software version. The clinical manual notes that not all functions described in the manual are available on earlier software versions.

5. Battery condition

VOCSN relies on rechargeable batteries for portable operation. Battery age and condition should be evaluated rather than assuming that a battery that charges is necessarily in good condition.

6. Preventive maintenance

Ask when the unit was last serviced and whether required preventive maintenance has been completed.

7. Accessories

A VOCSN can require a variety of accessories depending on its configuration and intended application.

When purchasing used equipment, determine exactly what is included with the unit.

Why VOCSN Is Different From a Traditional Portable Ventilator

A conventional portable ventilator primarily provides mechanical ventilation.

VOCSN takes a different approach by combining multiple respiratory therapies into one platform.

That doesn't mean VOCSN is automatically the right choice for every patient or facility.

A traditional ventilator may be preferable when a facility only needs ventilation and already has separate equipment for oxygen, suction, cough assistance, or nebulization.

But when several respiratory therapies are required, the integrated design of VOCSN can offer significant advantages.

The key is matching the configuration and capabilities of the equipment to the intended application.

Is a VOCSN Worth Considering as a Refurbished Ventilator?

For organizations purchasing used or refurbished equipment, VOCSN can be an interesting option because of its multifunction design.

However, the value of a used VOCSN depends on more than simply the fact that it is a VOCSN.

Buyers should consider:

• Exact configuration
• Software version
• Operating hours
• Battery condition
• Preventive maintenance
• Included accessories
• Overall physical condition
• Functional testing
• Intended clinical application

A fully configured VOCSN with all five therapies can be substantially different from a partially configured unit.

That is why the exact configuration and condition of the individual device matter when determining its value.

The Bottom Line

The VOCSN ventilator combines five respiratory therapies into one integrated system:

Ventilation — Mechanical ventilation for invasive, non-invasive, and mouthpiece applications.

Oxygen — Integrated oxygen concentration with the ability to work with external oxygen sources in applicable configurations.

Cough — Mechanical cough assistance to help patients clear airway secretions.

Suction — Integrated suction to assist with removal of airway secretions.

Nebulizer — Integrated nebulizer drive for aerosolized medication delivery.

The ability to combine these therapies into one portable system is what makes VOCSN different from traditional portable ventilators.

For anyone purchasing a used VOCSN, however, it is important to look beyond the name on the front of the machine. Configuration, software, operating hours, battery condition, service history, and accessories can all make a significant difference in the value of a particular unit.

At Outfront Medical, we buy and sell new and refurbished medical equipment, including VOCSN ventilators.

If your facility has VOCSN ventilators or other medical equipment you are looking to sell, contact Outfront Medical to discuss your equipment and request an offer.