Design and effectiveness of a membrane-pump-driven ventilator for mice

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Respiratory Physiology
• Animal Models

Background:

• Mechanical ventilation is crucial in respiratory research but often requires expensive equipment.
• There is a need for cost-effective and adaptable ventilation solutions for small animal models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and assess the practicability of a novel, low-cost membrane-pump-driven respirator for mice.
• To evaluate the device's ability to maintain stable physiological parameters during mechanical ventilation.

Main Methods:

• A membrane pump was used to generate continuous airflow, regulated by a multifunction timer and dimmer for intermittent flow and tidal volume adjustment.
• Mice were ventilated for 5 hours with room air at different frequencies (110 and 150 min-1); control group had spontaneous breathing.
• Single-lung open-chest ventilation was performed in two animals to assess its impact.

Main Results:

• Arterial blood gas analyses showed parameters within normal ranges, except for moderate hyperventilation at 150 min-1.
• Single-lung ventilation resulted in a significant decrease in pO2 and SO2 (P < 0.05) but normal pCO2.
• The device demonstrated adjustable respiratory rate, tidal volume, and pressure limitation, with minimal dead space.

Conclusions:

• The developed membrane-pump-driven respirator is a practical and cost-effective alternative for mice mechanical ventilation.
• The device allows for precise control over ventilation parameters, minimizing risks of alveolar damage.
• Further studies can utilize this adaptable system for various respiratory research applications.