Simultaneous mechanical ventilation of several patients with a single ventilator

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Respiratory Therapy
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• A ventilator deficit may impact acute respiratory failure care during pandemics like COVID-19.
• Simultaneous mechanical ventilation (SMV) using a single ventilator for multiple patients presents a potential solution.
• This strategy aims to optimize resource allocation during critical care shortages.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and performance of SMV.
• To assess SMV in a lung simulator model.
• To compare outcomes when ventilating one, two, and four simulated patients simultaneously.

Main Methods:

• A mechanical ventilator was used to ventilate lung simulators.
• The experiment involved ventilating a single simulator, then two, and finally four simultaneously.
• Key ventilator parameters including positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), mean airway pressure, and peak pressure were measured and compared.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were found between programmed, recorded, and measured pressures when ventilating one or two simulators.
• Ventilating four simulators simultaneously showed statistically significant differences in measured pressures.
• The study highlights potential limitations of SMV with increased patient numbers.

Conclusions:

• Simultaneous mechanical ventilation is a viable option for up to two patients.
• The procedure demands experienced medical personnel and should be conducted in an intensive care unit.
• Careful consideration and monitoring are essential when implementing SMV.