Design and construction of a simplified, gas-driven, pressure-controlled emergency ventilator

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Devices
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Mass casualty events like pandemics necessitate widespread artificial ventilation.
• Global shortages of emergency ventilators, particularly in developing nations, pose a critical challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and describe a simplified, cost-effective emergency ventilator.
• To optimize a lung-protective ventilation principle for mass production and emergency use.

Main Methods:

• Comparison of artificial ventilation modes to identify a safe, user-friendly, and lung-protective principle.
• Optimization of the chosen principle for cost-effective mass production and emergency application.

Main Results:

• A simplified, electricity-free pressure-controlled ventilation device was developed.
• The device allows control of peak inspiratory pressure, positive end-expiratory pressure, and ventilation frequency.
• Manufacturable with basic techniques (turning, milling, drilling) for under $100 USD, with sterilization capability.

Conclusions:

• The development provides an open-source guideline for emergency ventilator production, not a ready-to-purchase device.
• It aims to inspire local reverse engineering and production, adhering to country-specific regulations.
• While suitable for emergency use with basic features, long-term ventilation requires enhanced monitoring and alarm systems.