A Simple Ventilator Designed To Be Used in Shortage Crises: Construction and Verification Testing

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Device Design
• Emergency Medicine Technology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical risk of severe ventilator shortages.
• Preparedness for future public health crises necessitates reliable emergency medical equipment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an acute shortage ventilator.
• To create a cost-effective and easily manufacturable solution for emergency respiratory support.

Main Methods:

• Designed a device to mechanically compress a self-inflating bag resuscitator.
• Utilized a modified patient circuit controlled by a microcontroller.
• Tested in volume-controlled and pressure-controlled assist modes using an artificial lung.

Main Results:

• Achieved desired tidal volume and respiratory rates per emergency guidelines.
• Demonstrated successful response to simulated spontaneous breathing.
• Verified performance in volume, flow, and pressure delivery.

Conclusions:

• Successfully developed a simple, high-performance emergency ventilator.
• Device utilizes common hospital and non-medical components for safety and compatibility.
• Low unit cost (<$400 USD excluding circuit parts) and ease of manufacturing achieved.