Data automated bag breathing unit for COVID-19 ventilator shortages

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Respiratory Physiology
• Medical Device Development

Background:

• Global mechanical ventilator shortages arose during the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitating rapid, low-cost alternatives.
• Novel breathing devices are proposed as solutions when standard ventilators are unavailable.
• The Automated Bag Breathing Unit (ABBU) was developed to address this need.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design, bench test, and conduct preclinical evaluation of the Automated Bag Breathing Unit (ABBU).
• To validate the ABBU's performance using mechanical test lungs and an animal model.

Main Methods:

• The ABBU utilizes a programmable motor-driven wheel for adult resuscitation bag-valve compression.
• Bench testing involved lung simulators to assess tidal volume delivery across various compliances.
• Preclinical testing was performed in Berkshire pigs, evaluating blood gases under different ventilation settings and induced lung injury.

Main Results:

• The ABBU demonstrated consistent tidal volume delivery and controlled respiratory parameters (tidal volume, rate, inspiratory time, PEEP).
• Preclinical trials in pigs showed physiological levels of PaCO2 and improved PaO2 with PEEP in injured lungs.
• Delivered fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) varied with minute ventilation and oxygen flow rate.

Conclusions:

• The ABBU shows potential as a low-cost device for oxygenation and ventilation, particularly in resource-limited settings.
• Further clinical trials are required to establish the safety and efficacy of the ABBU in diverse patient populations.
• The device offers adjustable parameters for respiratory support, validated in preclinical models.