Robust, maintainable, emergency invasive mechanical ventilator

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Sophisticated mechanical ventilators face limitations in remote areas and war zones due to maintenance, parts availability, transport, and cost.
• There is a need for a simplified, reliable ventilator for critical care in resource-limited settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simple, robust, safe, and efficient invasive mechanical ventilator suitable for challenging environments.
• To address the practical utility limitations of complex equipment in austere settings.

Main Methods:

• The device operates in pressure-controlled continuous mandatory ventilation and assist-control modes, with optional continuous positive airway pressure.
• Minimized compressed gas consumption is achieved by eliminating continuous oxygen or air flow.
• Electronic determination of respiratory rates and inspiration/expiration ratios, with an apnea/power loss alarm.

Main Results:

• Pressure profiles were stable within a ± 2.5cmH2O error margin over 41 hours.
• Respiratory timing parameters demonstrated precision within a few percentage points over the same period.
• The device passed a four-month equivalent durability test and contamination tests; adequate ventilation was confirmed in a large animal model.

Conclusions:

• The developed ventilator design shows potential viability for clinical application in atypical circumstances.
• Further animal testing and regulatory approval are necessary before clinical deployment.