Translational design for limited resource settings as demonstrated by Vent-Lock, a 3D-printed ventilator multiplexer.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Mechanical ventilators are essential to patients who become critically ill with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and shortages have been reported due to the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

Methods

We utilized 3D printing (3DP) technology to rapidly prototype and test critical components for a novel ventilator multiplexer system, Vent-Lock, to split one ventilator or anesthesia gas machine between two patients. FloRest, a novel 3DP flow restrictor, provides clinicians control of tidal volumes and positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP), using the 3DP manometer adaptor to monitor pressures. We tested the ventilator splitter circuit in simulation centers between artificial lungs and used an anesthesia gas machine to succ

SUBMITTER: Xun H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9471031 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature