Emergency Mechanical Ventilator Design: Low-Cost and Accessible Components

Abstract

This paper presents the fundamentals; criteria; and mechanical, electrical, and electronic aspects required to properly operate and control emerging mechanical ventilators. We present the basis for their design and manufacture as a contribution to implementing this type of equipment at low cost for intensive care units. In particular, we describe the materials and the mechanical, electrical, and electronic aspects used to implement the SURKAN mechanical ventilator, which was developed in Ecuador during the COVID-19 pandemic for some health centers in the country. The proposed mechanical ventilator provides a functional and reliable design that can be considered a reference for future developments and new implementations.

Low-Cost Ventilator With Variable BPM and Oximeter

“…Some boards are being developed to implement mechanical ventilators, such as those presented in addition, electronic sensors should measure the flow in the inhalation and expiratory lines, airway pressure, and the level of oxygen delivered to the patient [12]. We used the net benefit regression approach to perform a cost-effectiveness analysis comparing two interventions-nasal oxygen and BCPAP-targeted to treat neonates with respiratory difficulty.…”

“…While many of these designs remain low cost, such bag valve mask-based designs are required in an intensive care unit [11]. Mechanical ventilators that use air and oxygen from hospital networks are the most commonly used in intensive care units because sensors that detect if the patients intend to breathe and assist them with adequate respiratory support [12]. Here in, we have designed a low-cost, easy-to-assemble, portable automated AMBU resuscitator system with proper air exhaust assembly that can be easily scaled, to fight the ongoing pandemic.…”

The development and implementation of a low-cost mechanical ventilator in a low-middle-income country during the COVID-19 pandemic: The Unisabana-HERONS

“…Also, the CUSUM analysis demonstrated [ [17] , [18] , [19] ] no deviations from the protocol goals for ventilatory parameters. A comparable technology was used in the SERKAN ventilator, which was also developed during the COVID-19 pandemic and was categorized by physicians as complete, intuitive, practical, and straightforward [ 34 ]. In our study, healthcare workers also classified the Unisabana-HERONS ventilator as easy to access and an intuitive device that does not require the operator to navigate the complex menus of the computerized operating systems.…”

Low-Cost Ventilator Using Pic

“…An electronic scheme is also required to generate a versatile printed circuit board (PCB) to enable the coupling of the electronic components. Some boards are being developed to implement mechanical ventilators, such as those presented in addition, electronic sensors should measure the flow in the inhalation and expiratory lines, airway pressure, and the level of oxygen delivered to the patient [12]. We used the net benefit regression approach to perform a cost-effectiveness analysis comparing two interventions-nasal oxygen and BCPAP-targeted to treat neonates with respiratory difficulty.…”