Low Cost Bubble CPAP Machine with Pressure Monitoring and Controlling System

Abstract

Background Africa contributed to one-third of the world’s neonatal mortality burden. In the Sub-Saharan region, preterm birth complications are the leading, in which a neonate is a higher risk of developing respiratory distress syndrome that will require extra oxygen and help with breathing. When compared to other respiratory supportive methods for treating infants in respiratory distress, bubble continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) is a safe, and effective system that is appealing to many resource-limited neonatal units in low and middle income countries. However, despite of its benefit, the accumulation of condensate in the patient's circuit's exhalation limb during a bubble CPAP can significantly increase pressure delivered to the serious physical consequences that can potentially lead to respiratory failure. Currently, existing technology in developing nations is expensive, and they will not control the accumulation of condensate in the exhalation limb. This quietly increases the mortality rate of neonates. Therefore, the objective of this project was to design, and develop a bubble CPAP device that able to monitor and control pressure delivered to the infant. Methods In this project, a low-cost bubble CPAP machine with a pressure monitoring and controlling system has been developed. When the neonate expires, the pressure sensor inserted into the expiratory tube reads the instant positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) and sends it to the microcontroller. The microcontroller decides whether to turn the relay (controls the electric power to the 2 - solenoid valve) to switch the way of expiration between the two expiratory tubes connected to the valves of two outlets. This depends on the pressure reading and the cutoff pressure value manually inserted by the physician. Results The prototype was built and subjected to various tests and iterations to determine the device's effectiveness. The developed prototype was tested for accuracy, safety, cost, ease of use, and durability. The prototype was accurate in 10 iterations that had been made to monitor and control the pressure. It was safe and provided accurate pressure for the neonate, and it was built for less than 193 USD. Conclusion The proposed design allows physicians, especially those in low resource settings, to easily monitor and control the accumulation of condensate in the exhalation limb of the CPAP machine accurately and safely. This helps to reduce the neonate mortality rate that may occur due to respiratory distress syndrome.

Analysis of Changes in Flow Setting Against Rise Time Using Gas Board 7500E Sensor on Bubble CPAP

“…The bubble CPAP system also does not measure the concentration of oxygen produced at the outlet. The rise time has been defined as the time it takes for the airway pressure [21] to rise to a given maximum value. The fast rise time value allows immediate flow delivery at the start of the breath, resulting in an immediate pressure rise to a predetermined value.…”