RepRapable Automated Open Source Bag Valve Mask-Based Ventilator

Abstract

This study describes the development of an automated bag valve mask (BVM) compression system, which, during acute shortages and supply chain disruptions can serve as a temporary emergency ventilator. The resuscitation system is based on the Arduino controller with a real-time operating system installed on a largely RepRap 3-D printable parametric component-based structure. The cost of the system is under $170, which makes it affordable for replication by makers around the world. The device provides a controlled breathing mode with tidal volumes from 100 to 800 milliliters, breathing rates from 5 to 40 breaths/minute, and inspiratory-to-expiratory ratio from 1:1 to 1:4. The system is designed for reliability and scalability of measurement circuits through the use of the serial peripheral interface and has the ability to connect additional hardware due to the object-oriented algorithmic approach. Experimental results demonstrate repeatability and accuracy exceeding human capabilities in BVM-based manual ventilation. Future work is necessary to further develop and test the system to make it acceptable for deployment outside of emergencies in clinical environments, however, the nature of the design is such that desired features are relatively easy to add with the test using protocols and parametric design files provided.

Open source high-temperature RepRap for 3-D printing heat-sterilizable PPE and other applications

“…Distributed manufacturing can even occur at the personal level using desktop manufacturing [13] with substantial consumer savings for a wide range of products [14] , [15] including personal equipment [16] and flexible products [17] . Distributed manufacturing can also be used to overcome these shortages of medical supplies in general [18] and specifically for medical face shields [19] , [20] (about 60% of total [21] ), respirator materials [22] , and ventilators [23] , [24] . Distributed manufacturing with 3-D printing has been used to effectively manufacture custom parts [25] for breathing apparatuses [26] and perhaps most importantly for PPE to help reduce the spread of the disease including facemasks [27] , face shields [19] , [20] , [21] , [28] , helmet modifications [29] , door openers [30] and reusable N95 respirators [31] .…”

Physiologic-range three/two-way valve for respiratory circuits

“…9-14. 3 https://gitlab.com/luihp/activvent 4 An example can be seen at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pCCMqLMpSI 5 PANDApeep valves: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4250354 L. Holder-Pearson, Theodore Lerios and J. Geoffrey Chase HardwareX 10 (2021) e00234…”

“…In the COVID-19 pandemic, there were numerous projects targeting the potential or realised need for more mechanical ventilators [1][2][3][4]. Where several open-source mechanical ventilator designs were being developed, most of these either were basic and did not allow for the monitoring and customisation with which clinicians are familiar with, and/or required expensive or inaccessible components.…”

Physiologic-range flow and pressure sensor for respiratory systems

“…Having access to a cost-effective, readily-assembled device which is well characterised and validated would enable considerable development of open source hardware. During the COVID-19 pandemic many open-source hardware solutions were developed in the respiratory therapy space, for example mechanical ventilators [1][2][3][4]. An aspect that was absent or expensive in these designs was the ability to determine the characteristics of the respiratory therapy provided.…”