The discussion revolves around the design and effectiveness of low-cost ventilators for COVID-19, exploring various approaches and technologies related to ventilatory support. Participants examine the limitations of inexpensive ventilators, historical devices like the iron lung, and alternative technologies such as ECMO.
Participants express a mix of agreement and disagreement regarding the effectiveness and safety of low-cost ventilators, with some advocating for the potential of historical devices like the iron lung and others questioning the viability of current designs. The discussion remains unresolved on many points, particularly concerning the practicality of alternative technologies.
Some claims about the effectiveness of low-cost ventilators and the historical context of the iron lung depend on specific definitions and assumptions that are not fully explored in the discussion. There are also unresolved questions about the ethical implications of using animals in ventilatory support.
Oh my, that's brutal. As they say in the video, these folks are well-meaning, but so many important features can't be implemented with simple BVM-based ventillation, especially with such sick lungs. Thanks for the video.Tom.G said:non-obvious reasons that the $50 ventilators don't work.
Yeah, I had the same thought. It looks like there would still be problems, but at least the alveoli are less at risk when negative pressure is used. Probably the large size is one drawback...256bits said:What ever happened to the iron lung.
The use of iron lungs is largely obsolete in modern medicine, as superior breathing therapies have been developed[citation needed], and due to the eradication of polio in most of the world.[5] However, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic revived some interest in the device as a cheap, readily-producible substitute for positive-ventilation ventilators, which were feared to be outnumbered by potential victims temporarily needing artificially assisted respiration.[6][7][8][9]
Ahh! But we do.256bits said:2. We don't yet have an artificial lung to pass the blood through to oxygenate and de-carbonate.