Guide to Designing Low Cost Ventilators for COVID-19

In summary, the conversation discusses the shortcomings of low-cost ventilator designs and explores alternative solutions such as the use of iron lungs and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation technology. It also mentions the potential revival of iron lungs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • #1
Tom.G
Science Advisor
Gold Member
5,189
4,011
It's a 15 minute video showing and explaining some of the non-obvious reasons that the $50 ventilators don't work.

For some of the low-cost designs see:
https://makerfaire.com/maker/entry/71747/

Cheers,
Tom
 
  • Like
Likes 256bits, berkeman and BillTre
Biology news on Phys.org
  • #2
Tom.G said:
non-obvious reasons that the $50 ventilators don't work.
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.
 
  • Like
Likes russ_watters, BillTre and 256bits
  • #3
Whoa. Some of those "designs" are just totally irresponsible, useless, and creepy.

Questions:
1. What ever happened to the iron lung. Wasn't that using negative pressure.
2. We don't yet have an artificial lung to pass the blood through to oxygenate and de-carbonate. Based on fuel cell technology that has become more mature - ie transfer of ions through a membrane, although here we would be dealing with concentration of molecules.
3. What if had another animal "breath" for the patient, passing the blood through their system. Problems with that no doubt, besides the ethical questions arising.
 
  • Like
Likes atyy and BillTre
  • #4
256bits said:
What ever happened to the iron lung.
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...
 
  • Like
Likes BillTre and 256bits
  • #5
Interesting Wikipedia article...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/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]
 
  • Like
Likes 256bits
  • #6
256bits said:
2. We don't yet have an artificial lung to pass the blood through to oxygenate and de-carbonate.
Ahh! But we do.
It's called "ExtraCorporeal Membrane Oxygenation" or ECMO.

I presume its the same technology used in Heart-Lung machines used during open-heart surgery.

https://www.google.com/search?&q=extracorporeal+membrane+oxygenation

(ain't technology great?)

Cheers,
Tom
 
  • Like
Likes atyy and 256bits

1. How do low cost ventilators work?

Low cost ventilators work by delivering oxygen to the lungs of a patient who is unable to breathe on their own. They use a pump or compressor to push air into the lungs through a tube inserted into the patient's airway. The ventilator can also control the amount of oxygen and pressure delivered to the patient.

2. What materials are needed to build a low cost ventilator?

The materials needed to build a low cost ventilator vary, but typically include a pump or compressor, tubing, valves, sensors, and a control system. These materials can be purchased from hardware stores or medical supply companies, and some can even be 3D printed.

3. How much does it cost to build a low cost ventilator?

The cost of building a low cost ventilator can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars, depending on the materials and components used. However, compared to traditional ventilators which can cost tens of thousands of dollars, low cost ventilators are significantly more affordable.

4. Can anyone build a low cost ventilator?

Building a low cost ventilator requires knowledge and expertise in engineering, electronics, and medical equipment. It is not recommended for just anyone to attempt to build a ventilator without proper training and guidance. However, there are open source designs and instructions available for those with the necessary skills to build a low cost ventilator.

5. Are low cost ventilators safe and effective for COVID-19 patients?

Low cost ventilators can be safe and effective for COVID-19 patients if they are designed and built correctly. However, it is important to note that these ventilators may not have the same level of features and monitoring as traditional ventilators, so they may not be suitable for all patients. It is important to consult with medical professionals and follow proper protocols when using a low cost ventilator for COVID-19 patients.

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
761
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
15
Views
1K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
1
Views
842
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • Biology and Medical
2
Replies
41
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
956
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
1
Views
725
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
1
Views
1K
Back
Top