Design and validation of a low-cost, emergency mechanical ventilator in response to the pandemic caused by Covid-19.

Authors

Jaramillo, Adrian

Martínez, Andrés

González, Christian

Abstract

In this work, we designed and built an open-source prototype of a low-cost emergency mechanical ventilator (approximately USD 2,000) in response to the shortage of mechanical ventilators caused by the Covid-19 pandemic in low- and middle-income countries. With this implementation, we sought to meet the following criteria: 1) to build the prototype with affordable components and with high precision, high-speed data processing specifications for easy and rapid replication, 2) to meet the requirements proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) with respect to the functional aspects of emergency mechanical ventilators for Covid-19, and 3) to offer continuous, reliable, and safe respiratory support with different modalities. For this purpose, components such as solenoid valves, display with human-machine interface (HMI), control system, structure, and design for portability and maintenance, among others, were evaluated. Subsequently, through laboratory tests with an artificial test lung, the parameters resulting from the operation of the prototype were compared with a gas analyzer. The experimental results show a stable and accurate behavior, and with an adequate operating range according to WHO requirements, not only because of the characteristics of the selected components but also because of the microcontroller used to conduct the ventilation modes.