A lung for all: Novel mechanical ventilator for emergency and low-resource settings

AIMS: To create a low-cost ventilator that could be constructed with readily-available hospital equipment for use in emergency or low-resource settings. MAIN METHODS: The novel ventilator consists of an inspiratory limb composed of an elastic flow-inflating bag encased within a non-compliant outer sheath and an expiratory limb composed of a series of two, one-way bidirectional splitter valves derived from a self-inflating bag system. An Arduino Uno microcontroller controls a solenoid valve that can be programmed to open and close to produce a set respiratory rate and inspiratory time. Using an ASL 5000 Lung Simulator, we obtained flow, pressure, and volume waveforms at different lung compliances. KEY FINDINGS: At a static lung compliance of 50 mL/cm H(2)O and an airway resistance of 6 cm H(2)O/L/s, ventilated at a PIP and PEEP of 16 and 5 cm H(2)O, respectively, tidal volumes of approximately 540 mL were achieved. At a static lung compliance of 20 mL/cm H(2)O and an airway resistance of 6 cm H(2)O/L/s, ventilated at a PIP and PEEP of 38 and 15 cm H(2)O, respectively, tidal volumes of approximately 495 mL were achieved. SIGNIFICANCE: This novel ventilator is able to safely and reliably ventilate patients with a range of pulmonary disease in a simulated setting. Opportunities exist to utilize our ventilator in emergency situations and low-resource settings.