COVID-19 has put an unparalleled strain on domestic and global health care systems – particularly when it comes to the urgent need for more ventilators. Through a collaboration between the Georgia Institute of Technology and Cranfield University (UK), the COVID-19 Rapid Response Team has sought to create emergency automated ventilators from the manual bag-valve-mask (BVM) resuscitators.
BVM Ventilator Press Release
The automated BVM ventilation system is intended for use in emergency situations when all other traditional ventilators are unavailable. These systems are intended to be used for short periods of time until a traditional ventilator is available. This device is designed to be as straightforward as possible so that it can be manufactured and operated easily. This design is intended to only be used for a maximum of 2 adult patients at a given time when all other ventilation options have been exhausted. The device allows for health care workers to manually set the tidal volume and breathing rates.
This version of the automated BVM Ventilator includes the following design features:
- A 12V Gearmotor
- Compression by a Rack-and-Pinion Assembly
- Manual Tidal Volume Control
- Set Breathing Rate Control
- Silicone BVM Bag Grippers