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Ventilation

Manual Ventilation for the Developing World

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Membership level

2014-2015 Team

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Team Name

Ventilation

Project Title

Manual Ventilation for the Developing World

Design Challenge

Lack of availability of mechanical ventilation throughout the developing world represents a major barrier to care of the acutely and critically ill worldwide. Even when available, traditional mechanical ventilation involves complex, high tech ventilator equipment that requires substantial training, a consistent source of electricity, and significant maintenance for reliable and effective use which is not available in the developing world.

Design Summary

Our device is an automated compression mechanism that is intended to be used in conjunction with a bag-valve-mask (BVM) device to provide ventilation to patients who are unable to breathe on their own. It is a separate device from the BVM, but it serves to improve upon the functionality of the BVM by removing the need for a human operator, increasing reliability and controllability, and adding various safety features.

Currently the device is an early stage prototype. We have completed the proof of concept for BVM compression by meeting its vital specifications for delivering breaths at accurate tidal volumes and breath rates. The device will continue to be improved until a more robust prototype can be used for testing.

Updated: 02/25/15

This project was sponsored by Stephen Byrne and supported by Beyond Traditional Borders, which is made possible by a grant to Rice University from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute through the Undergraduate Science Education Program.