Open Source Respirators & Ventilators

Open Source Respirators & Ventilators - open-source assistive technology prototype by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) community

About this project

Copper3D Inc. in collaboration with prof. Jorge Zúñiga from the U. Nebraska Omaha, Biomechanics department and TOM:Chile, have developed the "H Connector", a simple 3D printed part that can multiply the productivity of an X4 mechanical fan.

In other words, with the same mechanical ventilator, 4 patients can be ventilated at the same time. This was validated in the USA and builds on previous studies by Dr. Charlene Irvin Babcock. For more information please see the Resources section.

The challenge

There is a world wide shortage of ventilators.

Who it helps

In the most severe cases of COVID-19, many patients contract pneumonia, and those who are hospitalized for COVID-19 often require mechanical ventilation or are put on ventilators when they are placed in Intensive Care Units.

How it works

Please see Copper3D website for more information

The number of ventilators is not enough for the increasing COVID-19 cases. COVID-19 patients are expected to experience pneumonia-like symptoms such as difficulty in breathing. There is no specific drug that can kill this virus, however, supportive care will be critical in the next few weeks as the virus spread to a greater percentage of the population. Providing oxygen to patients will be critical. Mechanical ventilators will play a major role in the treatment of COVID-19. Hospitals in the U.S. are currently are expecting an unprecedented number of new COVID-19 cases. The shortage of mechanical ventilators and health workers needed to operate them may lead to a catastrophic scenario

Previous clinical groups have used customized connectors using readily available supplies. The main limitation of using a customized connector assembled with several connective pieces is the inability of reducing the size of the connector to minimize dead space volume. Furthermore, using standard connectors manufactured with standard materials, there is the potential of air leakage and infectious complications from sharing one ventilator. To partially alleviate this problem, we have developed a 3D printable “H” connector for ventilators, such as the Puritan Bennett™ 840 Ventilator. The “H” connector is manufactured using PLActiveTM a proprietary material for additive manufacturing known for his viral deactivation properties, as well as its strong antimicrobial behavior and biocompatibility. The purpose of this design is to expand the use of a single ventilator to ventilate four simulated adults experiencing respiratory failure due to CIVID-19. Furthermore, the design minimizes dead space volume and prevents air leakage due to unnecessary connections.

Project details

The build files for Open Source Respirators & Ventilators are free to download from this page - open source, shared by TOM: Tikkun Olam Makers.

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