scholarly journals A low-cost, rapidly scalable, emergency use ventilator for the COVID-19 crisis

Author(s):  
Samuel J Raymond ◽  
Trevor Wesolowski ◽  
Sam Baker ◽  
Yuzhe Liu ◽  
Jordan L Edmunds ◽  
...  

For the past 50 years, positive pressure ventilation has been a cornerstone of treatment for respiratory failure. Consensus surrounding the epidemiology of respiratory failure has permitted a relatively good fit between the supply of ventilators and the demand. However, the current COVID-19 pandemic has increased demand for mechanical ventilators well beyond supply. Respiratory failure complicates most critically ill patients with COVID-19 and is characterized by highly heterogeneous pulmonary parenchymal involvement, profound hypoxemia and pulmonary vascular injury. The profound increase in the incidence of respiratory failure has exposed critical shortages in the supply of mechanical ventilators, and those with the necessary skills to treat. While most traditional ventilators rely on an internal compressor and mixer to moderate and control the gas mixture delivered to a patient, the current emergency climate has catalyzed alternative designs that might enable greater flexibility in terms of supply chain, manufacturing, storage and maintenance. Design considerations of these 'emergency response' ventilators have generally fallen into two categories: those that rely on mechanical compression of a known volume of gas and those powered by an internal compressor to deliver time cycled pressure- or volume-limited gas to the patient. The present work introduces a low-cost, ventilator designed and built in accordance with the Emergence Use guidance provided by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) wherein an external gas supply feeds into the ventilator and time limited flow interruption guarantees tidal volume. The goal of this device is to allow a patient to be treated by a single ventilator platform, capable of supporting the various treatment paradigms during a potential COVID-19 related hospitalization. This is a unique aspect of this design as it attempts to become a one-device-one-visit solution to the problem. The device is designed as a single use ventilator that is sufficiently robust to treat a patient being mechanically ventilated. The overall design philosophy and its applicability in this new crisis-laden world view is first described, followed by both bench top and animal testing results used to confirm the precision, capability, safety and reliability of this low cost and novel approach to mechanical ventilation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ventilator is shown to perform in a range of critical requirements listed in the FDA emergency regulations and can safely and effectively ventilate a porcine subject. As of August 2020, only 13 emergency ventilators have been authorized by the FDA, and this work represents the first to publish animal data using the ventilator. This proof-of-concept provides support for this cost-effective, readily mass-produced ventilator that can be used to support patients when the demand for ventilators outstrips supply in hospital settings worldwide. More details for this project can be found at https://ventilator.stanford.edu/

Author(s):  
Nada Abughanam ◽  
Shahd Sameer Mohammed Gaben ◽  
Muhammad E. H. Chowdhury ◽  
Amith Khandakar

AbstractThe onset of the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused shortages in mechanical ventilators (MVs) essential for the intensive care unit (ICU) in the hospitals. The increasing crisis prompted the investigation of ventilators which is low cost and offers lower health complications. Many researchers are revisiting the use of negative pressure ventilators (NPVs), due to the cost and complications of positive pressure ventilators (PPVs). This paper summarizes the evolution of the MVs, highlighting the limitations of popular positive and negative pressure ventilators and how NPV can be a cost-effective and lower health complication solution. This paper also provides a detailed investigation of the structure and material for the patient enclosure that can be used for a cost-effective NPV system using ANSYS simulations. The simulation results can confirm the selection and also help in developing a low cost while based on readily available materials. This can help the manufacturer to develop low-cost NPV and reduce the pressure on the healthcare system for any pandemic situation similar to COVID-19.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chongfeng Bi ◽  
Rachelle Mendoza ◽  
Hui-Ting Cheng ◽  
Gil Pagapas ◽  
Elmer Gabutan ◽  
...  

AbstractThe negative impact of continued school closures during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic warrants the establishment of new cost-effective strategies for surveillance and screening to safely reopen and monitor for potential in-school transmission. Here, we present a novel approach to increase the availability of repetitive and routine Covid-19 testing that may ultimately reduce the overall viral burden in the community. We describe implementation of a testing program that included students, faculty and staff from K-12 schools and universities participating in the SalivaClear™ pooled surveillance method (Mirimus Clinical Labs, Brooklyn, NY). Over 400,000 saliva specimens were self-collected from students, faculty and staff from 93 K-12 schools and 18 universities and tested in pools of up to 24 samples over a 20-week period during this pandemic. Peaks of positive cases were seen in the days following the Halloween, Thanksgiving and New Year holidays. Pooled testing did not significantly alter the sensitivity of the molecular assay in terms of both qualitative (100% detection rate on both pooled and individual samples) and quantitative (comparable cycle threshold (CT) values between pooled and individual samples) measures. Pooling samples substantially reduced the costs associated with PCR testing and allowed schools to rapidly assess transmission and adjust prevention protocols as necessary. By establishing low-cost, weekly testing of students and faculty, pooled saliva analysis enabled schools to determine whether transmission had occurred, make data-driven decisions, and adjust safety protocols. Pooled testing is a fundamental component to the reopening of schools, minimizing transmission among students and faculty.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas A. Ettinger ◽  
Nathan Serazin ◽  
Richard Nguyen ◽  
Jennifer Werdenberg ◽  
Minke Huibers ◽  
...  

Abstract Background/aim Low-cost commercial bCPAP devices have been deployed in resource-limited settings to treat neonatal respiratory failure. The use of these devices has increased access to pediatric respiratory support for infants. However, constrained resources may result in substitution of recommended consumables and/or use in older age groups. We hypothesized that commercially available bCPAP devices, the standard WHO-style device and various improvised adaptations would all generate effective, safe positive pressure at the patient interface. Methods Performance of 2 commercially available bCPAP devices was tested against the standard WHO-style bCPAP device, as well as several improvised modifications of these devices, by measuring positive pressure delivered at the patient interface. Variables tested included different flow rates, patient interfaces and respiratory circuit tubing. Results Both commercial devices utilized according to manufacturer recommendations generated the expected positive pressure at the patient interface. When testing the recommended WHO-style bCPAP device with recommended materials as well as other improvised modifications, we found variable and potentially unpredictable generation of positive pressure at the patient interface. Conclusions Modified or improvised bCPAP devices should be used with extreme caution as the support provided may be more or less than expected depending on respiratory tubing and flow rates employed. Our data support the effectiveness of bCPAP in newborns and young infants. But, to our knowledge, there are no bCPAP patient interfaces for older children effective with low liter flow devices. Therefore, based on these results, we recommend against using WHO-style bCPAP devices for non-infant patients with respiratory failure and instead recommend using standard oxygen therapy with nasal cannulae or face-masks, as well as early consideration of transfer to a higher level of care.


PEDIATRICS ◽  
1983 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
pp. 122-125
Author(s):  
TERRY L. BIZZLE ◽  
ROBERT V. KOTAS

Despite increasing electronic sophistication in the design of mechanical ventilators, there has been persistent dependence on hand bagging in acute neonatal respiratory failure. Hand ventilation continues to be clinically useful in preparation for the application of the mechanical ventilator and to support airway suctioning.1 High inflation peak pressures can lead to the development of pulmonary air leaks; therefore, the use of a pressure manometer with neonatal hand bag ventilation equipment is widely recommended.2,3 Although no manufacturer currently markets a pressure manometer designed exclusively for use with neonatal hand ventilation equipment, many neonatal intensive care centers currently use diaphragm-type manometers for this purpose.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 (DPC) ◽  
pp. 1-32
Author(s):  
Senthil Sivaswamy ◽  
Theodore (Ted) G. Tessier ◽  
Tony Curtis ◽  
David Clark ◽  
Kazuhisa Itoi ◽  
...  

Fan-Out Wafer Level Packaging (FO-WLP) technology has been developed in recent years to overcome the limitations of Fan-in WLP (FI-WLP) packages and to add more functionality to WLP. Fan-Out packages expand the WLP market to higher pin count devices and add multiple die System in Package (SiP) capability. In this paper, a novel approach to low cost fan-out packaging based on polyimide flex circuits and wafer level Embedded Die Customization (EDC) is discussed. ChipletT refers to Fan-Out packaging. ChipsetT refers to System in Package developed with WABE (Wafer and Board Level Embedding) technology. WABE technology is based on co-lamination of multi layer polyimide flex wiring and conductive z-axis sintered metal interconnections. Using WABE technology, ultra thin fan-out packages (0.4mm) can be fabricated with lower processing costs, higher throughput and with 3D extendibility. Embedded Die Customization is performed at the wafer level and involves optimization of the die-to-embedding process by using optimized wafer level processing capabilities including polymer processing, copper plating and wafer thinning. Reliability of the ChipletT packages, both component level and board level is evaluated. ChipletT packages show high reliability in component level testing and board level testing (Thermal Cycling and Drop Testing). The thermal performance of ChipletT packages were also evaluated in this study. Thermal resistance parameters θja and θjc were simulated with and without thermal vias for both face up and face down configurations. ChipletT provides a new low cost fan out packaging option with proven component level and board level reliability performance.


Author(s):  
Elias Brassitos ◽  
Qingchao Kong ◽  
Constantinos Mavroidis ◽  
Brian Weinberg

As modern robotic systems begin to permeate mass productions in consumer and healthcare products, the development of powerful cost-effective compact actuators represents a critical need to deliver commercially viable high performance robotic products. During the last years our team has developed a novel approach in actuator development which overcomes gearing packaging, efficiency and reliability problems of current actuators, paving the way for a new era of low-cost high-performance robotic products that are currently unattainable with existing commercial actuators. Our new actuator assembly, called the Gear Bearing Drive (GBD), uses three components comprising a brushless outrunner motor, two stage planetary gearbox, and novel rolling surfaces — all designed with overlapping functions and common features which interface together to drastically simplify and reduce the size and complexity of the actuator assembly. This unique approach allows embedding the motor within the planetary gearbox and further enables the actuator to operate without any traditional ball bearing, saving significant volume, cost, and manufacturing complexity. The low-cost gearbox combined with the high power output of brushless outrunner motors and typical high efficiencies of planetary gear arrangements results in compact, powerful and cost-effective robotic actuators with the potential to impact a number of industries ranging from consumer products to manufacturing and healthcare. In this paper we present the latest design improvements for the GBD so that we reduce friction and maximize efficiency. We also present a new design software for the GBD that has also been developed to reduce trial and error during the design phase and to speed up the production process.


2014 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 316-328 ◽  

<div> <p>Trichloroethylene (TCE) is found in all mediums of environment in varying concentrations. Over the past 25 years, many engineered systems have been devised for its complete and sustainable degradation. This study reviews the environmental factors that influence the TCE pollution in environment and its biological mineralization via engineered systems. Although at some polluted sites natural attenuation of TCE has been found to occur but generally the natural process is very slow. The use of nanoparticles and composites provides a comparatively novel approach for the treatment of TCE contaminated waters. Biological engineered systems have been found to degrade TCE on much faster rates and higher concentrations. To identify the appropriate microorganisms in any engineered system that can effectively provide a low-cost treatment option for TCE degradation is the pressing need at the moment. Adding a second distinct organic phase to the aqueous medium for degrading fast and high concentration of TCE is recommended. The organic phase, which do not mix with the aqueous phase and can be easily separated, discharged, and reuse, should be selected based on its insolubility, volatility, non-biodegradability by the selected microorganism and the cost of the overall engineered system. Biodegradation offers the potential of cost effective treatment of TCE, however, that engineered systems should effectively use the biodegradative metabolism that nature has evolved.</p> </div> <p>&nbsp;</p>


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 3489
Author(s):  
Firdous Mir ◽  
Zakir Hussain Khanday ◽  
Sumer Singh

Propagation of the medicinal plants by usage of different media and PGR’s is laborious, cost-effective and is the possibility of genetic variation. In the present investigation, a novel protocol was first time developed for propagation of Gardenia gummifera Linn.f. This protocol is useful in all aspects viz low cost, time and free from genetic variation. This technology is efficient as compared to normal tissue culture technique which is used for conservation from last of two decades.


2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (65) ◽  
pp. 33-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raul Cesar Alves ◽  
Josué Silva de Morais ◽  
Keiji Yamanaka

Indoor localization has been considered to be the most fundamental problem when it comes to providing a robot with autonomous capabilities. Although many algorithms and sensors have been proposed, none have proven to work perfectly under all situations. Also, in order to improve the localization quality, some approaches use expensive devices either mounted on the robots or attached to the environment that don't naturally belong to human environments. This paper presents a novel approach that combines the benefits of two localization techniques, WiFi and Kinect, into a single algorithm using low-cost sensors. It uses separate Particle Filters (PFs). The WiFi PF gives the global location of the robot using signals of Access Point devices from different parts of the environment while it bounds particles of the Kinect PF, which determines the robot's pose locally. Our algorithm also tackles the Initialization/Kidnapped Robot Problem by detecting divergence on WiFi signals, which starts a localization recovering process. Furthermore, new methods for WiFi mapping and localization are introduced.


Author(s):  
Tanwi Singh ◽  
Anshuman Sinha

The major risk associated with low platelet count in pregnancy is the increased risk of bleeding during the childbirth or post that. There is an increased blood supply to the uterus during pregnancy and the surgical procedure requires cutting of major blood vessels. Women with thrombocytopenia are at increased risk of losing excessive blood. The risk is more in case of caesarean delivery as compared to vaginal delivery. Hence based on above findings the present study was planned for Assessment of the Platelet Count in the Pregnant Women in IGIMS, Patna, Bihar. The present study was planned in Department of Pathology, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Science, Patna, Bihar, India. The present study was planned from duration of January 2019 to June 2019. In the present study 200 pregnant females samples received for the platelet estimation were enrolled in the present study. Clinically platelet indices can be a useful screening test for early identification of preeclampsia and eclampsia. Also platelet indices can assess the prognosis of this disease in pregnant women and can be used as an effective prognostic marker because it correlates with severity of the disease. Platelet count is a simple, low cost, and rapid routine screening test. Hence the data generated from the present study concludes that platelet count can be used as a simple and cost effective tool to monitor the progression of preeclampsia, thereby preventing complications to develop during the gestational period. Keywords: Platelet Count, Pregnant Women, IGIMS, Patna, Bihar, etc.


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