[Paper Review] Prototype of an affordable pressure-controlled emergency mechanical ventilator for COVID-19

A Pereira, L Lopes+22 more|arXiv (Cornell University)|Apr 19, 2020

Respiratory Support and Mechanisms1 references4 citations

TL;DR

This paper presents a low-cost, pressure-controlled mechanical ventilator prototype designed for use in resource-limited settings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Built with common industrial components and simple fabrication methods, it delivers pressure-controlled continuous mandatory ventilation with adjustable respiratory rate, I:E ratio, and FiO2, offering a viable, affordable alternative for low-income countries facing supply shortages.

ABSTRACT

We present a viable prototype of a simple mechanical ventilator intended as a last resort to ventilate COVID-19 patients. The prototype implements the pressure-controlled continuous mandatory ventilation mode (PC-CMV) with settable breathing rates, inspiration/expiration time ratios and FiO2 modulation. Although safe, the design aims to minimize the use of technical components and those used are common in industry, so its construction may be possible in times of logistical shortage or disruption or in areas with reduced access to technical materials and at a moderate cost, affordable to lower income countries. Most of the device can be manufactured by modest technical means and construction plans are provided.

Motivation & Objective

• Address the critical shortage of mechanical ventilators in low-income countries during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Design a ventilator that operates using pressure-controlled continuous mandatory ventilation (PC-CMV) mode.
• Minimize reliance on specialized or scarce technical components to ensure manufacturability during logistical disruptions.
• Enable construction using modest technical means and widely available materials to support local production.
• Provide open construction plans to facilitate replication and deployment in underserved regions.

Proposed method

• Implement pressure-controlled ventilation using a simple control mechanism to regulate airway pressure.
• Use standard industrial components such as solenoid valves, pressure regulators, and tubing for reliability and availability.
• Integrate adjustable settings for respiratory rate, inspiration/expiration time ratio, and FiO2 modulation via simple mixing chambers.
• Design the system to operate without complex electronics or microcontrollers, relying on pneumatic control.
• Ensure safety through pressure monitoring and fail-safe mechanisms to prevent barotrauma.
• Provide detailed construction plans for replication using basic machine tools and accessible materials.

Experimental results

Research questions

• RQ1 Can a pressure-controlled mechanical ventilator be reliably constructed using only common industrial components?
• RQ2 To what extent can the device be manufactured with minimal technical infrastructure and local materials?
• RQ3 Does the prototype maintain sufficient control over key ventilatory parameters such as respiratory rate and I:E ratio?
• RQ4 Can the device deliver safe and adjustable FiO2 levels suitable for clinical use?
• RQ5 Is the design scalable and replicable in low-resource settings during a public health emergency?

Key findings

• The prototype successfully delivers pressure-controlled continuous mandatory ventilation with adjustable respiratory rate and I:E ratio.
• FiO2 levels can be modulated through simple gas mixing, enabling tailored oxygen delivery.
• The device operates safely using only standard industrial components and does not require advanced electronics.
• Most components can be fabricated using basic machining tools, supporting local production in low-resource settings.
• Construction plans are provided, enabling replication and adaptation by local engineers and healthcare providers.
• The design demonstrates feasibility as a low-cost, scalable solution during ventilator shortages.