Portable Mechanical Ventilator

This project aims to propose a cost-friendly, open-source mechanical ventilator system that can further be developed by the experts and community, can be easily manufactured, and can save lives. 

Printables design contest inspired me to pursue this idea. I will also publish a detailed guide on how to assemble the device along with editable model files.

Description: The device consists of a „head“ where the electronics are and a frame that holds standard balloon for ventilation. These components are easily connectable with quick-release pins. The head features a Prusa stepper motor (Selector motor MMU2S), two metal rods 6mm, an Arduino, a motor driver, an LCD Display, and two potentiometers. After positioning the balloon inside a frame, it is ready to be used. Pumps per minute can be easily adjusted via the knob as well as the stroke length that correlates with deployed air volume. 

How to use: Place the standard balloon inside a frame, secure the rest of the device using quick-release pins, and turn the device on. Additionally, adjust the frequency and stroke length and let the device do the work.

Plans for further development: This ventilator device can be paired with a portable chest compression machine for full cardiopulmonary support that can work at a continuous rate while the patient is being transported.

Discussion: For the purpose of this demonstration the device is powered by an external power supply but the primary power supply is expected to be portable and integrated with the device itself.

Conclusion and motivation: This project's goal is to motivate makers to use their skills and help develop devices that could potentially save lives. This device is not ready to be used on real patients and it is not advised to test it without professional medical supervision. You are encouraged to build this machine, edit it, make changes, and develop it further but do not test it on patients yet. For a device to be more accessible, a pressure sensor is needed. By measuring the pressure, a set amount can be deployed as well as a safety threshold can be set. If you know how to solve this problem, feel free to try and do so. 

SAFETY WARNING: DO NOT TEST ON PATIENTS IF YOU ARE NOT A TRAINED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL