Development of a Portable Mechanical Ventilator using 3D Origami Tubes to Fight COVID-19

COVID-19 Research Area(s): Equipment & Technology Innovations

The study purpose is to design a low-cost portable 3D printed mechanical ventilator with Origami tubes for the use in mass pandemic situation and resource-poor environment with COVID-19. The proposed mechanical ventilator delivers breaths by contracting 3D designed Origami tube instead of compressing a conventional bag-valve mask (BVM). The 3D designed Origami tube will change its volume more than 85 % of the original volume, which is compared with conventional BVM's 25 % volume change. Therefore, the proposed ventilator can become much smaller size than the conventional one for the portable application.

The study purpose is to design a low-cost portable 3D printed mechanical ventilator with Origami tubes for the use in mass pandemic situation and resource-poor environment with COVID-19. The proposed mechanical ventilator delivers breaths by contracting 3D designed Origami tube instead of compressing a conventional bag-valve mask (BVM). The 3D designed Origami tube will change its volume more than 85 % of the original volume, which is compared with conventional BVM's 25 % volume change. Therefore, the proposed ventilator can become much smaller size than the conventional one for the portable application. Dr. Kim will lead the development of the ventilator prototypes. Prototypes will be built in his lab at SFU. The ventilator will be tested on a lung model to meet standards; no patients will be recruited for testing the ventilator in this project. Dr. Hung will lead and work with Ms. Hakanson (VCH Respiratory Therapist Educator) to conduct 3-4 focus group meetings with 6-8 clinicians at VGH. Clinician participants will be recruited to offer clinical opinions to support the design of the new portable ventilator. For example, in the focus groups, we will ask: What are the main problems of the existing ventilators that they have been using to treat patients with COVID-19? What are the challenges of treating patients with ventilators during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis? What can be changed to make the ventilator more efficient for patient care? See the focus group guide in section 9. Three to four focus groups will be held virtually by Zoom meetings. The focus group data will be used to inform and improve the design of the ventilator. Clinician engagement in the design process can increase efficiency and contribute to more effective and responsive user experience.