Aberdeen space scientists develop Covid-19 ventilator

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A prototype ventilator based on life support systems used for space exploration could soon be used to help treat Covid-19 patients.

Developed by a team at the University of Aberdeen’s Planetary Science group, the device - known as ATMO-Vent (Atmospheric Mixture Optimisation Ventilator) - uses certified and low cost off the shelf components and is claimed to be quicker to build, more cost-effective and more user-friendly than other models in development.

The group is now working to have the device officially certified, so that it can be rapidly deployed in healthcare settings worldwide.

Professor Javier Martín-Torres, who heads the University’s Planetary Science Group said: “We have a wealth of experience in building, calibrating and qualifying space instruments using commercial components. We’ve used this expertise to design and build a fully operating prototype ventilator using widely available parts. This means that it is easy to build and ideally suited to rapid, mass deployment in healthcare settings.

The system has been designed to comply with the requirements outlined in the UK Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency guidelines to build a Rapidly Manufactured Ventilator System (RMVS).

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