Cranfield and Georgia Tech roll-out flat pack BVM ventilator

News

Cranfield University and Georgia Tech have designed and built a low-cost, BVM ventilator to help critically ill COVID-19 patients.

The Bag Valve Mask (BVM) ventilator is said to serve two patients simultaneously and its so-called ‘flat-pack’ design means it can be quickly manufactured at scale at a cost of under £75 ($100) per unit.

MORE COVID-19 TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING NEWS HERE

According to Cranfield, the ventilator can be easily adjusted and updated as required, and can be linked to an oxygen generator, positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) valves and filters. The units derive power from standard wall adapters or 12V vehicle batteries.

The BVMs are designed to be used by medical staff, first aiders, nurses, doctors and carers, as a temporary or emergency breathing aid for those with COVID-19.

The ventilator device works with ‘positive displacement’, forcing air into the patient’s lungs, a process that has to be controlled to ensure the right amount of air goes in at the right rhythmic pace, or ‘tidal volume’.

Register now to continue reading

Thanks for visiting The Engineer. You’ve now reached your monthly limit of news stories. Register for free to unlock unlimited access to all of our news coverage, as well as premium content including opinion, in-depth features and special reports.  

Benefits of registering

  • In-depth insights and coverage of key emerging trends

  • Unrestricted access to special reports throughout the year

  • Daily technology news delivered straight to your inbox

Register
Or continue by

Signing in with your registered email address