Splitters to be used in crisis situations
A multidisciplinary team of experts representing Mon Health Medical Center, Intermed and M&S Consulting of Morgantown collaborated to produce an open-source design for ventilator splitters to be used in crisis situations as the threat level of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be assessed.
The demand for ventilators has increased substantially as a result of the spread of COVID-19. As solutions are being explored, the FDA has approved the emergency use of ventilator splitting devices, allowing two patients to be served by one ventilator.
Ashok Aggarwal, M&S Consulting founder, outlined flaws relating to current split ventilator designs.
“These do not function efficiently for patients with differing lung capacities. The standard design also allows viruses, including COVID-19, to travel amongst both patients connected to one ventilator,” Aggarwal said.
“I am working with a local team of physicians and engineers to develop the Vsplitr design to address common issues relating to the use of standard split ventilator devices,” Aggarwal said.
The Vsplitr solution is equipped with valves and customizable configuration to prevent virus aerosolization and disparities between patients. Adapters and manometers were also added to the custom design to improve function and patient safety.
The Mon Health Medical Center Foundation sponsored this innovative initiative, enabling the production of additional Vsplitr devices to be produced to combat COVID-19.
“We are incredibly proud of the Mon Health physicians and engineers working behind the scenes to provide the Vsplitr design,” said Luella Gunter, Mon Health System executive director of philanthropy. “We are honored to collaborate and provide project funding to continue addressing community needs during these unprecedented times.”
In addition to the Vsplitr, the team of experts worked to publish a face shield template that can be easily assembled with everyday household and office supplies.
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