This summary outlines the design and manufacturing of a low-cost portable ventilator with remote operation capabilities for long-term continuous usage by patients with impaired lung function. This des..
This summary outlines the design and manufacturing of a low-cost portable ventilator with remote operation capabilities for long-term continuous usage by patients with impaired lung function. This design serves as a potential solution for a lack of available ventilators in hospitals and serves as a means to help reduce overloading of hospital beds by acting as a bridge to patient recovery from critical condition in the hospital and at home. The ventilator is distinct from existing designs primarily by focusing on portability, consistent operation, and remote operability by medical professionals. A hydraulic actuation system to deliver air to the patient was prototyped and is demonstrated through operation in inhalation and exhalation cycles. Future work includes data input from pressure and flow rate sensors to adjust flow control parameters to meet physiological requirements and a control system to modulate assisted breathing. The resulting apparatus will show feasibility of an at-home ventilator system with remote control for application to patient populations.