A Multivent System for Non-Invasive Ventilation: Solving the Problem of Ventilator Shortage During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a severe global problem of ventilator shortage. Placing multiple patients on single (ventilator sharing) or dual patient ventilation been proposed and conducted to increase the cure efficiency for ventilated patients. However, ventilator-sharing method needs use same settings all patients, which cannot meet different Therefore, novel multivent system non-invasive in this study. close loop consists proportional valve flow-pressure sensor can regulate airway pressure flow each patient. Multiple circuits be combined parallel simultaneously patients’ demands. Meanwhile, mathematical model is established validated through experiments. experiments inspired positive (IPAP), expired (EPAP), inspiratory expiratory ratio (I:E), breath per minute (BPM) have analyzed test performance system. results show that realize biphasic (BIPAP) mode without interfering among three circuits, no matter change IPAP, EPAP, I:E, BPM. fluctuation exists during process because exhaust effect, especially EPAP control. control accuracy stability need improved. Nevertheless, designed bring innovation current mechanical solve shortage major, new, emerging respiratory infectious diseases future.