Testing of pandemic ventilators under early and agile development

Abstract

Aiming to address clinical requirements subsequent to SARS-CoV-2-related pulmonary disease, multiple research groups and industry groups carried out intensive studies to develop pandemic ventilators (PDVs). In vitro testing to critically evaluate the specific performance of the developed apparatuses is an essential requirement. This study presents a test protocol which promotes a test-oriented, iterative, and agile assessment and consecutive development of such PDVs. It allows for fast identification of specific characteristics of each PDV in the individual test features. The test protocol includes an evaluation of the accuracy of control systems and instruments at changing parameters, the oxygen dynamics, and the response to trigger signals. The test environment is a mechanical lung, which allows reproducing various lung mechanics and to simulate active breathing cycles. A total of three PDVs that are under development were iteratively tested, with a Hamilton T1 as a reference. Continuous testing of the PDVs under development enables quick identification of critical application aspects that deserve further improved. Based on the present test protocol, the ventilators demonstrate a promising performance justifying continued development.

A Comparison of Proximal and Tracheal Airway Pressures During Pressure Controlled Ventilation

“…The TestChest can mimic different lung mechanics by varying the C RS and airway resistances. 9,[19][20][21] Three pressure sensors were placed at the outlet of the ventilator, at the Y-piece, and inside the trachea to measure the ventilator pressure, Y-piece pressure, and intratracheal pressure. The flow sensor was placed at the Y-piece.…”

“…8 Such ventilators would consist of only the most necessary functionalities and may lack advanced safety, control, and monitoring systems. 9 However, clinicians rely on numerical and graphic patient data from the ventilator to set ventilator parameters correctly according to the underlying condition. [10][11][12] The present study was initiated to investigate a possible integration of intratracheal pressure measurement into the respiratory monitoring of patients who are invasively ventilated.…”