Individualized System for Augmenting Ventilator Efficacy (iSAVE): A Rapidly deployable system to expand ventilator capacity

Shriya Srinivasan; Khalil Ramadi; Franceso Vicario; Declan Gwynne; Alison Hayward; Robert Langer; Joseph Frassica; Rebecca Baron; Giovanni Traverso

Conceptualization of a patient-specific ventilation expansion system. To address the need to expand ventilator capacity whilst incorporating the translational constraints associated with a rapidly developing pandemic such as COVID-19, we have developed the Individualized System for Augmenting Ventilator Efficacy (iSAVE ). This system repurposes existing flow regulation valves in the medical industry to utilize a single ventilator to provide personalized support to at least two patients. The iSAVE's ventilation circuit enables independent control of volume and pressure for each patient and incorporates safety measures to accommodate sudden patient deterioration and cross contamination. Here, we describe the design and validation of the iSAVE through benchtop and in vivo tests splitting a single ventilator to two patients. We hypothesize that our system will be capable of maintaining desired ventilation parameters to each patient amidst static and dynamic changes in resistance and compliance. We simulate several clinical scenarios, focusing on those relevant to the management of ARDS, and validate the safety mechanisms of the iSAVE. Leveraging offthe-shelf components, the iSAVE can facilitate a rapid expansion of the ventilation capacity of hospitals.