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

The open-circuit system is less complex than the closed-circuit system, requiring fewer parts and having fewer backflow issues. While the expired air is filtered before being vented through the expiratory limb, the high aerosolization risk of a virus such as COVID-19 may present a contamination risk to other patients and healthcare personnel. Thus, a closed-circuit system may be preferred in some settings. However, in settings where multiple patients are cohorted in a single, large space, where healthcare providers continuously wear full personal protective equipment (PPE), the preference for a closed-circuit (dual limb) ventilator may not apply. In these settings it may be preferable to use single limb devices for their simplicity. The iSAVE is intended to be used in a negative pressure room, or other isolation setting that would not be entered by healthcare workers without PPE.