Design and technical evaluation of an AMBU-BAG based low-cost ventilator-AARMED

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant strain on the healthcare system worldwide, resulting in an acute shortage of ventilators. Conventional ventilators are costly, and production is difficult to scale up during a rapidly spreading pandemic. Ambu bags offer a low-cost solution for manual ventilation, but their lack of precise control over parameters makes them unsuitable as a replacement for conventional ventilators. To address this issue, we propose the AARMED (Ambu bag Attachment for Rapid Mass Emergency Deployment) system, which is a low-cost and easy-to-assemble mechanical resuscitator that can achieve most of the recommended modes and parameter ranges for managing COVID-19 patients. AARMED can operate in volume-control, pressure-control, and assist-controlled modes continuously over long periods, making it suitable for use in emergency settings. The AARMED system has been tested using an ISO certified Test-lung over various parameter settings and has been found to be an effective alternative to costly conventional ventilators. It has a battery backup of 2.5 h under normal operating conditions, making it an ideal transport ventilator. In conclusion, the AARMED system offers a low-cost and easy-to-assemble solution for mechanical ventilation in emergency settings. Its ability to achieve most of the recommended modes and parameter ranges for managing COVID-19 patients makes it a viable alternative to conventional ventilators in resource-constrained settings.