Q-VENT—A novel device for emergency ventilation of the lungs in patients with respiratory failure due to diseases such as COVID-19

Since the end of 2019, a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) causing pneumonia, often progressing to rapid deterioration with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) requiring advanced life support, has been spreading worldwide. The humanitarian crisis we are currently witnessing across the globe is threatening access to artificial ventilation of the lungs (AVL) for patients with respiratory failure. Q-vent is a multi-way air valve system with filters and heater/humidifier module produced by 3D printer from a new composite material based on Phloxine B, Saponite and Polylactic acid that prevents the formation of bacterial biofilms. This automated device, which can be fitted with commercially available Ambu^® Breathing Bags or similar, provides a high degree of controllability along with one-box complexity. A built-in cough sensor warns of patient's awakening. In the case of power failure, Q-vent switches to battery reserve. The developed device was tested on an intubated model (Gaumard^® Scientific - UNI^®) corresponding to a patient (80 kg) with lung compliance 50 ml/cm H2O to simulate ARDS for 24 hours. The inspiration-to-expiration (I:E) ratio, tidal volume set to 8 ml/kg PBW (L-type pneumonia) and 6 ml/kg PBW (H-type Pneumonia), and frequency of inspiration were adjusted to test Q-Vent operation at a range of different conditions. All functions performed reliably throughout the testing procedure. Q-Vent successfully passed the Rapidly Manufactured Ventilator System (RMVS001) validation issued by MHRA and is awaiting clinical trials to determine its value in overcoming crises caused by the lack of conventional AVL.