Pressure-Cuff Actuated Emergency Use Resuscitator System
Eurus is an emergency use resuscitator system that uses readily available medical supplies paired with an open-source electronic module that clinicians can use in the event of ventilator shortage. It provides Control and Assist/Control emergency ventilation to improve the survival prospects of patients compromised by COVID-19. The design automates a manual resuscitator (Ambu bag), that is squeezed by a blood pressure cuff which is actuated by the medical air and vacuum ports located in each patient room in the hospital. The air inflates the cuff, squeezing an Ambu bag, and the vacuum quickly releases the air from the cuff, reinflating the resuscitator. This mechanism uses two electro-mechanical valves controlled by 4 dials that set the breaths per minute, approximate tidal volume, Inhalation to Exhalation (I:E) ratio, and inhalation pressure sensitivity. It has a disposable pressure sensor in the patient airway that continuously monitors for safety and to assist patient breath.
Credits
This project was supported by: University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB); President’s Cabinet Award GeoSpace Engineering; Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University, University of Houston; Accenture Airgas; NASA; NIST Open-Source Communities and Volunteers Around the Globe, Special thanks to: Dr. José Rojas, Dr. Perenlei Enkhbaatar, John Lin
