3D Printer + AMBU bag = pseudoVentilator

In the COVID-19 ventilator shortage crisis I am hopeful that hospitals will receive the ventilators they need before they are forced to triage ventilator use but I am concerned that a last resort, stop-gap solution may be needed until the supply of ventilators catches up to the overwhelming demand.

Many of the makeshift projects currently in progress are machines that pump a manual resuscitation bag, or an "AMBU bag." See, e.g., MIT E-Vent. An AMBU bag is typically operated manually: by squeezing a semi-rigid plastic bag, the operator pumps the lungs of the patient. 

I am concerned that the AMBU-bag-pumping projects and other ventilators will not be ready fast enough.

My key innovation is this: many inexpensive and widely available 3D printers can - OFF THE SHELF, with no hardware modifications-- already perform the task of pumping an AMBU bag.

Rapid coding, testing, application for FDA EUA are required.

COVID19 Ventilator Shortage.

Using off-the-shelf 3D printers to pump ambu bags, thereby functioning as makeshift pseudo-ventilators until real ventilators are made available.

This serves any COVID19 patient who needs a ventilator but would be a denied a ventilator due to the shortage.

Providing a solution for temporary makeshift ventilators directly serves victims of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It combines two existing technologies for a faster response than a new invention could provide.

3D Printers already have precise motion control and strong stepper motors. Manual resuscitator bags already have the valves necessary to pump a patient's lungs. Combining those elements replicates much of the functionality of a ventilator.

If a system is created for combining two off-the-shelf products to function as a pseudo-ventilator, people will take advantage of that solution in the likely event that there is s shortage of ventilators.

Currently serves no one. Could scale to serve thousands.

Develop code, test devices, develop add-on safety modules, apply for FDA EUA approval.

Current medical paradigms and FDA regualtions.

Prove the concept, apply for FDA EUA approval.

I have received informal input from others but need a team to take this on.

I have spotted this innovation; others haven't. If the idea is shared with others, they can take it on and implement better than I can.

None.

None.

Pandemic response; specifically ventilator shortage during COVID-19 outbreak.

Need to rapidly code, test, share the idea and obtain FDA EUA approval.

MIT e-vent. Any 3d printer manufacturers.