Ventilating multiple patients using a single ventilator
Hawai‘i physicians and University of Hawai‘i researchers have developed an innovative technique for ventilating up to four patients using a single ventilator machine and an airflow apparatus called the “multi-split ventilator system” (MSVS).
Brennan Yamamoto, a robotics engineer with the Applied Research Laboratory, collaborated with University of Hawai‘i researchers and Hawai‘i medical professionals on in multi-disciplinary effort to save lives. The MSVS team consists of:
Donald J. Gaucher, Department of Anesthesia, Straub Medical Center
A Zachary Trimble, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
Brennan E. Yamamoto, Applied Research Laboratory, University of Hawai‘i
Scott F. Miller, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
John D. Vossler, Department of Surgery, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai‘i
Reid C. Mahoney, Department of Surgery, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai‘i
Ryan L. Bellomy, Respiratory Therapy Department, Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women and Children
William R. Heilbron, Respiratory Therapy Department, Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women and Children, Honolulu, HI 96826
Scott A. Harvey, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women’s Health, John A Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai‘i; Department of Surgery (Surgical and Trauma Critical Care), John A Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai‘i
Sidney M. Johnson, Department of Surgery, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women and Children, University of Hawai‘i
Devin P. Puapong, Department of Surgery, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women and Children, University of Hawai‘i
Russell K. Woo, Department of Surgery, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women and Children, University of Hawai‘i
The MSVS is an airflow apparatus that can split the flow from a single ventilator to multiple patients simultaneously. The MSVS is unique from previous approaches in that individualized pressure and flow can be provided to each patient and each patient is isolated using medical grade filters and one-way valves. This improves the safety and efficacy of the MSVS in during an emergency shortage of ventilators. Furthermore, the MSVS can be built using readily available parts from any hardware store.
The MSVS team plans to conduct further testing on the system before the need becomes critical in Hawai‘i.
Update: See the following publications for more information on the operation of the MSVS.
