The worlds first 3D printed Ventilator.

The recent Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the global shortage of ventilator capacity for those with severe and life threatening Covid symptoms.

ICU ventilators are very expensive. Cost is a major impediment to wider deployment around the globe.

The shortage of ventilators has contributed to higher death rates across the world.

It all begins with an idea.

The group behind the design and manufacture of the AMV Ventilator are experts in the fields of 3D Design and engineering, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Cardiology, Critical Care Medicine, Critical Care Nursing and Business. We came together in response to the crisis on ventilator shortages resulting from the Coronavirus Pandemic.

The goal was to use our experience to create a 3D printed ventilator at a fraction of the cost of those which are commercially available, whilst ensuring that the functionality matched or exceeded strict clinical requirements.

Here we see our Ventilator in action on a dummy patient

Our Ventilator

Fully functioning low cost ventilator

  • Multi-Functional Ventilator allowing for Full and Synchronized Ventilation modes.

    Electronically (not mechanically) controlled Ventilator

    Capable of running entirely on battery power (hot-swappable)

    Operated via Large Touch-Screen display

    Does not require “Medical Air Supply”

  • Syncronized Breathing Mode meaning we adjust the gas flow according to the patients ability to breath

    Weaning Mode so that as patients regain the ability to breath, we can reduce the pressure flow.

    Real time pressure sensing for Precise Inspiration flow regulation

    Hi-Fidelity, pressure sensing Positive End Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) control.

    Both pressure and volume controlled to ensure the right amount of gas is delivered to the patient at all times

  • Nylon 12 casing printed on a Formlabs FUSE 1+

    Internal components:

    Protoype- Formlabs Standard Grey Resin

    Test Ventilator- Formlabs BIO-Compatible Resin

    Printed on a FORM 3B+

Design Consideration

The majority of ventilators put forward to fill the void were basic mechanical ventilators that are suitable for only one task. To understand the role that a ventilator plays in the journey of a patient through a severe respiratory illness on Intensive Care, it is essential to appreciate the changing needs of the lungs.

There are two main requirements for ventilation, one simple and one difficult. The simple task is the timing of the breaths. For the patient that is deeply anaesthetised and is making no effort to breath, there is no need for any form of synchronisation to the patient’s own breathing pattern and a simple mechanical timer is satisfactory.

The second part is the act of delivering enough Air/Oxygen mixture into the patient to keep them alive but to control the pressure delivery so that the stiff lungs are not damaged with over-pressurisation. Attempting this with a basic, mechanical ventilator is difficult and potentially harmful and it is why the machines used in Intensive Care are highly complex with the ability to regulate flow according to pressure and other metrics.

Our ventilator was designed to perform both of these functions.

Our Field Ventilator

All the same features and functionality as our standard ventilator but built to withstand harsher environments

  • All the features and functionality of the standard ventilator:

    PLUS

    Up to 25 hours battery life with Black and Decker rechargeable batteries

    Rugged impact resistant case

  • Pelican Case:

    IM2075 Storm Case (HPX-Resin)

    Front Bezel and Battery Panel:

    Nylon 12 Printed on a Formlabs FUSE 1+

    Internal components Printed on a FORM 3B+

    Protoype- Formlabs Standard Grey Resin

    Test Ventilator- Formlabs BIO-Compatible Resin

Design History

A field ventilator was a natural addition to our range once we had proved the functionality our standard ventilator.

We wanted to maintain that full functionality of our standard ventilator but because our internal components are mostly 3D printed, we were able to make design changes which allowed us to build our field ventilator inside a rugged case.

Where we are up to.

With the product now demonstrated as a successful and fully functioning prototype, we are looking to work with relevant partners with whom we can take it to the next stages of product and commercial development.

If you are interested in knowing more about our medical device development work, please contact us at info@amvresearch.com

Meet the Team

  • Mr Richard Trimlett.

    Mechanical Circulatory Support Lead, Consultant Cardiac Surgeon, Guys & St Thomas’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

  • Alex Berry

    Co-Founder and Designer

    Product Designer, Medical

  • Rod Anthony

    Finance Director

    Chartered Accountant and Non-Executive Director, Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham