Authors: Simon Walzel , Ladislav Bis , Vaclav Ort and Karel Roubik

Citation

Walzel, S.; Bis, L.; Ort, V.; Roubik, K. Simple Design of Mechanical Ventilator for Mass Production May Offer Excellent Performance, Precise Monitoring, and Advanced Safety. Appl. Sci. 2025, 15, 5631. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15105631

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Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic raised global concerns about the shortage of ventilators and revealed the challenges of rapidly scaling up production to meet emergency needs. In response, numerous teams worldwide attempted to develop emergency and simple mechanical ventilators. Among these, the CoroVent ventilator was developed to meet the urgent need for ventilatory support in the Czech Republic. The aim of this study was to describe the innovative and simple design of the CoroVent emergency ventilator, evaluate its compliance with international safety and performance standards, verify its reliability under simulated clinical conditions, and demonstrate its suitability for use in crisis scenarios. CoroVent was designed with a focus on the clinical needs of patients with COVID-19 respiratory failure and to ensure safe ventilation while maintaining a simplified design. It features volume-controlled, pressure-limited mandatory ventilation and supports key adjustable parameters such as tidal volume, respiratory rate, inspiratory-to-expiratory time ratio, inspired oxygen fraction, and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). The ventilator incorporates robust safety mechanisms, including alarms and a safety relief valve, to protect against excessive airway pressures. Results confirmed the ability to maintain consistent tidal volumes, stable PEEP, and precise pressure limitation over extended periods of use. The results showed that CoroVent met the essential international standards for accuracy, including those set by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and ISO 80601-2-12. Although production of these ventilators was stopped in 2021 as the Czech Republic managed the crisis and shortage of ventilators, the results validate their reliability as emergency ventilators and indicate their potential to support critical care needs in crisis situations.

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