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applegrove

(118,696 posts) Wed Mar 18, 2020, 06:23 PM Mar 2020

Perth doctor rigs up solution to feared ventilator shortage

Perth doctor rigs up solution to feared ventilator shortage

'If it comes to last resort, I'm prepared to use it,' anesthetist Alain Gauthier says

Laura Osman · The Canadian Press · Posted: Mar 18, 2020 3:47 PM ET | Last Updated: 2 hours ago

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/perth-ventilator-covid-19-1.5501891

"SNIP......

A doctor in eastern Ontario has improvised a way to double his small hospital's ventilator capacity in preparation for a possible COVID-19 outbreak.

Anesthetist Alain Gauthier, who has a PhD in respiratory mechanics and works in Perth, west of Ottawa, spotted the idea in a YouTube video.

In basic terms, the rig involves running two hoses from one ventilator and doubling the power.

In just 10 minutes and with the help of some extra tubing, Gauthier made it possible to double the number of patients ventilated in the hospital at once, if needed.

But there's a catch: the two patients attached to the same ventilator need to be of similar size and lung capacity. And if one patient declines, things will need to be adjusted.

......SNIP"

6 replies

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Highlight:

Perth doctor rigs up solution to feared ventilator shortage (Original Post) applegrove Mar 2020 OP

And requiring the same % O2 to CO2 mixture. hlthe2b Mar 2020 #1

Sounds a little risky. But i bet the science can be built up around it quickly. applegrove Mar 2020 #2

Was wondering other day if more than one could be hooked up? Not optimal Hoyt Mar 2020 #3

I think NASA is probably on it. Remember Apollo 13? applegrove Mar 2020 #4

Good point. There has to be some way to extend our capacity. Hoyt Mar 2020 #5

Not optimal, but every little bit helps. crickets Mar 2020 #6

hlthe2b

(102,298 posts)

1. And requiring the same % O2 to CO2 mixture.

Reply to applegrove (Original post)

Wed Mar 18, 2020, 06:35 PM

Mar 2020

applegrove

(118,696 posts)

2. Sounds a little risky. But i bet the science can be built up around it quickly.

Reply to hlthe2b (Reply #1)

Wed Mar 18, 2020, 06:38 PM

Mar 2020

Hoyt

(54,770 posts)

3. Was wondering other day if more than one could be hooked up? Not optimal

Reply to applegrove (Original post)

Wed Mar 18, 2020, 06:49 PM

Mar 2020

Not optimal, but even if it is just adequate, it’s better than doing normal. I’m sure some patients would require special settings.

Also, read than can use anesthesia machines. Plus, some patients can probably be taken off quicker than normal, or get by with shorter periods.

The best professionals will figure it out, rather than relying on normal/preferable procedures.