Manual Ventilation Approaching the Precision of a Mechanical Ventilator

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project helps advance emergency airway management science. Improper manual ventilation due to delivery of unsafe pressures, volume, or frequency is common and occurs regardless of a provider's training or experience. The prevalence and severity of the problem have been studied extensively, establishing the need for the device. SafeBVM's solution has real-time training and therapeutic applications. It ensures that every time a provider squeezes the resuscitation bag, the critical parameters of airflow generated and delivered are safe and optimal. If the provider squeezes the bag too forcefully, the device creates tension within the resuscitation bag. The tension is felt on the provider’s palm(s) as a recoil, signifying an improper squeeze. This feedback assists them in changing the ventilation technique and delivering air optimally. The resulting breaths have an optimal flow, pressure, inspiratory time, I: E ratio, and rise time, thus creating greater compliance with the current AHA guidelines. The device is dynamic and automatically adjusts optimal airflow according to airway resistance and lung compliance of the patient being ventilated. It delivers a set tidal volume with the lowest pressure possible similar to a ventilator. The project and technology have applications for commercial and government customers. The technology easily integrates into the existing treatment workflow and supply-chain while addressing the need for safer ventilation during an emergency first response. It requires minimal training, thus assisting rapid deployment as per requirement. SafeBVM's goal is to help healthcare providers deliver manual ventilations at performance and safety closer to a ventilator.