Physiologic-range three/two-way valve for respiratory circuits

Lui Holder-Pearson; Theodore Lerios; J Geoffrey Chase

doi:10.1016/j.ohx.2021.e00234

Physiologic-range three/two-way valve for respiratory circuits

HardwareX. 2021 Sep 25:10:e00234. doi: 10.1016/j.ohx.2021.e00234. eCollection 2021 Oct.

Authors

Lui Holder-Pearson¹, Theodore Lerios¹, J Geoffrey Chase¹

Affiliation

¹ Centre for Bioengineering, University of Canterbury, New Zealand.

Abstract

A 3D-printed three/two-way valve compatible with respiratory circuits is presented. It is actuated by a servo motor (HXT12K), which is able to be controlled by any PWM-capable micro controller. The valve sufficiently isolates respiratory circuits to deliver fully customisable mechanical ventilation breathing cycles, with differences in driving and end-expiratory pressures of up to $30 {cmH}_{2} O$ successfully demonstrated. It is suitable for multiplexing ventilators for in-series breathing, or providing separate ventilation to each individual lung in a single patient. Each switching valve costs approximately $16USD, $10 of which is the servo motor which can be reused, allowing subsequent devices for only $6USD of 3D printing and common engineering components. The valve has proven reliable for at least 50,000 state changes over at least one month.

Keywords: Flow control; Respiratory device; Two-way valve.