The coronavirus pandemic is the main issue that concerns most countries in the world right now, with the number of cases increasing day by day. The rapid increase in cases has led to a shortage of basic supplies, such as gloves, masks , antiseptics and more.
However, for patients with more severe symptoms, the most important equipment is the ventilator, which can save the lives of those experiencing respiratory problems.
Given the seriousness of the situation, MIT has created a new, open-source ventilatorcalled the E-Vent that could be the solution to the shortage of ventilators in hospitals in countries battling the coronavirus. The E-Vent is part of MIT's Precision Machine Design project, which began a decade ago. Unlike the expensive, automatic ventilators that hospitals have, the E-Vent is a low-cost, hand-operated ventilator.
It has not yet received FDA approval, but the MIT team expects this to happen once it is evaluated and deemed safe for use in humans.
MIT's open-source ventilator could be used in more isolated areas or in healthcare facilities where ventilator supplies have run out. Unlike mechanical ventilators, which are quite expensive, the makers of the E-Vent say it costs just $100.
The E-Vent has been improved from the original design created 10 years ago, as it now has a new metal frame that makes it more durable and easy to use. One of the countries that has been hit hard is the US, whose government has asked for help from companies such as Tesla and General Motors, after the rapid increase in coronavirus cases in the states. In such cases, MIT's inexpensive and open-source ventilators may prove particularly useful. a
