Bangladesh University says they have been able to develop a prototype for a low-cost ventilator, offering hope in the country's fight against Covid-19.
The prototype was developed in a joint venture of Innovation Lab and the electrical engineering department of the university.
The university said the ventilator is capable of providing outstanding treatment to critical Covid-19 patients.
Engineer Kazi Taif Sadat, head of Innovation Lab, was in charge of the build of the ventilator. He said it uses an electronic pump as opposed to a mechanical one.
With an electronic pump, the machine is much easier to maintain and there is less mechanical friction. The machine uses two diaphragm pumps for balanced airflow, controlled by a thyristor.
The whole process is controlled by a microcontroller. The speed of the pump as well as inhalation and exhalation time can be controlled as per the requirement of patients, making the machine suitable for both pediatric and adult patients.
In the future, a heart rate monitor will be attached to the machine.
Modifications can be made based on the recommendations of expert doctors. Innovation Lab and the electrical engineering department of Bangladesh University have already taken necessary steps in this regard.