SPECIAL SUPPORT RESEARCH4COVID19
Project identification
Project reference: 082_596655005 – Project no. 082, PNEUMA – Ventilation system using a self-inflating bag;
Head Researcher: António Paulo Gomes Mendes Moreira;
Applicant Institution: INESC TEC – Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology and Science
Start date: 05/01/2020
End date: 07/31/2020
Allocated funds: €29,628.96
Project goals
Based on a ventilator prototype already under development by INESC TEC, the project focused on improving and developing new versions of said prototype, according to the feedback from the partner healthcare institutions. In this sense, the new versions laid stress on improving the mechanical aspects, simplifying the assembly process, improving the ventilator reliability and sturdiness, refining the human-machine and adding more monitoring and alarm generation elements. All technical information about the project is available online: https://pneuma.inesctec.pt.
Activities developed
Various solutions have been developed and improved, with different ventilation modes; they are are easily replicable and affordable, designed for use in absolute emergencies. Due to the maximum urgency required, the prototypes were developed in a short period, focusing on essential functionalities. An extensive testing phase ensued, in a simulated hospital environment, in order to identify potential issues and ways to address them, towards improvement. Important elements such as remote monitoring via Wi-Fi, generation of visual and audible alarms sent via email, and the possibility of collecting records in the database were introduced during this period.
Efforts were made to comply with all standards applicable in the area of health, particularly the new requirements presented by the World Health Organization and the British authority (MHRA). The choice of mechanical (motors, guides, etc.) and electronic components (controllers, interface, etc.) has become more flexible and optimised, so that the system is able to be assembled using low-cost, easy-to-find components on the market, thus avoiding exposure to stockouts.
The main results are available on the website https://pneuma.inesctec.pt/, as well as the list of materials, the technical drawings for 3D printing and the assembly and operating instructions (all as open-source).
The healthcare institutions that participated in the project helped identifying the relevant specs of the device, as well as the sensors and other equipment used in hospital environment. They also provided facilities and resources necessary to test the prototypes.
Main outcomes
Development of a low-cost ventilator, with several options, and easily replicable by using materials that are straightforwardly available. This solution aims to address the SNS needs, particularly in a situation characterised by the lack of standard equipment.
The team provided a prototype of a low-cost emergency ventilator as open-source, with all the necessary technical information to replicate and use it (please check https://pneuma.inesctec.pt).
Partners
INESC TEC – Institute for Systems and Computers Engineering, Technology and Science / FEUP;
CHUSJ – University Hospital Centre of São João;
FMUP – Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto;
Academic Clinical Centre, ICBAS-CHP;
S. Martinho Hospital, Valongo.
Research team
| Name | Title | Tasks |
| António Paulo Gomes Mendes Moreira | Head Researcher | Overall project coordination. |
| Fernando Araújo | Researcher in charge of the CHUSJ -University Hospital Centre of São João, Porto | Project coordination in medical and biotechnological activities developed at the CHUSJ. |
| Altamiro Costa Pereira | Researcher in charge of the FMUP – Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto | Project coordination in medical and biotechnological activities developed at the FMUP – Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto. |
| Eurico Castro Alves | Researcher in charge of the Academic Clinical Centre, ICBAS-CHP | Project coordination in medical and biotechnological activities developed at the Academic Clinical Centre, ICBAS-CHP. |
| Joaquim Ribeiro Teixeira | Researcher in charge of the S. Martinho Hospital, Valongo | Project coordination in medical and biotechnological activities developed at the S. Martinho Hospital, Valongo. |
| Nuno Alexandre Lopes Moreira da Cruz | Researcher at FEUP / INESC TEC | Mechanical, electronic and software development activities. |
| Paulo José Cerqueira Gomes da Costa | Researcher at FEUP / INESC TEC | Mechanical, electronic and software development activities. |
| José Luís Sousa Magalhães Lima | Researcher at IPB / CEDRI / INESC TEC | Mechanical, electronic and software development activities. |
| Hélio Mendes de Sousa Mendonça | Researcher at FEUP / INESC TEC | Mechanical, electronic and software development activities. |
| Cláudia Daniela Costa Rocha | Researcher at INESC TEC | Mechanical, electronic and software development activities. |
| Manuel Fernando dos Santos Silva | Researcher at ISEP-IPP / INESC TEC | Mechanical, electronic and software development activities. |
| Rafael Lírio Arrais | Researcher at INESC TEC | Mechanical, electronic and software development activities. |
| Carlos Miguel Correia da Costa | Researcher at INESC TEC | Software development activities. |
| José Carlos Tavares de Azevedo | Technical staff at INESC TEC | Technical support activities. |
| Eurico Gomes Sousa | Technical staff at INESC TEC | Technical support activities. |
| Carla Sá Couto | Researcher at FMUP, CINTESIS | Research, testing and requirements analysis activities in the medical and biotechnology fields. Coordination of the FMUP team, planning and review of the test protocol, implementation and execution of functionality tests, implementation of usability tests, review and update of the user guide. |
| Abel Nicolau | Researcher at FMUP, CINTESIS | Research, testing and requirements analysis activities in the medical and biotechnology fields. Coordination of the FMUP team, planning and review of the test protocol, implementation and execution of functionality tests, implementation of usability tests, review and update of the user guide. |
| Cristina Granja | Researcher at FMUP, CINTESIS | Research activities in the medical and biotechnology fields. Collaboration in usability tests. |
| Carolina Sousa | Researcher at FMUP, CINTESIS | Collaboration in functionality and usability tests. |
Prototypes developed
Version #1
Version #2 (interface)
Version #2 (stepper motor)
Tests in a simulated hospital environment
