FCT divulga concursos, prémios e outras iniciativas

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

NameTitleTasks
António Paulo Gomes Mendes MoreiraHead ResearcherOverall project coordination.
Fernando AraújoResearcher in charge of the CHUSJ -University Hospital Centre of São João, PortoProject coordination in medical and biotechnological activities developed at the CHUSJ.
Altamiro Costa PereiraResearcher in charge of the FMUP – Faculty of Medicine of the University of PortoProject coordination in medical and biotechnological activities developed at the FMUP – Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto.
Eurico Castro AlvesResearcher in charge of the Academic Clinical Centre, ICBAS-CHPProject coordination in medical and biotechnological activities developed at the Academic Clinical Centre, ICBAS-CHP.
Joaquim Ribeiro TeixeiraResearcher in charge of the S. Martinho Hospital, ValongoProject coordination in medical and biotechnological activities developed at the S. Martinho Hospital, Valongo.
Nuno Alexandre Lopes Moreira da CruzResearcher at FEUP / INESC TECMechanical, electronic and software development activities.
Paulo José Cerqueira Gomes da CostaResearcher at FEUP / INESC TECMechanical, electronic and software development activities.
José Luís Sousa Magalhães LimaResearcher at IPB / CEDRI / INESC TECMechanical, electronic and software development activities.
Hélio Mendes de Sousa MendonçaResearcher at FEUP / INESC TECMechanical, electronic and software development activities.
Cláudia Daniela Costa RochaResearcher at INESC TECMechanical, electronic and software development activities.
Manuel Fernando dos Santos SilvaResearcher at ISEP-IPP / INESC TECMechanical, electronic and software development activities.
Rafael Lírio ArraisResearcher at INESC TECMechanical, electronic and software development activities.
Carlos Miguel Correia da CostaResearcher at INESC TECSoftware development activities.
José Carlos Tavares de AzevedoTechnical staff at INESC TECTechnical support activities.
Eurico Gomes SousaTechnical staff at INESC TECTechnical support activities.
Carla Sá CoutoResearcher at FMUP, CINTESISResearch, 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 NicolauResearcher at FMUP, CINTESISResearch, 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 GranjaResearcher at FMUP, CINTESISResearch activities in the medical and biotechnology fields. Collaboration in usability tests.
Carolina SousaResearcher at FMUP, CINTESISCollaboration in functionality and usability tests.



Prototypes developed


Version #1

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image.jpeg


Version #2 (interface)

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image-1.png


Version #2 (stepper motor)

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image-2.png


Tests in a simulated hospital environment

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image-3.png