AKU launching trial of low-cost ventilators for ambulances

The Aga Khan University will launch a clinical trial of a portable, low-cost ventilator that aims to make lifesaving treatment such as assisted breathing available to patients before they reach the hospital. This briefcase-sized, battery-operated ventilator is designed for use in an ambulance to reduce delays in receiving care. Currently, ventilators are only available in hospitals even though most patients with critical breathing problems need earlier access to breathing assistance. “Too many precious lives are lost due to a lack of timely and effective ventilation,” said AKU’s Centre of Excellence for Trauma and Emergencies Director Dr Junaid Razzak. “This innovation aims to bridge the gap in care during transport to the hospital, which is often the period of highest risk for critically ill patients.” Pakistan has a high burden of respiratory diseases, with pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease being two of the top ten leading causes of death, according to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. People with severe forms of pneumonia, COPD and COVID-19 are among those who require urgent access to ventilation. “Every moment is vital when you’re struggling to breathe,” said AKU’s Technology Innovation Support Centre and Digital Health Resource Centre Director Saleem Sayan. “Most people with severe respiratory issues see their health deteriorate on their way to the hospital and they typically need more breathing assistance than a simple oxygen cylinder can provide.” Early tests show that the prototype ventilator can provide a regular supply of oxygen that can stabilise the health of a high-fidelity patient mannequin (realistic dummy) mimicking the symptoms of a patient with respiratory issues. Clinical trials aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the device among patients with chronic breathing problems in ambulances and emergency rooms.