Christopher Howard

Christopher Howard


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

5Years (2022-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
2 April 2022 in Bioengineering
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
JPJonathan Arthur Poli
Jonathan Arthur Poli
CHChristopher Howard
Christopher Howard
AIAlfredo Garcia III
Alfredo Garcia III
DRDon Remboski
Don Remboski
PLPeter B. Littlewood
Peter B. Littlewood
RDRobert M DiBlasi
Robert M DiBlasi
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought attention to the need for developing effective respiratory support that can be rapidly implemented during critical surge capacity scenarios in healthcare settings. Lung support with bubble continuous positive airway pressure (B-CPAP) is a well-established therapeutic approach for supporting neonatal patients. However, the effectiveness of B-CPAP in larger pediatric and adult patients has not been addressed. Using similar principles of B-CPAP pressure generation, application of intermittent positive pressure inflations above CPAP could support gas exchange and high work of breathing levels in larger patients experiencing more severe forms of respiratory failure. This report describes the design and performance characteristics of the BubbleVent, a novel 3D-printed valve system that combined with commonly found tubes, hoses, and connectors can provide intermittent mandatory ventilation (IMV) suitable for adult mechanical ventilation without direct electrification. Testing of the BubbleVent was performed on a passive adult test lung model and compared with a critical care ventilator commonly used in tertiary care centers. The BubbleVent was shown to deliver stable PIP and PEEP levels, as well as timing control of breath delivery that was comparable with a critical care ventilator.