Easy to print and assemble manifold for split-ventilator method (Neymen/Babcock)

Many have seen the study that demonstrates a single ventilator can be hacked to server multiple patents. This method is very controversial for many reasons but if hospitals decide to use this method, this manifold system is easy to print an assemble with parts found in a typical town.
When we tested the concept on a GE Datex-Ohmeda ventilator, the first two problems that became apparent was cross contamination and pressure transients. Since all the exhalation tubes communicate before entering the ventilators exhalation port, a point of cross contamination might occur. We designed a back flow preventor valve would minimize this risk by preventing contaminated air from traveling back up another patient’s exhalation and inhalation tube.
Also, if one patient develops irregular tidal volume, such as coughing or hyper ventilating, the other patients air delivery is perturbed. I.e. when I squeezed one balloon during the test, the other balloons reacted.
Why not use the parts in the study? Ventilators use specialized 22mm connections, which are not readily available and prone to supply chain bottle necks in crisis events leading to no supply. Readily available back flow preventors such as, plumbing check valves, require a lot of pressure to open and are not practical for ventilation assist. This design uses ping pong balls for their low mass and specialty shaped, 3D printed chambers to allow flow in a single direction.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1197/j.aem.2006.05.009

Print instructions

1. Print 4 check valves for each manifold.
2. Insert ping pong ball in each check valve then compress on manifold ports.
3. Orient each manifold according to the arrows on the check valves when attaching to ventilator.
4. Use valve cap to close off unused ports or when changing patients.