Conceptual model of low-cost improvised bubble continuous positive airway pressure device for adults and its potential use in the COVID-19 pandemic |
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| Authors: | Himal Kharel Zeni Kharel Samikchhya Keshary Bhandari |
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| Institution: | 1. Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal;2. Rochester General Hospital, Rochester, New York, United States of America;3. Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Kathmandu, Nepal; University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, SOUTH AFRICA |
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| Abstract: | Low-cost improvised continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device is safe and efficacious in neonatal respiratory distress. There is a great necessity for similar device in adults, and this has been especially made apparent by the recent Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which is unmasking the deficiencies of healthcare system in several low-resource countries. We propose a simplified and inexpensive model of improvised CPAP in adults using locally available resources including aquarium air pumps and a novel pressure release mechanism. Although the safety and efficacy of improvised CPAP in adults are not established, the conceptual model we propose has the potential to serve as a lifesaving technology in many low-resource settings during this ongoing pandemic and thus calls for expedited research. |
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