COSMIC Bubble Helmet - CoVent-19

grabcad

COVID patients with deteriorating respiratory conditions demand positive end expiratory pressure treatment. Unfortunately, conventional non-invasive ventilation delivery methods fail to effectively treat COVID-19 cases due to the risk of virus aerosolization. Currently, there are no intermediate steps between hospitalization and intubation. Consequently, we propose a helmet-based non-invasive ventilation method that can interface with high-flow oxygen, CPAP, BiPAP, and positive pressure non-invasive ventilation machines to treat COVID patients. This solution enables the use of more widespread breathing support devices, significantly increasing institutional capacity and freeing up ventilators for cases requiring more intense breathing support. Additionally, this new treatment approach provides a safe step-down from full ventilation as patients recover, further augmenting institutional capacity. Our solution (the "Bubble Helmet") allows for positive airway pressure delivery without the risk of virus aerosolization. The bubble helmet consists of a flexible hood and a neck seal to enclose the patient's head, utilizing standard medical ports to attach to positive pressure ventilation devices. This project encompasses multiple designs in various stages of prototyping and testing, offering different construction methods, including reusable designs with a rigid ring attachment and disposable designs made entirely from flexible hood material. We have several prototypes currently under development, featuring two main designs: rigid ring designs and non-rigid ring designs.