Updates
The History of COV
TAS Podcast
Testing performed with COV:
- Live Porcine Model (April 3, April 8)
- CPR Mannequin (March 29)
- Isolated Pig Lung (March 29)
May 11: A Github repository with the full firmware code is posted on the Downloads page.
April 24: A bunch of 4.0s are starting to come together at the Wond’ry! See the image below. We’ve also had a unit running for 11 days straight (since April 13th) with no observable signs of fatigue or wear.
April 23: An Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) application based on the CoV 4.0 design was successfully submitted to the FDA.
April 22: Histology results from our 4-hour live swine study indicate no gross evidence of barotrauma or atelectasis. A fully-integrated 4.0 system (with on-board control) has been running for 96 hours straight (since April 18th) with no issues. Assembled units are transported from Ft. Houston to the Wond’ry for further control electronics integration and storage.
April 17-19: First fully-integrated CoV version 4.0 units, with on-board controls, improved safety features and a mechanical quick-release, are assembled at Make Nashville. Long-term testing commences to assess integrated system robustness. Mechanical assembly instructions for the latest unit are forthcoming.
April 13-15: 20 control electronics boxes are assembled, with enough components to build 80 more if needed. Long-term testing commences on a version 4.0 mechanical subsystem.
April 12: Comprehensive Wiring and Assembly instructions for the control box are posted on the Downloads page.
April 9-12: Fabrication commences on 100 units.
April 8: 4-hour live swine study was a success, with no complications or adverse events. Inspiratory pressure, end-tidal CO2 levels, and blood-gas levels were all clinically acceptable throughout. Currently awaiting histology results.
April 7: Breathing-assist tested, and second animal study scheduled for the morning of April 8th to test long-term ventilation.
April 5: Alarms and mechanical safety features integrated.
April 4: Breathing-assist functionality integrated.
April 3: First live animal study on a porcine model with CoV v3.1 was a success.
April 2: Nissan donates 100 wiper motors. Make Nashville joins the team as a fabrication facility.
April 1: IACUC protocol approved. First animal study scheduled.
March 30-April 1: Substantial how-to content loaded onto VandyVents.com. Parts to be able to build 100 units arrive.
March 30: IACUC Protocol submitted for first animal test. Second copy of V3 design fabricated. Long-term running tests initiated. Ongoing discussions regarding clinical considerations.
March 29: Motor control and electronic pressure sensing integrated into V3 prototype. VandyVents web page goes live; thanks to Dominick Ropella for setting it up. George P. Johnson, Inc. volunteers to assist with fabricating plywood pieces. FDA approval efforts initiated.
March 28: V3 prototype incorporating Nissan motors is completed.
March 26: Nissan donates 5 initial windshield wiper motors from the Nissan Altima.
March 25: First ex vivo test in a pig lung and with a respiratory training mannequin in CELA at Vanderbilt.
March 24: Manometer-based sensor with light-based over and under-pressure sensors implemented. Arduino-based closed-loop control implemented.
March 23: V2 prototype assembled. First Zoom team meeting with physicians Fabien Maldonado and Matthew Bacchetta. Arna Banerjee, Craig Rooks, Erin Gillaspie subsequently join the team.
March 22: First prototype assembled. Postdoc Josh Gafford, and PhD students Max Emerson and Katy Riojas quickly volunteer to join the team.
March 21: The VandyVents project begins. Duke Herrell calls Bob Webster and expresses urgent need to get working on a ventilator. Eric Barth tells Bob that Kevin Galloway has a great napkin-sketch ventilator design. Our team begins to come together.