The most severe COVID-19 cases develop acute lung inflammation and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which may require intubation and mechanical ventilation. Currently, however, there is a lack of ventilators, meaning patients die unnecessarily.

VentilatorPAL Pro offers a simple but effective solution: an automated respirator coupled with a physical and mobile interface.

The physical interface is located on the VentilatorPAL Pro and sets the Tidal Volume (TV), Inhale/Exhale ratio (I/E) and Respiratory Rate (RR).

In addition, there is a simple and intuitive phone app (currently Android only) that provides access to additional settings. These include the length and gender of the patient.

VentilatorPAL Pro features a rechargeable battery that offers 6-8 hours of autonomous functioning, but it can also be connected to a solar panel.

VentilatorPAL Pro was designed to the specifications of Dr. Hugo Touw, Intensivist at the Radboud University in Nijmegen, The Netherlands. It is currently being tested in the Netherlands and Spain and is on track to be CE certified. We are aiming at medical standard IEC60601-1:2006 (General requirements for basic safety and essential performance).

VentilatorPAL Pro allows for a lung-protective ventilation strategy. Tidal volumes can be set at 4–6 mL kg-1 predicted body weight (PBW), and respiration rates can be titrated allowing to maintain a pH greater than 7.2 up to 30 breaths per minute.

In patients with severe COVID-19-related ARDS, the lung compliance is usually high, so inspiratory pressures rarely exceed 13 cm H2O, and plateau pressures are not higher than 25–27 cm H2O.

It is recommended to use positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) titrated according to the paO2 or spO2, which can be set on the respirator itself. The use of ventilation in the prone position provides good results in patients and should be use as the primary position for mechanical ventilation.