Conceptual model of low-cost improvised bubble continuous positive airway pressure device for adults and its potential use in the COVID-19 pandemic
Department
Medicine
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases
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.
First Page
e0010221
DOI
10.1371/journal.pntd.0010221
Volume
16
Issue
3
Publication Date
3-1-2022
PubMed ID
35239650
Recommended Citation
Kharel, H., Kharel, Z., & Bhandari, S. K. (2022). Conceptual model of low-cost improvised bubble continuous positive airway pressure device for adults and its potential use in the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 16 (3), e0010221. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0010221