Artificial ventilators are usually employed with Passive Heat-Moisture Exchangers (HME) that warm and humidify the air before it is inspired by artificially ventilated patients. However, several aspects may affect their performance, which needs to be monitored to guarantee a proper functioning. For this reason, the activity proposes the development of a measurement system for monitoring air temperature and humidity while artificial ventilator and HME are working. The system is made by two parts. The first part is a measurement device attached to the ventilating tube near the HME. It presents a low-power Bluetooth module for wireless data transmission, with a low power consumption. The second one is a reading unit connected to a computer. A first system prototype was realized and tested with a laboratory setup. Then, it is going to be tested in-vivo. The activity is carried out in collaboration with the Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health of the University of Brescia.
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For more info, please contact Paolo Bellitti, Andrea Bodini, or Mauro Serpelloni.
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From left to right: realized device with sensorized HME; scheme of the measurement system.