A team of our scientists and clinical experts, in response to the COVID-19 crisis, are in the process of creating prototypes for a last-resource, low-cost ventilators created from scratch with completely original designs done at LSU Health Shreveport. This is grassroots medical manufacturing, requiring only a 3-D printer and access to internet. These ventilator designs are intended to provide respiratory support only in the unlikely event that the current local supply requires this. These devices could make emergency medical ventilation available nearly anywhere there are 3-D printers.

These devices are unique in that they do not require complex equipment, or machining for assembly. Similar emergency 3-D printed devices being created are typically complex and require some engineering skills to be assembled, in addition to knowledge of electronics and availability of specialized components that need to be ordered and assembled. The devices created at LSU Health Shreveport are very easy to assemble. Instructions for their assembly are simplified so that is easy to understand similar to how ‘LEGOs’ are built; they can be assembled by anyone, with no engineering background required.

The cost for manufacturing this temporary ventilator for low-risk patients is highly affordable. If a medical team had access to a 3-D printer and a basic motorized hand-drill, the only cost would be for the resin at an average price of $40 from a retail store. (The design from LSU Health Shreveport is provided at no cost.)

Team members contributing to this effort include all of the following:  (Click on the name for profiles where available)