Australian researchers discover a way to help two people breathe from one ventilator in major coronavirus breakthrough amid global shortage

  • Australian researchers demonstrated the life-saving process simulated study
  • The breakthrough could be vital for doctors with ventilator in short supply 
  • Severe coronavirus patients whose lungs fail are often treated with ventilators
  • But researchers warn ventilator splitting does hold significant risks to patients
  • Learn more about how to help people impacted by COVID

Australian researchers have found a way to split life-saving ventilators between two patients.

The coronavirus crisis has already put major strain on the global demand for breathing machines and the discovery is being hailed as a breakthrough.

But researchers from Monash University, The Alfred and The Royal Women's Hospital in Melbourne warn using one machine for two sets of lungs should only be attempted in the most critical of circumstances when intensive care units are overrun.

The team successfully tested ventilator splitting in a simulated setting, with the results of the study published on Tuesday in the international journal Anaesthesia.

Australian researchers have found a way to split life-saving ventilators between two patients

Australian researchers have found a way to split life-saving ventilators between two patients

Doctor in intensive care unit is pictured holding an oxygen ambu bag to help a patient breath

Doctor in intensive care unit is pictured holding an oxygen ambu bag to help a patient breath

'Patients with COVID-19 may develop progressive viral pneumonitis leading to severe respiratory failure,' study lead Alexander Clarke told AAP.

'While ventilator splitting has, at face value, validity in addressing ventilator shortages, we agree that on sober reflection, it is a solution that needs to be weighed up carefully as it may cause more harm than good.'

A vital tool in the fight against coronavirus, ventilators are administered to patients whose lungs are failing.

In some cases COVID-19 can lead to severe respiratory failure and viral inflammation of the lungs.

When this happens patients are sedated and hooked up to a ventilator.

Splitting a machine is usually not possible because the air supply needed by patients differs.

Cross-infection from inter-patient gas exchange is also a major risk, along with irregular pressurised air flow which can be fatal.

A global shortfall in ventilators has seen governments around the world scramble to increase supply during the COVID-19 crisis

A global shortfall in ventilators has seen governments around the world scramble to increase supply during the COVID-19 crisis

Australia is aiming to secure about 10,000 ventilators in the fight against coronavirus

Australia is aiming to secure about 10,000 ventilators in the fight against coronavirus

Australia had about 2200 ventilators at the beginning of the pandemic but the federal government is now aiming to secure 10,000.

'So, all of the advice is that we have capacity for even the most difficult of situations… we're going from 2,200 ventilators up to 4,400 from within the existing system,' Health Minister Greg Hunt told Sky News.

'Then we've contracted ResMed, a great Australian firm that manufactures here in Australia which is really important, to help add another 5,500.

'We're expecting to have about 7,500 ventilator ICU beds that are ready and available for even the most difficult of circumstances, but then with spare capacity around Australia because one may never know exactly where a hot spot or an outbreak might occur.'

 

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