An Experimental Study in an Induced Lung Injury Model in Sheep to Test a Novel Compression Ventilator

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In a critical care setting, a simple, non-complex but reliable mechanical ventilator would serve as a candidate device in saving human life and qualified medical resources. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety and reliability of a novel simple mechanical ventilator (ASC-1) developed for ventilation in an induced lung injury model and to compare the normal physiologic lung condition with an induced pathologic lung condition in sheep.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sheep ventilation model was established in three female sheep which were anesthetized and intubated. Sheep A was ventilated with a conventional mechanical ventilator, Sheep B was ventilated with ASC-1 accordingly to the protective ventilation protocols. The lung injury model was induced with saline lavage in Sheep C. Following this, the animal was ventilated with ASC-1. At the end of 12 hours, the sheep were euthanized under anesthesia. The vital signs and changes in their arterial blood gas (ABG) were recorded.RESULTS: The biopsies collected from lungs were examined histologically. The injury and ventilation status of the lungs were examined radiographically. During the ventilation, all sheep maintained stable fluid-electrolyte balance and ABG, and no catastrophic events occurred in any of the sheep. The respiratory parameters of Sheep A were stabilized easily with an intensive care unit ventilator. Additionally, the parameters of Sheep B and Sheep C were also stabilized with the ASC-1 ventilator, at least clinically. The histological findings of the tissues were comparable between the three sheep.CONCLUSION: As a safe, reliable, low-cost ventilator, the ASC-1 ventilator may be a good alternative to be used in critical respiratory care per se, resulting in no further lung damage, especially in pandemic conditions where shortages of ventilators may be problematic.