As the COVID-19 virus evolves into different strains so to has the methods of dealing with the consequences of this virus. In patients with severe COVID-19, they are plagued with acute respiratory distress disorder (ARDS). This is a condition where fluid fills the lungs and prevents air from reaching the necessary gas exchange compartments, similar to what occurs in drowning. These patients are subjected to invasive mechanical ventilation, where a tube is uncomfortably shoved down the patients throat to facilitate breathing.
a potential alternative?
To avoid ventilator-induced lung injury, non-invasive ventilation methods have shown to be well tolerated by patients. Instead of a tube, a tight-fitting nasal or facial mask is used and uses positive pressure to facilitate ventilation. In the context of COVID-19, the use of current non-invasive ventilation methods is not recommended due to virus aerosolization risks which puts healthcare staff in danger of contracting the virus.
Example of a non-invasive ventilation face mask.
A cunning solution
COSMIC Medical, a Vancouver-based organization has designed a “Bubble Helmet” that remains noninvasive but also reduces the aerosolization risks mentioned previously! Additionally, the materials needed to make the helmet are low cost and can be easily be retooled or adjusted by manufacturers due to its simplistic design.
Owing to its flexible design, patients freedom of mobility will not be hindered as they can lie face up or down comfortably. Furthermore, the helmet is made of transparent material, thus a patient’s vision will be unobstructed, further enhancing comfortability.
the next steps
There are still many hoops to jump through before this helmet can be offered to patients. These steps include obtaining regulatory approval and completing clinical trials. So far results have been obtained in an experimental setting, thus the effectiveness of the helmet must be measured in clinical settings as well. Currently the Bubble Helmet design is open source and available to all to peruse. Check out the open source paper!