New York’s largest healthcare provider Northwell Health has successfully repurposed the Philips Respironics V60 bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machine into a functional ventilator for severely ill Covid-19 patients.
BiPAP is a non-invasive technique used to maintain a consistent breathing pattern overnight for people with sleep apnea, congestive heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Using a small, 3D-printed T-piece adapter, the Respironics V60 can be converted into a ventilator machine. It has also been kitted out with two high-efficiency particulate air filters at both ends of the oxygen hose, to alleviate fears of spreading the virus.
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Northwell Health will share online the new protocols to convert the BiPAP machine, as well as the T-adapter 3D print design.
