This archive report was first published on 24 April 2020.
On April 24, 2020, Toyota Kenya took a significant step in the fight against COVID-19 by developing the 'Bridge Mechanical Ventilator', an emergency use resuscitator system designed to support patients with respiratory failure.
The ventilator, made from locally sourced components, can be easily replicated to avert the pandemic and is designed for rapid large-scale development and deployment.
According to Toyota Kenya Managing Director, Arvinder Reel, the company responded to President Uhuru Kenyatta's call for local companies to come up with easy-to-deploy solutions in the battle to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
"COVID-19 required extraordinary measures, including the provision of mechanical ventilator support to keep pace with clinical need at our healthcare facilities," Reel said.
The Bridge Mechanical Ventilator comes in four parts, utilizing an Ambu bag for emergencies when a ventilator is not available. It uses a paddle activated by cam discs attached to a mechanical motor to squeeze the bag and push air into the lungs of the patient.
The ventilatory support needs of a COVID-19 patient range from simple BIPAP to mandatory ventilation in either a pressure-support or volume control mode, often requiring inspired oxygen concentrations in excess of 21 per cent found in room air.
When in operation, the bridge mechanical ventilator indicates to the operator the current settings, including inspiratory pressure, tidal volume estimate, frequency, and the current delivery, such as inspiratory pressure or respiratory rate.
