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Here's how these Pakistani youth turned 100 ventilators into 400 during coronavirus crisis

With the help of 3D printing, they created a valve that connects to make a single-patient use ventilator into a mul
Aisha Mahmood 27 Mar, 2020
  • With the help of 3D printing, they created a valve that connects to make a single-patient use ventilator into a multi-patient use splitter.

A group of young Pakistanis have stepped up to help the country combat the novel coronavirus by turning 100 ventilators into 400 with the help of 3D printing.

With the spike in coronavirus cases in Pakistan, and shortage of ventilators, the group took it upon themselves and started their study on 3D printing and how it can make life saving equipment. Within days, they created a valve that connects to make a single-patient use ventilator into a multi-patient use splitter.

One of the youth, Zarlasht Faisal shared the process they went through in making a ventilator, which can help four patients simultaneously. He said the group was brainstorming when they came across a post about how 'a genius from an ICU in another country turned one ventilator into 9'.

"An Alexander, an Australian steps up.... and asks; do you guys want the design files? YES goes the answer! The design files are shared, and suddenly the 3D printers are activated," Faisal tweeted.

He said the valve splitters were created overnight and they just needed a hospital to test them. After being turned away by several hospitals, the group approached Shaukat Khanum, where Dr.Faisal immediately connected them to a group of engineers.

"Modifications are suggested. The valve design is improved, and approved. Suddenly, the capacity of 1 ventilator goes from 1-4," Faisal added.

Successful tests are being carried out at Shaukat Khanum after which more and more samples are shared across the nation. Different cities are now also demanding the designs so that they too can benefit from these splitters.

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