English: Q-vent (derived from Quest) is a novel low-cost device for emergency ventilation of the lungs in patients with respiratory failure designed and developed in collaboration by scientists Furka brothers (Samuel and Daniel) with Patrik Palacka (1) and Dalibor Gallik from Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia.

Q-vent is a multi-way air valve system produced by 3D printer from a novel composite material based on Phloxine-B, Saponite, and Polylactic acid that prevents the formation of bacterial biofilms. The heated ceramic cartridge represents a prototype of an active ceramic antimicrobial unit.

Q-vent was tested for 24 hours on an intubated simulated load (Gaumard® Scientific - UNI®). During the simulation, inspiration-to-expiration (I: E) ratio, tidal volume, and frequency of inspiration were adjusted to test Q-Vent operation at a range of different conditions. A built-in cough sensor is present to warn of patient’s awakening. In the case of power failure, Q-vent switches to battery reserve. All Q-Vent functionality performed reliably throughout the testing procedure established by UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (2). Q-Vent successfully passed RMVS001 validation and is awaiting clinical trials.

Their research has resulted in a fully functional and tested prototype ready for clinical assessment in the areas affected by this humanitarian crisis. Q-vent (Figure 1) is simple to manufacture and assemble and provides the means to overcome periods of inaccessibility of conventional ventilation of the lungs for up to 24 hours. The high quality and low production cost, along with the fact that Q-vent is independent of the gas pressure at the inlet valve, allowing use of the device in critical conditions or hard-to-reach locations, where conventional devices have significant limitations.

Time Frame

March 2, 2020: This project was given a designation “Q-vent” derived from Quest.

March 3, 2020: The first prototype with ordinary PET bottles as air bags was made.

March 27, 2020: Researchers informed about finalization of prototypes and announced serial production (3, 4).

April 3, 2020: An active filter containing a UV sterilizer and a 3D-printed ceramic insert heated to a high temperature was integrated into the air outlet to eliminate pathogens in the exhalation.

April 4, 2020: Koval Systems, Ltd. manufactured sterilizable mechanical components. EMBASYS, Ltd. provided computers with software.

April 5, 2020: Airways were redesigned to reduce dynamic pressure.

April 8, 2020: Furka brothers developed a material that prevents the formation of bacterial biofilms.

April 10, 2020: Samuel Furka and Patrik Palacka integrated a nanomaterial based on Phloxine B and an aluminosilicate matrix into an active UV filter.

April 14, 2020: Serial production of materials began in the premises of Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia.

April 20, 2020: Q-Vent successfully passed RMVS001 validation.

April 27, 2020: As of this date, serial production has been launched and workspace created for individual optimizations at the customer's request. The research team has designed clinical trials (5, 6).

References: 1. Patrik Palacka on Researchgate. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Patrik_Palacka 2. Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency. Rapidly Manufactured Ventilator System. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/879382/RMVS001_v4.pdf 3. When lives are at stake, there is no room for selling equipment. https://uniba.sk/en/comenius-university-news/news-detail/back_to_page/aktualne-informacie-5/article/ked-ide-o-zivot-nie-je-priestor-na-predaj-pomocok-hovoria-vyrobcovia-alternativ-umelych-pl/ 4. Slovaks developed an alternative to lung ventilation. https://spectator.sme.sk/c/22371659/slovaks-developed-an-alternative-to-lung-ventilation.html 5. Serial production of lung ventilator designed by Slovak scientists launched. https://spectator.sme.sk/c/22393436/good-news-from-slovakia-serial-production-of-lung-ventilator-designed-by-slovak-scientists-launched.html

6. The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic supports Q-Vent – the unique product made in Slovakia. https://www.mzv.sk/web/en/news/detail/-/asset_publisher/oLViwP07vPxv/content/ministerstvo-zahranicnych-veci-a-europskych-zalezitosti-sr-podporuje-q-vent-jedinecny-produkt-made-in-slovakia/10182?p_p_auth=yeoPYR6M&_101_INSTANCE_oLViwP07vPxv_redirect=%2Fweb%2Fen%3Fstrana%3D1