Objective: To evaluate the SAVe simplified automated ventilator in a laboratory setting to determine performance characteristics, accuracy of tidal volume delivery at various lung compliance, and battery life at sea level and at altitude.
Methods: Three SAVe ventilators were used for the evaluation. Each ventilator was attached to a test lung with volume, pressure, and flow measured with a fixed orifice pneumotachometer and FIO2 measured with a fast-response oxygen analyzer. All measurements were made at sea level, 4,000, 8,000, 12,000, and 18,000 feet.
Results: Delivered tidal volume and inspiratory time varied when changing lung model conditions as well as between devices within the same lung model condition. The largest reduction in tidal volume was at the lowest compliance.
Conclusions: The SAVe could potentially be used for ventilatory support of carefully selected military casualties but caregivers must be aware of the limitations.