Using electrical signals as alternative to pressure

[Eoin Coogan]

I just wanted to ask as I just discovered this repo and I'd love to get involved. From what I gather in the wiki and ReadMe you are planning on using a pressure/flow sensor in the ventilator in order to detect when a patient's lungs are attempting to breath?
I'm curious have you considered using electronic sensors (similar to ECG) to determine when the patient is attempting to breath instead? From my understanding when measuring an electronic signal across the body there is a certain level of attenuation when the patient's chest cavity is expanding. This could be a good alternative to fitting a flow sensor into an existing handheld ventilator as it would be non-invasive and the hospital would probably have an abundance of these sensors lying around as they are commonly used for ECG measurements. Although there may be some issues as it isn't directly being controlled by volume of the chest cavity.

I want to gauge everyone else's opinion on this. A friend of mine worked on a basic ECG project a while ago so I may be able to get the sensors off him and create a basic control system on an Arduino.

[jcrubino]

This is called "neural assisted ventilation" where a signal is derived from diaphragm movement.
Regardless, a proper ventilator will need a flow sensor/meter for ventilator controls, patient and machine diagnostics reporting.

It is an interesting feature, to work on for many other possible projects, maybe even testable in a PAPR device for battery longevity purposes.