Translational Research - Biofilms
Infant VEL (Infant Ventilator-Endotrach-Lung Simulator)
Background (Adult VEL)
- In 2000, we designed and engineered the A-VEL (Adult Ventilator-Endotrach-Lung) Simulator recognizing the Morbidity, Mortality, and Cost associated with VAP in the ICU and its global nature. http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/biofilms/Vel-Model/Adult/Default.aspx
- Recently, VAP and associated lung infections (HAI vs. Community Acquired) have been dominant in infants, particularly in the NICU (PPT 1), where WVUH has increased its bed capacity (PowerPoint (PPT) 2).
- Hence the need to improve understanding of the mechanism of illness in infants and opportunities for medical management.
I-VEL (Infant Ventilator-Endotrach-Lung Simulator)
- Mr. Christopher Waters, MS, Senior Research Leader, engineered the I-VEL on the same design incorporated into the Adult VEL; X, Y, and Z, where X = Ventilator, Y = Endotrach, and Z = Mechanical Lung.
- PowerPoints (PPT) 3, 4, 5, and 6 list the features of each component as it applies to the three zones.
- PowerPoint 7 is a schematic of the assembled components with descriptors.
Simulator/Pre-Clinical Trials
- The engineered simulator of infant airway was tested using a 5 organism challenge and one virus, ФX174, which simulated Influenza A (H1N1) in structure and size.
- The I-VEL was verified/validated in preliminary studies evaluating a proximal pulse oximeter (Covidien).
- Pictures defining the components and assembled design are as follows:
- Pic 1 and 2, assembled prior to clinical use
 |
 |
| Picture 1 |
Picture 2 |
- Pic 3, 4, 5, and 6 show individual components
 |
 |
 |
| Picture 3 |
Picture 4 |
Picture 5 |
 |
| Picture 6 |
- Pic 7 shows assembled device with all components in place
 |
| Picture 7 |
- Pic 8, 9 and 10 highlight a functional I-VEL with 840 ventilator and Warming Blanket/Heater used to maintain constant body temperature.
 |
 |
| Picture 8 |
Picture 9 |
 |
| Picture 10 |