A Review About Equipment for Mechanical Ventilation in Intensive Care to Combat COVID-19 and the Role of Clinical Engineers

Abstract

The current health crisis caused by the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has created a great demand to widely explore the mechanisms of mechanical ventilation for life support in Intensive Care Unit (ICU). This work describes the basic concepts of the mechanical ventilation process and a brief technical description of both invasive and non-invasive ventilator. Additionally, describes the importance of this therapy as it is the main mechanism for assisting patients in a critical state of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). It also presents approaches that have been considered to meet the current demands and prevent the collapse of the health system. Finally, it presents the responsibilities of clinical engineers in this scenario.