MUMEVE - A Multiple Mechanical Ventilation System (MMV)

In the poorest cities, such as Ayacucho in Peru, ICUs in hospitals have an average of only 9 functional high-end mechanical ventilators to support patients with severe respiratory distress. Peru has a total of 4,000 mechanical ventilators to address critical respiratory distress, which equates to approximately 1 ventilator per 8,000 individuals. However, the distribution is heavily skewed, with 2,800 ventilators concentrated in the capital, leaving a mere 1,200 ventilators distributed among the other 24 cities with fewer resources in the country's interior.

Furthermore, approximately 80% of the available mechanical ventilators are constantly in use for attending to other health problems in the ICU section. This leaves fewer than 3 mechanical ventilators available in cities like Ayacucho to serve individuals with critical respiratory distress conditions, which becomes even more challenging during emergencies such as pandemics. This reality extends to other impoverished cities across Latin America.

The disparity in access to mechanical ventilators emphasizes the urgent need for equitable distribution and increased support for vulnerable regions. Additionally, high-end mechanical ventilators have an average cost of $33,000, with potential prices reaching up to $50,000.

MUMEVE is a multiple mechanical ventilation system (MMV) that can be connected to any mechanical ventilator to provide simultaneous assistance to multiple patients using a single ventilator. It allows for independent control of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and tidal volume for each patient, ensuring customized ventilation settings based on individual needs.

MUMEVE offers the following components: 

1) Device: This device consists of one throttle valve in the inhalation line and a PEEP valve in the exhalation line for each patient connected to the mechanical ventilator. It also incorporates a flow sensor and a PEEP sensor that provide real-time measurements of tidal volume and pressure. These measurements are displayed on a screen or through the MUMEVE App, allowing the intensivist to make necessary adjustments to the device's parameters if required.

2) Patient history records: This data will be stored in the cloud through the MUMEVE App, providing a comprehensive overview of each patient's recovery progress. This information will be utilized for research purposes in the field of respiratory therapy and for further enhancements of the device.

3) Personalized training modules: These modules will assist healthcare institutions in receiving training on the usage of this device and provide them with feedback from previous treatments.

The device operates by connecting it to the mechanical ventilator and arranging ventilation supply lines based on the number of patients requiring respiratory therapy. Depending on the number of patients, the mechanical ventilator is configured with a specific total tidal volume and PEEP. These values are then adjusted using the throttle valves and PEEP valves on each line to achieve personalized ventilation therapy for each patient.

Our solution, MUMEVE, aims to serve the target population of individuals in impoverished cities, such as Ayacucho and Puno in Peru, and other regions facing similar challenges across Latin America. These individuals are currently underserved in terms of access to high-end mechanical ventilators, resulting in a critical shortage of respiratory support during emergencies and everyday healthcare needs.

The impact of our solution on their lives will be significant. By providing a cost-effective and innovative device that can be connected to any mechanical ventilator, we will enable simultaneous and independent respiratory support for multiple patients using a single ventilator. This will address the urgent need for equitable distribution of mechanical ventilation and increase support for vulnerable regions.

MUMEVE's key features, such as independent control of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and tidal volume for each patient, will ensure personalized ventilation settings based on individual needs. This customization will greatly improve the quality of respiratory therapy and enhance patient outcomes.

Additionally, the affordability of our device compared to high-end ventilators will make it accessible to hospitals and healthcare facilities with limited resources. This will benefit the target population by providing them with a reliable and efficient tool for respiratory support, which was previously unavailable or inadequate.

Overall, our solution will directly and meaningfully improve the lives of individuals in underserved communities by increasing their access to life-saving mechanical ventilation. By addressing the lack of mechanical ventilators and offering a tailored and affordable solution, we will contribute to saving lives, reducing the burden on healthcare systems, and improving the overall quality of care for those facing respiratory distress conditions, especially during emergencies like pandemics.

My team and I reside in Lima, the sixth most populous city in Latin America, which is located in Peru, a third-world country. Unfortunately, Peru is known for having one of the poorest public health infrastructures globally. Furthermore, our families originate from rural cities in the Highlands or Rainforest regions, where healthcare facilities lack proper mechanical ventilation systems. As a result, we divide our lives between the city and these remote areas, experiencing firsthand the challenging conditions in which the local population is immersed every day.

On the other hand, the Reactor's affiliated intensivist doctor attends to patients not only in public hospitals within the city but also in rural areas. This dedicated medical professional offers intensive therapy services and is widely recognized in Peru for their expertise and outstanding performance during the pandemic.

During this project, we traveled to several cities in the interior of the country to gather critical data on the healthcare system. Additionally, we organized workshops where we actively listened to personal stories from doctors and individuals who had faced and overcome health challenges. The insights we gained from these experiences allowed us to make a redesign of our initial concept, resulting in a new minimum viable product that precisely meets the needs of the population.

Finally, during the pandemic, Reactor responded to the monopolistic sale of high-priced oxygen concentrators by establishing a new division dedicated to selling these devices at a significantly reduced price of one-third the market value in Peru. This initiative aimed to make oxygen concentrators more accessible to low-income citizens. As a result, Reactor carried out several deliveries and conducted training workshops in various cities across Peru, establishing connections with families in need and small medical facilities in the most impoverished areas. This effort helped forge a network and fostered a sense of community support in these underserved cities.

Currently, our redesigned Minimum Viable Product is being utilized in extreme cases of respiratory distress at two hospitals in Puno (Peru) and Ayacucho (Peru), where there is a shortage of mechanical ventilators to assist two patients simultaneously and independently for short-term therapy. This serves as a crucial part of our validation stage. These hospitals receive approximately 15 individuals per month who require ventilatory therapy due to respiratory problems.

To scale this project nationally, we are required to obtain certificates from the Ministry of Health. However, this process can be somewhat tedious in our country. Therefore, we have applied to this contest to bolster the project, gain greater visibility, and facilitate administrative procedures.

We seek Solve MIT's support to overcome financial, technical, legal, cultural, and market barriers. Solve's grant and funding opportunities aid solution development, while their network connects us with experts in medical device engineering and manufacturing. Solve's diverse community provides insights into cultural factors, and partnerships facilitate access to target customers and distribution channels. We expect to meet potential partners within and outside Peru, aiming to grow institutional partnerships and gain exposure beyond our current reach. Solve's resources, expertise, and connections will help address the ventilator shortage in underserved regions effectively.

The innovation of our mechanical ventilation system MUMEVE lies in the following features:

• Adaptability to any mechanical ventilator and its ability to provide multiple respiratory therapies while differentiating Tidal Volume and Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) on each patient's supply line. 
• Geometric design and internal profile of throttle and PEEP valves that offer precise control and response, while maintaining a simple complexity for easy replication. 
• Integration of high-resolution flow and PEEP sensors that provide real-time measurements, enabling intensivists to adjust the valves to achieve the desired values for tidal volume in the inspiration line and PEEP in the expiration line.

In contrast, other projects have attempted to achieve multiple mechanical ventilation but have omitted the independent control of Tidal Volume and PEEP, as well as the use of sensors. As a result, they have failed to provide simultaneous customized ventilation therapy to patients with varying lung mechanics.

Finally, MUMEVE has the potential to bring significant changes to the market in several ways:

• Enhanced control and customization by offering precise control over tidal volume and PEEP, along with real-time measurements and adjustments.
• Simplified replication to make it easier for others to replicate and adopt the technology. This can facilitate the widespread adoption of MUMEVE.
• Competitive advantage due to the innovative features, such as the integration of high-resolution sensors, unique valve design, and advanced control mechanisms, setting a new standard for mechanical ventilation systems.
• Improved patient care due to tailored treatment based on individual patient needs, potentially leading to better outcomes and reduced complications.

Our impact goals for the next year are:

1) Achieve a multiple mechanical ventilation system capable of supplying more than two patients by minimizing losses through the use of corrugated pipes.

2) Collaborate with local stakeholders and partner with NGOs to engage with state social programs, leveraging their expertise, resources, and community networks.

3) Increase the capacity for providing mechanical ventilation in Peru by producing 2,000 MUMEVE systems, resulting in a 50% capacity boost.

Our goals for the next five years are:

1) Development of automated throttle and PEEP valves that can regulate themselves by adjusting the valve's value based on the desired value set by the intensivist for each patient. This will eliminate the need for constant supervision by an intensivist to adjust the valves.

2) Creation of job opportunities in low-income cities in Peru and at least 10 other Latin American countries through the establishment of franchises and manufacturing facilities to generate local employment.

3)Considering that the global ventilator market's revenue was estimated to be worth $3.9 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $5.4 billion by 2027, and recognizing that MUMEVE has the potential to replace mechanical ventilators to some extent, our goal is to capture approximately 10% of the market share by 2027 through the sale of MUMEVE.

4)Increase the capacity for providing mechanical ventilation in Peru and 10 other Latin American countries by 50% by producing an average of 3,000 MUMEVE systems in each country.

To measure our progress towards our impact goals, we track the following indicators:

1) Number of MUMEVE systems deployed: We monitor the distribution and installation of MUMEVE in hospitals and healthcare facilities in Peru and other target regions.

2) Reduction in mortality rates: We measure the mortality rates of patients with respiratory distress conditions in areas where MUMEVE is implemented. A decrease in mortality rates indicates the effectiveness of our solution.

3) Increase in access to mechanical ventilation: We assess the percentage increase in the availability of mechanical ventilation in underserved regions, specifically in terms of the number of ventilated patients per population.

4) Cost savings for healthcare institutions: We evaluate the cost savings achieved by hospitals and healthcare facilities through the adoption of MUMEVE compared to traditional high-end mechanical ventilators.

5) Positive feedback from healthcare professionals: We gather feedback and testimonials from intensivists, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals who utilize MUMEVE in their clinical practice.

Our theory of change is based on the following logical framework:

1) Problem: The shortage of high-end mechanical ventilators in impoverished cities, such as Ayacucho in Peru, leads to limited access to respiratory support for patients with severe respiratory distress.

2) Solution: MUMEVE addresses this problem by offering simultaneous and independent respiratory support for multiple patients using a single ventilator. It provides personalized ventilation settings based on individual needs, thereby improving the quality of respiratory therapy.

3) Activities and Outputs:

• Research and development of MUMEVE and its components.
• Manufacturing and production of MUMEVE.
• Sales and marketing efforts to promote and distribute MUMEVE.
• Training healthcare professionals on the usage of MUMEVE.

4) Immediate Outcomes:

• Increased availability of mechanical ventilation in underserved regions.
• Cost savings for healthcare institutions through the adoption of MUMEVE.
• Positive feedback and testimonials from healthcare professionals who utilize MUMEVE.

5) Longer-Term Outcomes:

• Reduction in mortality rates of patients with respiratory distress conditions.
• Improved access to respiratory support during emergencies and everyday healthcare needs.
• Enhanced patient outcomes and reduced complications.

6) Evidence and Support:

• Existing research on the shortage of ventilators and the impact on patient care.
• Validation of MUMEVE system through scientific studies and evaluations.
• Data and feedback from interviews with healthcare professionals and target population.
• Third-party research supporting the effectiveness of personalized ventilation settings.

By linking our activities to the immediate outputs and longer-term outcomes, we expect MUMEVE to have a positive impact on addressing the shortage of mechanical ventilators and improving access to respiratory support for vulnerable populations.

MUMEVE combines hardware and software technologies to provide advanced respiratory support. The hardware consists of throttle valves utilizing the concept of needle valves, PEEP valves based on ambulatory use PEEP valves, flow sensors, and differential pressure sensors. These components ensure precise control and accurate measurement of tidal volume and PEEP. With these integrated components, MUMEVE enables simultaneous and independent respiratory support for multiple patients utilizing a single ventilator.

The MUMEVE App, our software component, serves as a comprehensive platform for storing and managing patient data. The app provides healthcare professionals with real-time information on each patient's recovery progress, facilitating research and improving the MUMEVE system. Additionally, it offers personalized training modules and enables feedback from previous treatments. Healthcare professionals can access patient data through the app.

To ensure secure and accessible data storage, we utilize cloud technology. Patient data collected through the MUMEVE App is securely stored in the cloud, allowing healthcare professionals to access and retrieve information from anywhere with internet connectivity. Cloud storage also facilitates data analysis, research, and knowledge dissemination by providing a centralized platform for sharing anonymized patient data.

In summary, our solution combines innovative hardware components, the MUMEVE App, and cloud storage to create a technologically advanced multiple mechanical ventilation system.

The evidence of the technology's effectiveness was obtained through experiments conducted by Reactor. The experiments involved calibrating and integrating the valves into the MUMEVE system for two patients. The analysis focused on evaluating the Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) and Tidal Volume.

For the Tidal Volume analysis, the mechanical ventilator was set to Pressure Control mode, and an inspiratory flowmeter was added to each endotracheal tube to measure the airflow. The valves were adjusted using the throttling valve, allowing independent measurement and registration of the Tidal Volume for each patient. The graph constructed from the results showed that each throttling valve delivered a Tidal Volume close to the indicated value on the corresponding valve's axis. Comparing the Tidal Volume values recorded by the flow sensors in patients A and B, it was observed that both throttling valves behaved similarly. 

For the PEEP analysis, a bourdon manometer was added at the connection point between the inspiratory and expiratory phases, near the flow sensor. The PEEP value was set to zero in the mechanical ventilator to measure the actual PEEP values delivered by the valves independently. Subsequently, the total PEEP received by the patient was calculated. By setting the PEEP in the mechanical ventilator to zero, it was observed that the PEEP delivered by each valve to patients A and B aligned with the desired total PEEP registered in the mechanical ventilator. This observation was further supported by a linear graph illustrating the behavior of the valves and their independent control over PEEP in our MUMEVE system.

Multiple Mechanical Ventilation System by Reactor (Scientific Doc)

Reactor not only values the most skilled individuals to be part of the team, but it also eliminates barriers for people who face discrimination based on race, origin, gender, disability, and wealth. We prioritize their inclusion to prevent perpetuating an educational and work system that favors a privileged elite in society.

That is why Reactor takes pride in having women leading our engineering projects and showcasing to audiences that the tech industry knows no gender boundaries. By breaking down gender stereotypes, we make a positive impact in our community and empower women to succeed in STEM fields. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion drives us to create opportunities for everyone to thrive.

While our Reactor team consists of nearly equal numbers of men and women, our MUMEVE project, as well as the company itself, remains open to welcoming a greater diversity of individuals. We believe that by harnessing the potential of people from all races, genders, and backgrounds through Reactor, we can act as agents of change and make an unprecedented impact on our society.

Value Proposition:

A device enabling simultaneous and independent respiratory support for two patients with respiratory distress conditions, differentiating tidal volume and PEEP using a single mechanical ventilator. By addressing the critical shortage of ventilators in underserved areas, it offers an affordable, tailored mechanical ventilation system for resource-constrained regions."

Key Partners to create shared value:

a) NGOs and Humanitarian Organizations focused on healthcare and disaster relief to leverage their expertise, networks, and experience in reaching underserved communities.

b) Local Healthcare Institutions to align MUMEVE with local needs, gain insights, and enhance sustainability.

c) Government Agencies and Ministries of Health to integrate MUMEVE into existing healthcare frameworks, leverage resources, and access funding opportunities.

d) Academic and Research Institutions for scientific validation, ongoing research, and knowledge dissemination.

e) Supply Chain and Manufacturing Partners to ensure the quality, scalability, and affordability of MUMEVE.

f) Funding and Philanthropic Organizations for financial support and connections.

Key Activities:

a) Research and Development: Continuous innovation of MUMEVE.

b) Manufacturing: Production using CNC technology and high-quality materials.

c) Sales and marketing: Promotion of MUMEVE through direct sales, partnerships, and participation in relevant industry events.

d) Training: Support to healthcare professionals for the effective use of MUMEVE.

Key Resources:

a) Expertise from our interdisciplinary team of engineers and doctors.

b) Manufacturing facilities equipped with CNC technology.

c) Supply chain with reliable suppliers for sensors and machining materials.

d) Shareholders and investors.

Cost structure:

a) Research, prototyping, and system improvement.

b) Manufacturing processes, materials, labor, and facilities.

c) Quality control and testing.

d) Procuring components and managing logistics.

e) Marketing and sales.

f) Overhead and administrative costs.

g) Compliance and regulatory costs.

Customer Segments:

a) Hospitals and healthcare facilities seeking cost-effective respiratory support solutions.

b) Government organizations responsible for public health and emergency response.

c) NGOs and humanitarian organizations focusing on healthcare and disaster relief.

Beneficiaries:

a) Patients suffering from respiratory distress conditions, such as those caused by pandemics.

b) Healthcare professionals who will have access to an affordable and effective tool for providing respiratory support to patients.

Channels:

a) Direct sales to hospitals, healthcare facilities, and government organizations.

b) Partnerships with regional distributors and medical equipment suppliers with established networks in target regions.

c) Online platforms to showcase MUMEVE, provide information, and facilitate sales.

d) Trade shows and conferences to showcase MUMEVE, connect with potential customers, and establish partnerships with industry players.

Revenue Streams:

a) Sales of MUMEVE to hospitals, healthcare facilities, and government organizations.

b) Service and maintenance contracts to ensure the proper functioning of MUMEVE, creating a recurring revenue stream. 

c) Licensing and partnerships with established manufacturers to scale up production and distribution, generating additional revenue through royalties or revenue sharing.

1)Selling MUMEVE to hospitals and healthcare facilities in Peru, as well as potentially other regions facing similar challenges, allows us to provide an affordable alternative to expensive ventilators. This approach enables us to generate consistent revenue from the sale of our products.

2)Offering service and maintenance to ensure the proper functioning and longevity of our customers' systems, while generating recurring revenue through service fees. 

3)Partnering and licensing with established medical equipment manufacturers allows us to leverage their manufacturing capabilities and distribution networks, enabling us to scale up production and reach a wider market. This approach may involve royalty payments or revenue sharing, which not only allows us to generate income but also facilitates our expansion.

4)Pursuing grants and donations from public and private organizations that support healthcare innovation and social impact initiatives enables us to secure funds for covering research and development costs, as well as operational expenses

5)Raising investment capital from impact investors, venture capitalists, or philanthropic organizations provides us with the necessary funds to support our growth, expand production capacity, and penetrate the market in Peru and other target regions

By diversifying our revenue streams and incorporating a combination of sales, service contracts, partnerships, grants, and potential investments, we aim to achieve financial sustainability. As we initially launch in our country, we plan to expand to other countries in LATAM within the next year and subsequently scale globally over the next 5 years. 

Finally, as a spin-off of MUMEVE, our mechanical ventilation system can also be adapted for bipulmonary treatment. By differentiating tidal volume and PEEP pressure for each lung, we can intervene on one lung while maintaining the other within normal parameters. This opens up exciting opportunities to expand our market using the same proven technology, ultimately boosting our revenues.

Our plan to achieve financial sustainability has seen success through various initiatives and partnerships. Here are some examples:

During the initial design phase of our Minimum Viable Product, Codrise, a local manufacturing company, offered to manufacture the mechanical parts of the throttle and PEEP valves using CNC technology at no cost. This support helped us reduce production expenses and accelerate the development process.

After testing the Minimum Viable Product, we received funding from Besco Company's Operations Manager to build an improved version of our device. This funding allowed us to enhance the design and functionality of the device, ensuring its effectiveness in providing respiratory support. Once again, Codrise stepped forward and offered its manufacturing expertise for the throttle and PEEP valves.

Furthermore, we have received interest from JC Medical Supplies, a reputable company, in including our product in their portfolio. Their interest in our device speaks to its potential and market viability, opening up opportunities for future collaborations and market penetration.

During pandemics, political challenges impeded the certification and market introduction of our product, despite the interest from the regional instance responsible for coordinating pandemic response strategies. Corruption within the Ministry of Health, prioritizing fraudulent ventilator purchases over addressing the critical deficit, further exacerbated the situation.

These examples showcase our capacity to leverage partnerships and secure funding to propel the development and production of our mechanical ventilation system. These collaborations have played a vital role in driving our project forward and surmounting challenges encountered along the way.