Technology Summary

This technology, referred to as Torso Assist Ventilation (TAV), comprises an assembly of reinforced silicone tubes that encircle and adhere to a patient’s chest and abdomen. When pneumatically activated, the TAV device provides an expansion force that distends the torso. This generates negative pressure in the chest and abdomen which expands the lungs and prevents the chest wall from buckling inwards, counteracting the respiratory insufficiencies common in premature infants, children, and adults. The TAV device can be operated in various modes, including static (i.e., maintain constant negative distending pressure), synchronized (i.e., with spontaneous or mechanically induced breaths to support ventilation) or oscillation (i.e., to clear secretions or facilitate gas mixing). Early swine studies indicate that static distention of the torso improves oxygenation and synchronized support of spontaneous and mechanical ventilation increases tidal volume significantly.