Source: NASA
Authors: Bettina Inclán / Matthew Rydin / Karen Northon / Andrew Good
The FDA has granted a second emergency use authorization for a modified VITAL ventilator that uses a compressor, making it suitable for various medical settings, including field hospitals. This follows a previous authorization for a pneumatic version designed for traditional hospitals. NASA’s JPL created the VITAL ventilator in 37 days, using fewer parts to offer a simpler, more affordable option for treating COVID-19 patients. Eight U.S. manufacturers have been selected to produce the ventilator, and Caltech is offering a free license for the device. The new compressed-air design, tested successfully at UCLA, is under review by the FDA.
https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/eight-us-manufacturers-selected-to-make-nasa-covid-19-ventilator