RIT researchers developing prototype ventilator to meet COVID-19 needs

Henrietta, N.Y. - RIT is helping in the fight against the coronavirus.

The college says its researchers are working with healthcare providers and experts in the region to construct prototype emergency ventilators.

The prototype devices plug into oxygen sources commonly found in hospitals, and initial tests indicate they meet the needs of coronavirus patients.

Researchers have been working since mid-March to create the devices.

The prototype was initially demonstrated to doctors at Rochester Regional Health late last month, after which some modifications were made. Researchers are working with the University of Rochester to get FDA approvals and providing feedback,

“We are at the final phase of testing, and units are being produced in small numbers for validation,” explained Associate Provost and Golisano Institute for Sustainability founding director Nabil Nasr. “We expect that we will be ready for a higher number within a few weeks.”

Nasr said researchers are working with manufacturing partners so that the devices can be made quickly. The goal is to send them across the country and outside the U.S.