Milburn D C, Banner M J, Civetta J M, Hamilton M F, Kirby R R, Smith R A
Crit Care Med. 1978 May-Jun;6(3):185-8. doi: 10.1097/00003246-197805000-00013.
A bird Mark 8 ventilator has been modified by a time cycled servo mechanism to function as an inexpensive ventilator with high peak pressure capabilities. This system was designed to deliver IMV-PEEP therapy at levels not usually available on commercial ventilators. IMV rate can be varied from 1 to 60/min, Vt from 0.1 to 2 liters. Inspiratory pressure in excess of 200 torr and PEEP from 1 to 25 torr can be generated. Modifications to the Mark 8 cost $750.00. The ventilator has been successfully used in over 100 patients. Transport and operating room use are facilitated because it is solely pneumatically powered. Thus, an inexpensive, reliable and versatile ventilatory support system with high peak pressure capabilities has been developed and successfully used.