HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - Hartford HealthCare is implementing simultaneous ventilation support in anticipation of an influx of patients during the coronavirus pandemic.
According to the Director of Respiratory Services of Hartford Hospital, Saimir Sharofi, the procedure will allow for two patients in need of ventilation to get that support from the same device.
The device has dual tubing to accommodate both patients and filters to ensure the patients, the environment and staff members are protected from the inhalation and exhalation gases of the patients, Sharofi says.
In order to implement the procedure, Sharofi says certain variables need to be considered including the patients' compliance, age, weight and lung elasticity.
Though the capability was possible before, it was recently finalized in response to the pandemic, Sharofi says.
The procedure is not in current use and is being reserved for emergency situations should there be a surge in patient population, Sharofi says.
