Inspiration
MRD was inspired to help healthcare providers in delivering high-quality CPR to patients experiencing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). We hope to help achieve the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) similar to manual CPR. The biggest issue with manual CPR is that human error and fatigue play a factor and thus drastically decrease the quality of compressions. Proper compressions should be fractions greater than 80%, with compression rates of 100-120 per, with a depth of at least 2 inches in adults (or 1/3 of the anteroposterior dimensions of the thorax for infants or children). High-quality CPR also demands that rescuers do not excessively ventilate the patient. With MRD we hope to reduce possible issues that can arise and thus help free up providers for other life-saving maneuvers.
What it does
The Mechanical Resuscitation Device also known as MRD is a CPR-focused device that helps deliver life-saving chest compressions to patients in a state of cardiac arrest. In an emergency high quality CPR is a key determinant to increasing patient survival. Performed properly and immediately, CPR can double or even triple the chances of survival. MRD hopes to provide high-quality compressions and collect information on patients for healthcare providers to use. Crucial time gained helps providers focus on finding the underline issue patients are experiencing. In addition, MRD can also include devices like an automated external defibrillator (AED) that can analyze the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm.
How we built it
We built the MRD using a combination of custom woodworking housing electrical hardware with software running on a microcontroller. By utilizing a two-lever body with three degrees of motion and a linear actuator we were able to design an apparatus that served as the skeleton of our project. Subsequently, we attached batteries, circuits, and an Arduino to the body to compactly secure the components. We gave life to our hardware by creating software that compresses the chest at the appropriate tempo and starts and stops compression remotely. As a cherry on top, we began creating an elegant outer shell for the body to house the internal components.
Challenges we ran into
As we developed the MRD, a key issue we encountered was getting the actuator to function. The linear actuator model we had was an incredibly unique model designed to work with potentiometer inputs; however, we could only provide servo inputs due to hardware limitations. Thus, we had to study the connection of each input between the linear actuator and the Arduino to determine how we could provide the inputs needed to allow the actuator to function. Moreover, the actuator required 12 volts of battery power, but we only had six-volt battery packs. Thus, we had to learn how to solder the packs together to provide the desired voltage. And because the actuator needed to draw 12V instead of the Arduino max of 5V, we had to learn how to use SPDT relays to allow our 5V Arduino inputs to control the 12V actuator.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
We are proud of designing a working prototype that simulates the motion we hope to create effectively. It was challenging to create a product using the limited hardware available, but we were able to implement a healthy dose of creativity in design to overcome this barrier. Designing a machine that could genuinely be used in the medical field to create a tangible difference is an immense task, and we are proud of accomplishing that goal. Even nurses and doctors perform CPR suboptimally 80% of the time. The MRD has the potential to automate this task and save countless valuable lives.
What we learned
We learned how to break apart complex ideas and tasks into component parts and divide them between our team members. We learned how to stay productive and work on our own responsibilities while also pulling together to solve the biggest problems.
Out of necessity, we learned to be creative with the tools and materials that were available to us. We learned a ton on the electronics side. And we improvised a lot with the body and design as well. Every object we looked at was fair game in our eyes.
We've read so many data sheets in the past 24 hours, we're much more confident in our abilities to just figure things out. Because we wanted vertical, z-axis movement and only had a rotational servo at our disposal, we had to think of creative ways to transfer the energy from one to the other.
We learned a whole bunch about Infrared emitters and receivers.
We ended up finding an actual linear actuator, but the model required a much higher voltage than any of the other parts we were working with. We learned how to step up the voltage using switches - in the form of electromagnetic relays. We also had to do a whole lot of troubleshooting trying to get the actuator to work - both with the electrical configuration and the device itself. We realized that even after spending hours and hours, the problem was faulty equipment.
We overcame that with software to a large extent.
We could go on about specific learnings, but time is coming to an end and it would be too long!
What's next for Mechanical Resuscitation Device
We have high hopes for the MRD, and we know our device has the potential to reach them. Next up, the MRD will be updated with software that utilizes computer vision to determine where exactly above the patient's body it is situated. Thus, in the critical moments during which doctors are wheeling a patient into the ambulance, they will not have to sacrifice valuable seconds orienting the device perfectly to begin chest compressions. Instead, the device will automatically align itself directly over the sternum and begin CPR. Moreover, we plan to integrate the MRD with modern EKGs and defibrillators, thereby fully automating crucial processes in revival. By measuring the patient's heartbeat, the MRD will know when to cease chest compressions and begin the process of defibrillation.
Log in or sign up for Devpost to join the conversation.