Roundtable: Ventilators

As ventilator technology continues to evolve, so do the challenges and opportunities for maintenance professionals. To shed light on the intricacies of ventilator repair, maintenance, and innovation, TechNation invited industry experts to share their knowledge. Together, they share their expertise on common issues, cutting-edge advancements, and practical recommendations for technicians and healthcare facilities managing these critical devices.

Participants in TechNation’s 2025 Ventilator Roundtable article are:

IMT Analytics ag General Manager Robert Brink

Renew Biomedical’s John Emerson, CABT

Soma Tech Intl’s Prafull Kulkarni

Q: WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON ISSUES YOU ENCOUNTER WHEN PERFORMING MAINTENANCE ON VENTILATORS? HOW CAN THEY BE PREVENTED?

Brink: When receiving a ventilator for service, it is important to handle the device as if it contaminated from previous patient use. The cleaning process can sometimes be complicated if you are not prepared or if you have to send components to CSSD for processing. It is good practice to have a clean service set of components on hand to use exclusively for service purposes.

Emerson: Many OEM parts that arrive at the shop have failed quality control checks. Combined with the challenges and delays in obtaining these parts, this nearly doubles the timeline for the entire process. Since there aren’t always available alternatives to sourcing from OEMs, the most effective step a biomedical technician can take is to inform the OEM about any part issues as they occur. It’s important that the organization has a quality management system that includes processes for handling failing parts, including separation of the part and notification to the OEM.

Kulkarni: Ventilators require regular and thorough maintenance, especially when they are not used frequently. These machines are designed for continuous operation, and extended periods of inactivity can lead to issues such as dried-out seals, calibration drift or battery degradation. To prevent these problems, it is essential to have a proactive maintenance schedule that includes regular testing, inspection and cleaning. This will ensure that all components function reliably when needed.

Q: WITH THE ADVANCEMENTS IN VENTILATOR TECHNOLOGY, WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE ARISEN IN TERMS OF REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE?

Brink: Ventilators have built in check programs, and sometimes these do not give you exact problems, but only error codes which can be difficult to troubleshoot. Secondly, multilayer PC boards are designated “non-repairable” by manufacturers, and have to be replaced as a whole, which can be costly.

Emerson: As a third-party service provider, one of the biggest challenges we see is the lack of access to proprietary tools, software and testing materials from the OEM that are required to perform a thorough PM. Without having access to these resources, our ability to offer maintenance and repairs can be reduced unless directing the repairs back to the OEM. This creates additional delays and device downtime for our customers, and ultimately diminishes our customers’ ability to choose their own service provider.

Kulkarni: As devices become more sophisticated, manufacturers often design components and software to be specific to certain models, limiting the ability to use generic or cross-compatible parts. This can complicate repairs and maintenance, requiring technicians to stay updated on model-specific training and ensure access to proprietary components and software tools.

Q: ARE THERE ANY CRITICAL COMPONENTS OF VENTILATORS THAT TEND TO WEAR OUT FASTER AND REQUIRE MORE FREQUENT REPLACEMENT?

Brink: Galvanic O2 cells typically have a life of 1 year, but sometimes, due to circumstances or environmental conditions, these fail prematurely. To continue safe ventilation and measurement of FiO2, an alternate O2 monitor must be found, or a new replacement cell must be procured. As they have a shelf life, sometimes these are not held in stock!

Emerson: Critical components that wear out the fastest are those related to the user interface, such as touchscreens, control knobs and keypads. In many cases, this damage is due to misuse rather than a design flaw. A common example is compromised case integrity resulting from drops or blunt force impacts.

Kulkarni: Yes, certain components like batteries and other consumable parts tend to wear out faster and require more frequent replacement. Batteries, in particular, have a limited lifespan and can degrade over time, especially if the ventilator is not in regular use or properly maintained. Consumables, such as filters and tubing, also experience regular wear and tear due to repeated use and sterilization processes.

Q: WHEN ADVISING A HOSPITAL OR CLINIC ON PURCHASING VENTILATORS, WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT FEATURES YOU RECOMMEND THEY CONSIDER?

Brink: Cost of long-term ownership of the device is important. This includes the cost of 6 months, or annual, maintenance and parts. Secondly, does the device need proprietary circuits or accessories for daily use? If yes, you could be caught in ever increasing costs to run your ventilator.

Emerson: A strong relationship with the OEM is crucial for both training and parts supply. Without this partnership, even basic tasks like troubleshooting become significantly more challenging. With ventilators, prioritizing cost over quality is unwise. Often, the most reliable and effective equipment comes with a higher price tag, reflecting its value and performance. It’s also important to understand the manufacturer’s plan for the lifetime of the device to ensure that a new purchase does not become an “end of life” device within the first years of its ownership.

Kulkarni: When advising a hospital or clinic on purchasing ventilators, I stress the importance of several key features. First, accuracy in delivering respiratory support is essential. It’s also important to consider the cost and availability of replacement parts, as well as the overall efficiency of the device in gas consumption. Additionally, the level of automation and ease of use are crucial factors, as these elements directly affect the workflow for healthcare providers and the ventilator’s ability to adapt to different patient needs.

Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST INNOVATIVE FEATURES YOU’VE SEEN IN THE LATEST GENERATION OF VENTILATORS?

Brink: Ventilator manufacturers are adding design improvements to assist engineers to maintain and service them on a regular basis. Giving easy access to all the components requiring replacement, or cleaning, as well as service menus to assist in calibration and testing of devices.

Emerson: Some ventilators are beginning to adopt a modular approach, both in clinical functionality and repairs. This design simplifies the process of swapping parts and functionalities, showing a significant improvement. It not only eases the workload for biomedical technicians but also benefits the end user by reducing downtime in both shop and field settings.

Kulkarni: Modern ventilators utilize advanced software to enhance their performance, enabling precise control of airflow, pressure, and oxygen delivery based on the specific needs of each patient. Key innovative features include real-time data monitoring, the ability to make remote adjustments, and adaptive algorithms that respond to changing patient conditions.

Q: WHAT CHANGES WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO IMPROVE THE REPAIRABILITY OR EASE OF MAINTENANCE OF VENTILATORS FOR TECHNICIANS?

Brink: Use paramagnetic or optical O2 sensors that have a long life. Design the ventilator in a modular manner reducing the array and complexity of internal tubes and connectors to reduce service times and costs.

Emerson: OEMs supporting the right to repair would greatly benefit our field. Third-party facilities are a crucial lifeline for many in our industry, but the increasing challenges previously mentioned are making this vital work even more difficult. If testing equipment, replacement parts and training were more readily available, it would make our jobs significantly easier.

Kulkarni: I recommend using ventilators regularly and replacing consumables according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Frequent use helps prevent issues such as dried seals or calibration drift, which can happen during extended periods of inactivity. Additionally, it’s beneficial to design ventilators with modular components, standardized parts and accessible service manuals.

Q: WHAT ELSE SHOULD TECHNATION READERS KNOW?

Brink: The best ventilators in the world are our own lungs. Look after them. All other mechanical ventilators irrespective of what manufacturer, come a distant third.

Emerson: Ventilators are a distinct category of medical equipment, demanding in-depth testing, precise measurements and meticulous attention to detail to ensure their long-term functionality. Unlike other medical devices, which may tolerate minor errors without severe repercussions, ventilators offer no such margin for error. Despite the challenges, working on these devices provides a profound sense of fulfillment, as it feels like a direct contribution to helping someone take their next breath, a truly rewarding experience in our field.

Kulkarni: To guarantee optimal performance and reliability, it is crucial to adhere to the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations. This includes conducting regular inspections, replacing parts as needed and updating software. Proper maintenance not only prolongs the equipment’s lifespan but also ensures it operates effectively when patients need it the most.