Medical respirator, mid-20th century. This is a Beaver II respirator, an early form of medical ventilator, a machine designed to mechanically move bre
Medical respirator, mid-20th century. This is a Beaver II respirator, an early form of medical ventilator, a machine designed to mechanically move breathable air into and out of the lungs. Ventilators provide the mechanism of breathing for patients who cannot breathe by themselves. Their development resulted from the need to treat paralysed polio patients, as well as anaesthetised patients who were increasingly being given muscle relaxant drugs which paralyse the respiratory muscles. The rubber concertina reservoir bag (top) was regularly compressed by a small electric motor, to deliver air or oxygen to the patient.
Size: 3503px × 4989px
Photo credit: © Science Photo Library / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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