  Background: Recent pandemic has brought a sudden surge in the requirement of
mechanical ventilators all over the world. In this backdrop, there is wide
interest in looking for ways to support multiple patients from a single
ventilator. Various solutions, based upon simple mechanical division of the
ventilator tubings are described. However, recently warnings have been issued
by multiple international professional societies against these plumbing
solutions as it can seriously harm the patients.
  Methods: We have bifurcated the inspiratory and expiratory conduits from a
single ventilator with addition of one way valves, pressure and flow sensors
along with volume and PEEP control. A purpose-built software and a low-cost
microcontroller based control system integrates and displays the data in the
familiar ventilatory graphic and numerical format onto a generic screen. The
system is calibrated with simulated lungs with varying compliance. In addition
to the standard microbial, heat and moisture exchanger filters we design to add
UV-C lights at 254-260 nanometre wavelength in the expiratory channel for its
virucidal effect.
  Results: The dynamic ventilatory divider system is capable of providing and
controlling individual flow, tidal volume (TV) and Positive End-expiratory
pressure (PEEP) for individual patients. Furthermore, it would also display the
ventilatory parameters of both the patients, on a single split screen, in a
familiar format. FiO2 and rate are still controlled by the mother ventilator.
  Conclusions: The prototype system has a potential to provide safe ventilation
to at least two individuals from a single ventilator, while maintaining the
unique requirements of each patient.
