3D Printed Valves for COVID-19 Patients

3D Printed Valves for COVID-19 Patients

Due to the rapid spread of COVID-19, one hospital in Italy was unable to get valves for its venturi oxygen masks from its regular supply chain.

According to Extrementech, this was an opportunity for a local 3D printing startup business, called Isinnova to provide an alternative made from 3d printed replacements.

A venturi mask is also known as an “air-entrainment mask.” These masks are used on patients who need ongoing oxygen therapy, which is something those suffering from severe coronavirus infection need.

The valves control how much oxygen makes it into the mask from an external respirator, so the mask doesn’t work without one.

The hospital in Chiari, Italy was unable to get enough valves, and patient care was suffering.

Isinnova founder Cristian Fracassi heard about the shortage and contacted hospital officials to offer 3D printed parts that might work as replacements. Isinnova produced the desperately needed valves using a simple filament extrusion system. Fracassi delivered the first 100 replacement valves personally, and the hospital began using them in equipment immediately.

Eventually, another local firm called Lonati SpA was able to manufacture larger numbers of valves using polymer laser powder 3D printing at a nearby facility. Both companies had to create 3D models of the valves themselves as the design is currently protected under patent. While the hospital likely has the right to produce copies during this emergency, the printer files haven’t been released to the public.

Italy is in the midst of the most severe COVID-19 outbreak, outside of China. Nearly 30,000 have been infected, and over 2,000 have died as a result. Meanwhile, global cases are nearing 200,000 with more than 7,000 deaths.

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Related: 3D Printing Helps with Coronavirus Outbreak

3D Printed Valves for COVID-19 Patients.

Do you have 3D printing expertise and can helps hospital manage with coronavirus outbreak? You can follow the links in this story and also leave your comments below.