6 Companies Volunteering Their 3D Printing Tech To Protect Medical Workers And COVID-19 Patients – Forbes

CDC staff standing in front of the white background wall.

Most of us imagine face masks, gloves and gowns when we think of the types of vital in short supply during the coronavirus pandemic. But there are many others that are desperately needed as cases of COVID-19 continue to spread.

Companies specializing in products created using 3D printing are stepping up to create everything from aerosol boxes, which protect workers performing intubations, to ventilator valves, to devices that navigate around germy doorknobs.

Many are donating their materials and services while they've been forced to shutter their own business.

The companies note that the devices have in some cases not been tested and cleared by the FDA, and the FDA has provided guidance on using creative and flexible approaches to mitigate the coronavirus pandemic.

Medical workers performing intubationsi.e. inserting a tube into a patients trachea so they can be connected to a ventilatorare at increased risk of becoming infected. The procedure causes coughing, and the worker needs to be leaning over the patient in close proximity to insert the tubei.e. a highly symptomatic COVID-19 patient will almost definitely cough directly in their face.

Model No.'s aerosol box

An aerosol box is one effective way to create a barrier, and luxury San Francisco furniture maker Model No. has joined forces with local hospitals andHelpful Engineersto fabricateaerosol shieldsthat are delivered in a flat pack, easily assembled, reusable, and easily disinfected. Theyve posted the files so if you have access to a CNC router you can make your own.

Research published in JAMA on Monday said approximately 8% of the more than 3.2 million people diagnosed with COVID-19 worldwide will require intubation. A video from NEJM and this excerpt from the JAMA article illustrate how dangerous the procedure is:

Feldman et al reported the results of 2 simulations of endotracheal intubation using a fluorescent marker to visualize deposition of simulated exhaled respiratory secretions and material from the body surfaces of adult and pediatric manikins onto health care personnel performing or assisting in endotracheal intubation procedures. Personnel wore N95 respirators, eye protection, isolation gowns, and gloves. After the procedures, the investigators found fluorescent markers on the uncovered facial skin, hair, and shoes of the health care personnel performing the intubations.

During non-pandemic times, Model No. is in the business of creating one-of-a kind furniture pieces for high-end interior designers.

Model No. creates furniture using large 3D printers.

Italian companyIsinnovais converting snorkeling masks by creating 3-D-printed valves that connect the mask to a noninvasive ventilator, similar to machines used to treat sleep apnea, also known as CPAP. The masks can delivery oxygen to delay or avoid intubation for COVID-19.

3D printed valves can convert snorkel gear.

This shoe brand is creating masks with the 3D printing technology it already had in place to make shoes. Working with doctors and partner factoryLUNA, OESHcreated a 3D printed mask featuring two vents with removable filter caps.

OESH face mask

The mask can be washed in a dishwasher, washing machine, or by hand and can be re-used indefinitely. Its also 100% recyclable.They are currently donating all their masks, but they provideinstructions to make your ownif you have access to a 3D printer.

OESH typically makes cute 3D-printed shoes.

Materialise, a global provider of 3D printing services, has released files for a3D printed hands-free door handle attachmentto alleviate Coronavirus transmission via door handles.

YouMagine offers a screwless hands-free door opening.

A 3D-printed door handles allows hands-free leverage.

Nashville-based SmileDirectClubis a dentistry company that typically creates invisible braces. It recently announced it will offer up 3D printing facilities to produce medical supplies required to respond to the pandemic. CEO David Katzman urges companies or health organization that could use additional production resources to reach out directly, according to 3D Printing Community.

Check the 3D Printing Community website for lots more 3D-printed PPE projects.

See the original post:
6 Companies Volunteering Their 3D Printing Tech To Protect Medical Workers And COVID-19 Patients - Forbes