When an epidemic or a pandemic such as coronavirus (COVID-19) strikes, the main problem is the increase in fatalities as health systems are stretched to the limits. This happens because of the thousands of patients presenting all at once, hence these run out of resources and normal surviving conditions become life threatening.

Since coronavirus attacks the respiratory system, the patient´s lungs, critical cases require oxygenation and intensive care, being connected to oxygen allows the patient to live long enough through the infection so they can defeat the virus.

Meaning, the only way to save a critical patients is to have many working reanimation machines. It doesn’t sound so complicated, but these reanimation devices require different pieces so they can work, but if one piece is missing it becomes crucial.


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Cristian Fracassi (left), founder of Isinnova, with the 3D printed valve. Photo courtesy of 3D Printing Media Network.


This was the case of a Northern Italian hospital in Brescia, one of the worst COVID-19 stricken Italian areas, ran out of replacement ICU valves for a reanimation device needed to save their patients. Many lives were at stake, when supply chains fell short and suppliers were unable to keep up and with the high demand.

An Italian 3D printing company, Isinnova, stepped up during this crisis, they brought their own 3D printer directly to the hospital, redesigned the respiratory valve and printed it right on the spot. They later tested it and by the next day they reported the system worked!


3D-Printed-Valves-save-COVID-19-Patients-Lives

The original valve on the left, and the 3D printed and redesigned one on the right. Photo courtesy of 3D Printing Media Network.


This was able to help many patients live and fight for their lives. Another Italian company, Lonati has joined the cause by helping produce more 3D printed valves for the same hospital.


3D-Printed-Valves-save-COVID-19-Patients-Lives

The Lonati SpA 3D printed valves. Photo courtesy of 3D Printing Media Network.


“Additive manufacturing may be able to play a role in helping to support industrial supply chains that are affected by limitations on traditional production and imports. One thing is for sure though: 3D printing can have an immediate beneficial effect when the supply chain is completely broken,” a post on 3D Media Network said.

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