COVID-19: new 3D printed device could address shortage of ventilators

The Belgian company Materialise has developed a new solution to cope with COVID-19, and that solution is the Materialise NIP Connector. It converts standard equipment available in most hospitals into a non-invasive PEEP mask (NIP) that can be connected to an oxygen supply. Ventilators are one of the pieces of medical equipment in shortage in many hospitals around the world. Nevertheless, they are crucial in keeping COVID-19 patients breathing. The 3D printed connector developed by Materialise can keep together a non-invasive ventilation (NIV) mask, a filter and a PEEP valve to facilitate breathing for patients. The solution is simple and familiar to use for medical professionals who will be able to easily assemble their non-invasive ventilation solution by themselves.

Today, additive manufacturing players are looking for alternatives to the mechanical ventilators that help critically ill patients breathe. The lack of devices is being severely felt in the medical sector. This is why Materialise has developed its 3D printed connector. A small device that can provide oxygen while creating positive pressure in the lungs. With this new solution, mechanical ventilators could be attributed to those in extremely critical condition. The Belgian company hopes to supply this connector to hospitals by mid-April.

The 3D printed connector from Materialise connects a NIV mask, a PEEP valve and a filter together to facilitate breathing for COVID-19 patients | Image via Materialise

A 3D printed oxygen mask thanks to a connector

Materialise explains that its priority is to ensure everyone’s safety, whether it be that of the nursing staff or the patient. This is why many tests have been carried out with the help of pulmonologists and specialists. Professor Wilfried de Baker, an expert in pneumology, explains that one of the positive points of the connector is that there are no gaps through which the virus could spread in its environment. It also provides the positive expiratory pressure that pushes fluids into the lungs and thus facilitates the absorption of oxygen. The Materialise NIP Connector is 3D printed on Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) machines and production will take place at the company’s ISO 13485 certified facilities in Belgium and Plymouth.