3D Systems Assists in Addressing Shortage Related to Medical Devices and Personal Protection Equipment

The rapid spread of COVID-19 has put the healthcare industry under strain as it seeks to provide care for affected patients while facing a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) and life-saving medical devices. In response, 3D Systems has pledged its support to help medical device manufacturers and hospitals bridge the supply chain gap for resources to help overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition, 3D Systems is requesting assistance and participation from its global network of partners, customers and others within the additive manufacturing community who are in a position to help produce these parts to meet the needs of the healthcare sector as they care for patients and contain the spread of COVID-19.

"One of the greatest benefits of additive manufacturing is that it allows companies to reduce the dependency on the supply chain, manufacture parts internally or make them on demand," says Vyomesh Joshi (VJ), president and CEO, 3D Systems. "And this is what we're asking our network, and encouraging the industry to help us do right now—circumvent the supply chain to manufacture these PPE and life-saving devices as quickly as possible."

The company has already seen applications of its technology and software being used to help in COVID-19 efforts. 3D Systems' customer Lonati SpA, a manufacturing company based in Brescia, Italy, deployed a 3D Systems ProX SLS 6100 3D printer with DuraForm materials to 3D print more than 100 venturi ventilator valves for respiratory machines, which are facing shortage globally because severe cases of COVID-19 require intensive care and oxygenation.    

Ultrasound Simulation to Aid COVID-19 Care

3D Systems has also developed a new COVID-19 module for its Simbionix U/S Mentor simulator, and is making it generally available March 30 to help provide hands-on experience in the education of point-of-care ultrasound skills that are essential in triage and monitoring of the coronavirus. Lung ultrasound is considered an alternative to chest radiography or CT scanning in COVID-19 patients. It is safe, easy and quick for use at point-of-care, repeatable, low cost and radiation-free.

Therefore, training physicians to rapidly acquire lung ultrasound skills can be critical for the success of COVID-19 management. This module is provided free of charge to existing customers using 3D Systems' Simbionix simulators such as educational institutions, hospitals and healthcare organizations worldwide.

Additionally, as institutions shift to distance learning programs during the coronavirus, 3D Systems is offering an abundance of e-learning resources for free during the pandemic. These remote learning tools span a wide range of medical specialties, tasks and procedures, and can be accessed from the company's website.  

"We're stepping up and doing our part to connect people in need with those who can help using digital manufacturing solutions, and we've received offers from the community for everything from printer materials, usage of facilities for printing, engineers' time and expertise, and even offering to fund efforts," says Joshi. "If your organization can help in any way, please reach out to us, so we can start the conversation. Collaboration will be the key to saving lives."

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.