3D Printing in the Fight Against Covid-19

Purpose: The paper describes the design concept and findings from technological and initial clinical trials conducted to develop a helmet for non-invasive oxygen therapy using positive pressure, known as hCPAP (Helmet Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). Methods: The study utilized PET-G filament, a recommended material for medical applications, along with the FFF 3D printing technique. Additional technological investigations were performed for the production of fitting components. The authors proposed a parameter identification method for 3D printing, which reduced the time and cost of the study while ensuring high mechanical strength and quality of the manufactured elements.Results: The proposed 3D printing technique facilitated the rapid development of an ad hoc hCPAP device, which was utilized in preclinical testing and treatment of Covid-19 patients, and yielded positive results. Based on the promising outcomes of the preliminary tests, further development of the hCPAP device's current version was pursued.Conclusion: The proposed approach offered a crucial benefit by significantly reducing the time and costs involved in developing customized solutions to aid in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

Automated summary

The paper discusses the design and findings of a helmet for non-invasive oxygen therapy called hCPAP, using positive pressure. PET-G filament and FFF 3D printing were used for production, and a parameter identification method for 3D printing was proposed to reduce time and costs. The rapid development of the hCPAP device through 3D printing enabled successful preclinical testing and treatment of Covid-19 patients. This approach significantly reduced time and costs while providing customized solutions in the fight against the pandemic.