Development and validation of a 3D printed antiviral ventilator filter - a comparative study

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Medical Devices

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted medical supply chains, impacting essential components like ventilator antiviral filters.
• High demand and supply chain issues led to increased prices and scarcity of critical medical equipment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the shortage of antiviral filters and heat and moisture exchangers (HMEs) for ventilators.
• To explore the potential of 3D printing for manufacturing accessible and effective medical devices.

Main Methods:

• Designed and fabricated 3D printed casings for antiviral filters and HMEs.
• Tested filter materials including sediment water filter cartridges and glass fiber filter paper.
• Evaluated prototypes for circuit leak, compliance, peak inspiratory pressure, and casing integrity using methylene blue dye.

Main Results:

• Developed and tested 10 modified 3D printed filter designs.
• Most filters demonstrated peak inspiratory pressure and circuit compliance within ventilator operating limits.
• All tested 3D printed filters successfully passed integrity tests.

Conclusions:

• 3D printed HMEs and antiviral filters can be viable alternatives during supply chain disruptions.
• Designs utilize readily available materials, making them suitable for low-resource settings.
• These 3D printed solutions offer potential benefits for clinicians facing critical supply shortages.