Tilburg hospital makes its own valves for oxygen masks with 3D printer

The Elisabeth-Tweesteden Hospital in Tilburg has started 3D printing valves for oxygen masks. These masks are used in the treatment of corona patients and there is a shortage.

The hospital reports that the valves are printed in its own 3D lab. It concerns valves for oxygen masks from Venturi. These masks have color-coded valves with which the concentration of the inhaled oxygen can be adjusted. The valves must be thrown away after use, so many are needed.

Trauma surgeon Mike Bemelman explains that a new order was delayed. That is why he searched the internet for technical information about the valve. He soon found the digital drawing and the hospital had it converted into ‘a print job’ for its 3D printers.

The hospital has its own 3D laboratory with three printers. These are normally used to print out bones or joints that surgeons can use in preparation for complex surgeries. The printers now produce ’round the clock’ valves for the oxygen masks. This results in more than a hundred valves a day, while the hospital currently uses sixty to eighty per day.

The valves have been inspected and found to be good by the Medical Technology Department of the hospital. The valves are, among other things, resistant to an alcohol bath to disinfect them. According to the hospital, the valves are in high demand and other companies have already reached out to them. If requested, they will receive the digital files to be able to print valves themselves.