Role of 3D printing in the protection of surgical and critical care professionals in the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Background and objective There is a shortage of supplies for the protection of professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. 3D printing offers the possibility to compensate for the production of some of the equipment needed. The objective is to describe the role of 3D printing in a health service during the COVID-19 pandemic, with an emphasis on the process to develop a final product ready to be implemented in the clinical environment. Methods A working group was formed between the healthcare administration, clinicians and other public and private institutions in Cantabria, Spain coordinated by the Valdecilla Virtual Hospital. The process included receiving the printing proposals, learning about the printing resources in the region, selecting the devices, creating a team for each project, prototyping, evaluation and redesign, manufacturing, assembly and distribution. Results The following supplies are produced: 1) devices that help protect providers: face protection screens (2400 units), personalized accessories for photophores (20 units) and ear-protection forks for face-masks (1200 units); 2) products related to the ventilation of infected patients: connectors for non-invasive ventilation systems; and 3) oral and nasopharyngeal swabs (7500 units) for the identification of coronavirus carriers with the aim of designing action protocols in clinical areas. Conclusions 3D printing is a valid resource for the production of protective material for professionals whose supply is reduced during a pandemic.