3D Printing Centre helping in fight against coronavirus

Protective visor parts that have been 3D-printed. Photo: Lund University

Skåne University Hospital’s 3D Printing Centre normally produces surgical equipment and anatomical models used in health care. However, they are now producing protective visors instead, as there is a shortage at hospitals in the region.

The centre, run by Region Skåne and Skåne University Hospital and linked to Lund University, hopes to do even more, and serve as a hub for 3D-printing in healthcare given the current situation.

“We want to coordinate the work done by different actors, as we have connections both within health care in the region and research at the university”, says the director of the centre Einar Heiberg, associate professor at the Faculty of Medicine at Lund University and a Wallenberg Clinical Fellow.

The possibility of printing parts for coronavirus test kits is currently being explored, with results expected soon. Einar Heiberg is also monitoring the international developments in 3D-printing related to the coronavirus. Another possibility could be printing spare parts for medical equipment and devices.

Einar Heiberg has also contributed to finding a solution for the visor production that is compatible with medical regulations, and the views of the Swedish Work Environment Authority. With Region Skåne taking responsibility for production, the work can continue.

Do you have ideas or needs relating to 3D-printing and the coronavirus? Please contact Skåne University Hospital 3D Printing Centre: http://www.3dskane.se/doku.php#ongoing_projects

This article was originally published as a pressrelease from Lund University.