The medical world is not equipped with enough numbers of ventilators, which are essential for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. To resolve this issue, An Italian start-up Isinnova has come up with a solution to modify the snorkeling masks into emergency ventilators using 3-D printed adapters. This idea was proposed by a former head physician of the Gardone Valtrompia Hospital, Dr. Renato Favero. In order to fix the possible shortage of hospital C-PAP masks for sub-intensive therapy he reached out to Isinnova, a company who were already manufacturing 3D printed emergency valves, with this project. Later the proposal was analysed by the inventors at Isinnova and they contacted Decathlon, as ideator, productor, and supplier of the snorkeling Easy-breath mask. With the company’s collaboration, the product was analysed and inventors finally came up with the design of a new 3D printed component called the Charlotte valve which can help transform snorkeling masks into ventilators.
According to a blog post by its inventors, the prototype was later successfully tested on a patient in need. They further mentioned that this whole product was designed only to support healthcare facilities and is subjected to be used only in an emergency situation where official healthcare supplies are impossible to find. According to the companies declaration, neither the mask nor the link are yet certified and has to be used only with the written consent of patients on using this uncertified device for their care. Isinnova also released the drawings, logics and any other intellectual property rights relating to Charlotte valve device free of charge along with a disclaimer that it is NOT used for commercial purposes.
