Ukrainian startup Revel Laboratory is developing a model to 3D-print valves for ventilators used to support the novel coronavirus patients, who are physically unable to breathe.
The company was inspired by their counterparts in Italy, Isinnova startup that produces valves that allow connecting two patients to a ventilator at the same time.
Now that COVID-19 started spreading throughout Ukraine, Revel Laboratory is hoping to produce such life-saving machine parts for local hospitals.
“We try to help as much as we can,” the company’s co-founders Davyd Stavnitser and Ivan Chebotaev told the Kyiv Post.
The governments of countries hit by the coronavirus pandemic see a shortage of ventilators all over the world, while their lasting production struggles to meet the demand.
There are about 600 ventilators in Ukraine and the local officials say that the supply is sufficient. However, if Ukraine faces an outbreak nearly as close as the one in Italy, where over 41,000 people got COVID-19 infection and 3,400 of whom died, the country might need more of those machines.
Ukraine remains among the European countries with the smallest number of coronavirus cases, however, the infection’s spread has been ramping up lately. The country now has 26 confirmed cases, three of which were fatal, while one patient recovered.
Globally, COVID-19 has been registered in over 255,000 people and killed over 10,500.
Stavnitser and Chebotaev founded Revel Laboratory in early 2020 in Odesa, a Black Sea port city of 1 million people, located about 500 kilometers south from Kyiv.
The company has small production that involves six 3D printers and specializes in gadget prototyping, 3D modeling and 3D printing.
When they found out that the local authorities have established a headquarters to fight the coronavirus, the company thought they could be useful in that battle.
Revel Laboratory decided to follow the steps of Italian 3D printing start-up Isinnova, whose ventilator valve manufacturing has already saved lives. The valves they produce allow connecting two patients to one ventilator at the same time.
Revel Laboratory contacted Isinnova, who shared their knowledge and experience.
Now they are developing a model for a valve and say they will share it with everyone so that 3D-printing companies all over Ukraine can produce the pieces.
They say that the company will be able to print about 12 valves per day. According to the company’s estimates, the production of one piece will cost about Hr 50-70 ($2-3).
“The production of this part is quite inexpensive, but can come to rescue in case of supply problems in hospitals,” the co-founders say. “We want to be on standby in such a situation.”
Another option the startup is now considering is to modernize bag valve masks, a hand-held device, which is a cheaper alternative to ventilators. The device requires doctors to stay by the patient’s side and press the bag to provide ventilation.
Revel Laboratory is trying to develop a technology that would automate this process.
“If this happens – it means that there will be a very cheap and simple alternative to ventilators,” they said.
CORONAVIRUS IN UKRAINE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- There have been 26 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine. The first case was identified on March 3.
- Three people have died from COVID-19 in Ukraine. One person recovered.
- Two Ukrainians died from COVID-19 in Italy.
- How the Ukrainian government has been responding: TIMELINE
- To fight the spread of the virus, Ukraine shut down public transportation, domestic travel, restaurants.
- Kyiv went into quarantine, shutting down everything by supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, gas stations.
- Ukrainian lawmaker tested positive for COVID-19.
- Misinformation on coronavirus is going viral in Ukraine.
- Why the Kyiv Post isn’t making its coverage free in the times of COVID-19.
- Doctor’s advice: How to stay safe.
- Foreign Ministry: What you need to know about traveling to and from Ukraine now
Effects on economy:
- Here’s what the virus is doing to Ukraine’s economy.
- Ukrainian businesses respond to the crisis.
- The virus disrupts the transport sector. Ukrainian airlines canceled some flights to 16 countries due to the novel coronavirus.
- The National Bank of Ukraine continued to cut the policy rate while trying to buffer the hryvnia from coronavirus panic.
- The former minister of economy says half a million Ukrainians may lose their jobs in the COVID-19 crisis.