How the medtech industry is tackling Covid-19

Our editor Laura Hughes looks at how the industry is coping during the pandemic.

Life as we all know it has changed significantly since the publication of MPN’s last print magazine.

In my most recent editor comment for our European issue, I was discussing my trip to Anaheim, California for the trade show, MD&M West. Travelling across the world and attending exhibitions alongside thousands of people is a far cry from today’s reality.

For the past few weeks I have been able to work from the comfort and safety of my own home, however, for many people this is not possible. In the United Kingdom, we have taken to standing outside our front doors at 8pm on a Thursday night to applaud all of our healthcare workers who are risking their lives on the frontline to save ours. Treats and artwork as a sign of our gratitude has also been proudly displayed to all of our key workers, including bin men, those working in supermarkets, and delivery drivers - to name just a small handful.

I have been amazed at how the medtech sector has really stood up and come forward to help fight the global pandemic. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has allowed manufacturers to process medical devices through a fast-track pathway - Emergency Use Authorization. Through this method, Medtronic has received authorization for use of its ventilator by clinicians and doctors for patients with Covid-19. Additionally, the FDA has relaxed guidelines for companies who are manufacturing infusion pumps, ventilators and clinical thermometers due to Covid-19. By doing this, the organization hopes to increase the availability of these devices, which are in high demand.

To name a couple of the medical device companies stepping up to help, 3D printing firm Essentium is in the production stage for a protective mask kit to help with the pandemic. This kit comprizes of a reusable 3D printed mask frame and filtration media. Plastics manufacturer, Tessy Plastics, has also begun production of face shields to help with the crisis, and manufacturer and designer, Placon, has increased production across two of its manufacturing facilities to help get Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to healthcare workers during this pandemic.

Other manufacturers who don’t typically produce devices for the medical sector, have also helped produce much needed equipment during this difficult time. Dyson, an extremely well-known family name, received an order for 10,000 ventilators from the UK government. The National Health Service in the UK also approved a breathing aid by Mercedes F1. This device was a combined effort between Mercedes-AMG HPP and mechanical engineers and clinicians at UCL.

This is very strange and unnerving time for us all, however, I take great inspiration from the efforts of medtech manufacturers as well as all of those working to help fight Covid-19.

I hope all of our readers, and your friends and families keep safe and well.