Medtronic has increased its ventilator production by more than 40%, and is on track to more than double its capacity to manufacture and supply ventilators in response to demand triggered by COVID-19.
High-performance ventilators play a critical role in the management of patients with severe respiratory illness, such as COVID-19, who require assistance because they cannot breathe effectively. By placing a patient on such a ventilator, the patient’s lungs are permitted to rest and recover while the ventilator performs the functions of supplying oxygen and simulating the actions of breathing. Without ventilation support, some patients with severe respiratory disease might not survive.
Medtronic produces ventilators for a variety of care settings, including the acute segment (in-hospital patients in intensive care units, emergency departments or on the general care floors) and the sub-acute segment (out of hospital, long-term care facilities or home-ventilated patients).
The company manufactures the Puritan Bennett 980 (PB 980) and Puritan Bennett 840 (PB 840) ventilators in Galway, Ireland, which are primarily designed for critically ill patients in high acuity setting.
Ventilator manufacturing is a complex process that relies on a skilled workforce, a global supply chain and a rigorous regulatory regime to ensure patient safety.
In recent weeks, Medtronic has identified additional opportunities to further increase its ventilator manufacturing capacity. In the company’s Ireland ventilator manufacturing facility, the organisation currently has over 250 employees dedicated to ventilator manufacturing and plans to more than double that number, including transferring staff from other Medtronic sites to support increased activities. Additional manufacturing shifts have been put in place and new manufacturing shift patterns are being introduced to bring the plant to 24/7 operation.
Medtronic is prioritising high risk/high needs areas for ventilator allocation on a weekly basis for global distribution through its supply chain.
Bob White, executive vice president and president of the minimally invasive therapies group at Medtronic, said: “Medtronic recognises the demand for ventilators in this environment has far outstripped supply. No single company will be able to fill the current demands of global healthcare systems. However, with all manufacturers increasing their production and through partnerships with governments, hospitals and global health organisations, Medtronic is committed to getting more ventilators into the market and to the right locations in the world to help doctors and patients dealing with COVID-19.”