Background: A patient with a laryngectomy presented to Outpatients with symptomatic dynamic airway collapse, usually treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Currently, CPAP can only be delivered non-invasively via a tight fitting nasal / oro-nasal mask, or invasively via endotracheal tube or tracheostomy tube. The post-laryngectomy altered anatomy did not provide a means to anchor the CPAP tubing to this patient’s airway. A multidisciplinary team of Health and Social Care Professionals (HSCPs) at Galway University Hospital (GUH) in conjunction with the patient designed, prototyped and tested a bespoke 3d printed connector assembly to allow the patient to receive CPAP therapy.
Methods: an evidence-based process was used to design prototypes, with novel component parts designed in-house using materials used in the medical device industry. Based on feedback and clinical assessment, further refinements were made and tested during elective admission.
Findings: Following further refinements and positive results on various outcomes measures, the patient continued trials at home and gave continuous feedback on the performance and usability.
Conclusion: This project is a case study example of MDT hospital team using 3d printed technology to collaborate with a patient to develop a customised product to meet an otherwise unmet need.
Karen Malherbe1, Ciara Dolan2, Helen Mulryan3, Frank Kirrane4
1 Department of Speech & Language Therapy, Galway University Hospital, Galway
2 Physiotherapy Department, Galway University Hospital, Galway
3 Respiratory Department, Galway University Hospital, Galway
4 Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering, Galway University Hospital, Galway