Over the past few months, several stories have come out of ICU doctors telling of several corona patients being put on their stomachs to get enough oxygen and reduce damage to lungs. A Dutch medical technology company, Life Science Business, took action on this and came up with a system to help doctors and nurses turn patients.
The concept model of the device has been developed by various entrepreneurs in Brabant, according to AT Aandrijftechniek. The positioning system can be operated manually, mechanically or electrically. The so-called Dutch ITA Fighter is designed to make it much easier for healthcare professionals to turn a patient over. Whereas it currently often takes five to six people to turn a patient onto their stomach or back, with the Dutch ITA Fighter only two people and approximately 5 to 10 minutes are needed to carry out this procedure.
Concept model
Seven entrepreneurs from Brabant helped develop a professional concept model. There are now four different versions, according to CEO of Life Science Business Mehrad Omdivar in AT Aandrijftechniek's article. The concept model consists of two turning systems with multiple electrically operated roller systems on both sides of the bed. The system is adjustable in width and length and can be used on any type of hospital bed.
The patient lies between two roller blades. The 'wings' of the ICU Fighter are attached to the roller blades. The patient is clamped at head and feet with safety straps and further stabilised with a safety belt. The patient can then be lifted and turned over.
Non-profit
Several companies from Brabant volunteered to help develop the Dutch ICU Fighter. For instance, Visual Brand made the above instructional video to train healthcare professionals, Firma Johan Boot was responsible for the metalworking and technical aspects and Brabants Ontwerp for the industrial design and 3D printing. Firms were also involved in supplying textiles for the roller system, spray painting, lettering and the necessary medical devices.
The aim is to supply the Dutch ICU Fighter to European and American hospitals on a not-for-profit basis. Life Science Business is still looking for technology partners in areas such as carbon technology and drive systems to set up a production line for the system.
Source: AT Aandrijftechniek/Life Science Business.
