Technological Innovation of Oxygen Therapy in the National Health System During COVID-19: Experience Report
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36489/saudecoletiva.2025v15i94p15329-15340Keywords:
Artificial Respiration, Biomedical technology, Interdisciplinary practices, Access to health, Hospital costsAbstract
The shortage of hospital ventilators during the COVID-19 pandemic has compromised the care of critically ill patients in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). This experience report describes the development of an innovative technology for oxygen therapy, created by an interdisciplinary group that works from the perspective of in-service teaching. 140 prototypes of the “adapted High Flow Nasal Connector (CNAF)” were produced by 3D printing, with a unit cost of R$510.00. The device generated a flow of 15 L/min of oxygen, with the possibility of expanding to 30 L/min for an additional R$100.00. Complete commercial high-flow oxygen systems can cost up to R$25,000.00. The developed solution significantly reduced costs and expanded access to oxygen therapy in the SUS, demonstrating the potential of technological innovation to optimize resources and improve health care.
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