WIT Seam
SEAM Research Centre at WIT developing healthcare innovations with local clinicians and companies
The South-Eastern Applied Materials (SEAM) Research Centre and Technology Gateway at Waterford Institute of Technology have been working with local companies and healthcare facilities on a range of innovative solutions to the challenges presented by Covid-19. This includes a prototype Covid-19 test kit, a sealed face mask that’s more comfortable to wear and technology solutions for medical device companies involved in the Covid response, including Boston Scientific and Abbott Vascular.
URL: http://www.seam.ie/
Following communication with medical consultants who are directly treating Covid-19 patients in UHW (University Hospital Waterford), the SEAM team are working on a sealed face mask (ventilated) which is suitably adapted to prevent the respiratory mucosa of the healthcare worker from drying out, making it more comfortable to use. SEAM proposed a design concept solution which was given the “thumbs up” by the consultants. SEAM quickly built a prototype using a commercially available face mask. They are continuing to work with UHW on this idea, and have engaged with a local manufacturing company to scope out a manufacturing solution.
The SEAM and 3DWIT team have also 3D-printed and delivered several hundred face shield masks for frontline workers in UHW and the National Ambulance Services in Dublin. They are also working with a local R&D company who are interested in developing a test kit for the virus, and are supporting a number of biomedical companies involved in the COVID response, including Schivo Medical, Boston Scientific, Abbot Vascular and Jabil Medical Devices.
