Improving the Use of Surgical Suction Pumps in Sierra Leone

Abstract

95% of the medical devices available in LMICs are second hand, refurbished devices donated by Western countries, out of which 70% terminate obsolete within a year, due to lack of maintenance staff, appropriate spare parts and consumables, and financial constraints. Unavailable consumables hinder Masanga Hospital's surgical suction pump performance, posing risks to the patients, the medical staff, and the surrounding environment. This project aims to improve the access and performance of the existing suction pump and prolong its operability by leveraging locally available resources, without the need to redesign the device completely. Research on surgical suction, the context of use, and the users helped define the envisioned pump performance and identify contextual implications on the current use, limitations, and opportunities to improve the suction pump. Key insights were translated into safety and embodiment requirements, leading to a design solution for local 3D printing of reusable, watertight medical tubing connectors. The project will be continued for further development of a method for 3D printing of medical consumables and additional testing is planned in Masanga.