Desarrollo y validación de filtro bacteriológico hidrofóbico de bajo costo para máquinas de succión médica

Abstract

Eliminar secreciones, líquidos o materiales extraños del cuerpo es esencial para la atención clínica. Para esto se utilizan sistemas de succión médica, los cuales generan un gradiente de presión negativa para aspirar fluidos. Sin embargo, estos sistemas pueden ser fuentes de contaminación cruzada, ya que los fluidos aspirados pueden ingresar al sistema de succión y contaminar el equipo o el ambiente. Los filtros bacteriológicos hidrofóbicos son una solución para prevenir esta contaminación, ya que impiden el paso de líquidos y partículas, pero permiten el flujo de aire. El presente proyecto se enfoca en el desarrollo y validación de un filtro bacteriológico hidrofóbico de bajo costo para máquinas de succión médica, utilizando impresión 3D para la carcasa y membranas de PTFE como elemento filtrante. Se evaluó el desempeño del filtro en términos de caudal y resistencia al flujo, comparándolo con filtros comerciales.

Removing secretions, fluids, or foreign materials from the body is essential for clinical care. Medical suction systems are used for this purpose, generating a negative pressure gradient to extract these fluids. However, medical suction machines are exposed to crosscontamination and internal damage caused by accidental fl uid ingress. This poses a risk to patient safety and device functionality. To prevent this, disposable hydrophobic bacteriological filters must be used. However, these are expensive, which leads to low availability in Guatemalan hospitals. Previous studies have demonstrated the feasibility of local manufacturing using accessible technologies, such as 3D printing, in combination with PTFE and PP membranes, to achieve bacterial filtration and an anti-reflux efect. This opens up the opportunity to develop low-cost solutions that are adapted to resource-limited contexts. In this study, a low-cost hydrophobic bacteriological fillter was designed and manufactured using 3D printing. A reusable PLA casing compatible with medical suction hoses was developed, and 0.20 µm PTFE membranes with and without polypropylene support were integrated. Functionality was evaluated by measuring ow rate with the YF-S201 sensor at 70, 125, and 150 mmHg, comparing it to commercial filters. Hydrophobicity was verified by suctioning water, and bacterial retention was supported by the membrane manufacturer's specifications. The economic analysis estimated a unit cost of Q22 and a break-even point of 111 units.