A manufacture was unable to provide valves for a hospital in Italy due to high demand. With the help of an editor from a local paper and a tech expert, they obtained a 3D printer from Fracassi, a pharmaceutical boss at a local company.
Original Valve
3D Printed Valve
Fracassi contacted the manufacturer for a 3D model and was told they cannot supply it and any attempt to duplicate is illegal. Fracassi went ahead and designed and printed the valves anyway to go on and save many patient lives due to the Corona virus.
Fracassi mentions on Facebook hundreds if not thousands of 3D printer experts contacted him to provide support and advice.
The company who makes the valve claims they didn't threaten to sue and couldn't provide the 3D model due to regulations although original accounts claim they did.
A Facebook update on March 14th says at least 10 patients have used the 3D printed valves, no further updates since then.
Original article is available in Italian.