Case Study: Laerdal Medical reduces infant mortality with a seamless NewBorn Heart Rate Sensor developed with Materialise

NewBorn Heart Rate Sensor 3D Printing to Reduce Infant Mortality

Laerdal Medical needed a reliable way to continuously monitor newborn heart rate—traditional stethoscopes made real-time monitoring difficult and delayed interventions that can save lives. Laerdal engaged Materialise for engineering consultancy and 3D-printing services to co-create the NewBorn Heart Rate Sensor, using stereolithography prototypes and 3D-printed masters for vacuum casting.

Materialise developed rapid prototypes, then used 3D-printed masters as molds for vacuum-cast inner and outer shells, enabling in-molding of the PCB, spring sensor and wiring into a seamless device with no small gaps to trap bacteria. The Materialise-enabled solution delivered a correctly fitting, easy-to-sterilize monitor ready for manufacturing and deployment in developing countries, supporting clinician training and research partnerships (Norway–Tanzania) aimed at improving newborn survival.

Laerdal Medical

Øystein Gomo

Laerdal Medical