Originally Published EMDM May/June 2002
SPECIAL REPORT
Presenting the 2002 Medical Design Excellence Awards Winners
A nine-member jury with expertise in engineering, medicine, human factors, industrial design, manufacturing, and other healthcare and design-related fields evaluated scores of products submitted to the 2002 MDEA programme. Basing their decisions on product innovation, design and engineering features, end-user benefit, and cost-effectiveness, the jurors honoured 28 products in 10 categories for outstanding achievements. The winners are profiled in this section.
The MDEA programme is organized by Canon Communications llc and sponsored by EMDM's sister publication, Medical Device & Diagnostic Industry magazine. Corporate sponsorship for the 2002 MDEA competition is provided by Avail (Dallas, TX, USA), Battelle (Columbus, OH, USA), DuPont Tyvek (Wilmington, DE, USA), K-Resin (Houston, TX, USA), The Medtech Group Inc. (South Plainfield, NJ, USA), and TriVirix International Inc. (Chapel Hill, NC, USA). The winning products will be displayed at the Medical Design & Manufacturing East Exposition, 4–6 June 2002, in New York City. For more information, call Canon Communications at +1 310 4454200 or visit the programme's Web site at www.mdeawards.com.
Critical Care and Emergency Products
SpeedBlocks Head Immobilizer
A head immobilizer effectively limits cervical spine motion
Because of the potentially devastating consequences of spinal cord injuries, one of the highest priorities for emergency medical personnel arriving at the scene of an accident is to immobilize the patient as quickly and effectively as possible. By stabilizing the spine, the chance of further aggravation to the injury during transportation is minimized. An immobilization system including a rigid cervical collar and backboard with straps is the recommended tool used to accomplish this task. However, little is done to prevent head movement. The SpeedBlocks product effectively limits movement of the critical portion of the spine that runs through the neck.
SpeedBlocks consists of a universal base and two removable blocks. This system is engaged by permanently attaching the base to the backboard. Once this is in place, the blocks snap quickly into the base and lock in position by pushing on a small handle. The system's positive-locking design accommodates a variety of head shapes and sizes, including those wearing helmets, and is adjustable in three axes of motion to allow a precise fit. When properly positioned and secured, the SpeedBlocks head immobilizer effectively reduces movement of the head and cervical spine. Laerdal Medical Corp., Wappingers Falls, NY, USA; and Machineart Corex, Hoboken, NJ, USA.
More Awards:
Dental Instruments, Equipment, and Supplies
Finished Packaging
General Hospital Devices and Therapeutic
Products
Implant and Tissue-Replacement Products
In Vitro Diagnostics
Over-the-Counter and Self-Care Products
Radiological and Electromechanical Devices
Rehabilitation and Assistive-Technology
Products
Surgical Equipment, Instruments, and
Supplies
Copyright ©2002 European Medical Device Manufacturer
