Originally Published EMDM May/June 2003
Special Report
Rewarding PartnershipsChristina Elston
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Each year, the Medical Design Excellence Awards (MDEA) recognize outstanding achievements in healthcare product and packaging design. The programme, organized by EMDM publisher Canon Communications llc, is now in its seventh year and brings
together a panel of judges from across the medical spectrum. They evaluate the innovation, design, engineering, user benefit, cost-effectiveness, and other features of each submission, honouring the best with gold and silver awards. (The gold award winners will be announced at MD&M East in New York City in June.)
To create these superior products, many of the winning OEMs sought out superior partners. Ranging from small boutique companies to large outsourcing firms with global reach, these allies offered the supply and design support that led to success. Several also offered their thoughts on conditions that lead to a fruitful collaboration, challenges the industry is facing, and some of the trends that will shape its future.
Us and Them
Working with partners may have its ups and downs, but thats not necessarily a bad thing, says Tom Black, vice president of OEM sales and marketing at
B. Braun Medical Inc. (Plymouth, MN, USA). B. Braun was involved with the System 100 fluid-removal system from
CHF Solutions Inc. (Brooklyn Park, MN, USA). A successful relationship between a manufacturer and a supplier requires shared experiences, both good and bad, Black says. I dont think either side gets a trusting feel for the other until they work through a project.
Trust between OEMs and design partners can even affect a products success. Involvement of the manufacturers internal staff in all phases of the development process, from conceptualization through prototyping, is essential to assure acceptance of the resulting product, insists Charles Keene, senior vice president, design,
Herbst LaZar Bell Inc. (HLB; Chicago, IL, USA). It is amazing how devastating the not invented here syndrome can be to the successful launch of a new product.
HLB helped design two of this years award winners. The Syndeo PCA syringe pump, from
Baxter Healthcare Corp. (Round Lake, IL, USA), allows patients to control automated delivery of analgesic, sedative, and anaesthetic solutions. The Paradigm Link blood glucose meter, manufactured for
BD Medical, Diabetes Care (Franklin Lakes, NJ, USA) and Medtronic MiniMed (Northridge, CA, USA) by
Nova Biomedical (Waltham, MA, USA), is an untethered wireless glucose meter that provides two-way communication between a glucose meter and an insulin pump.
In working with Swiss Medical Care (Lausanne, Switzerland) on the CT Exprs advanced contrast-media delivery system, Willem van den Bruinhorst, managing director of
Medisize Development & Manufacturing (Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, Ireland), says his companys goal was to be viewed as a partner rather than a supplier. There must be evidence of a partnership culture. The contract manufacturer should be viewed nearly as another department within the OEM. This can be achieved primarily through a teamwork ethos and optimum communication avenues, he says.
Can You Hear Me Now?
Sometimes this communication has to be maintained despite long distances. During development of the System 100, there were technical contributors in three or more distant cities, as well as the CHF home base, according to circuit designer Ed Merrick of
Indulgent Technologies (Stow, MA, USA). He credits the coordination efforts of John OMahony of CHF, and OMahonys exceptional understanding of the design process, for keeping communication flowing. He was able to keep each of us well informed about the progress of the project while not bothering us with diversions, says Merrick. This was a model as to how future collaborative design projects will be accomplished.
TriVirix International Inc. (Belfast, UK) contract manufactures the System 100 at its facility in Northern Ireland, where the contract firm made sure information about the products impact reached the manufacturing floor. Joshua Rose, director of marketing, says TriVirix routinely requests information from customers on how their products will be used. We provide that to the people on the floor, who are building the product. They understand that they are making a unit that is going to potentially save, and definitely improve, the lives of patients, says Rose.
Morelli Designers and CryoCath Technologies Inc. are both based in Montreal, QC, Canada, but communication between them was still an essential part of the process. When president Michel Morelli and his team repackaged the design of the CryoCath Cardiac CryoAblation Catheter and CryoConsole, CryoCath took an uncommon amount of care in describing its objectives at the outset. We had a good comprehension of the work we had to do, says Morelli. We understood the target, and CryoCath understood our design process as well. When there was a question, we had a very clear answer quite fast.
The Little Things
Understanding that even a products less technical features are important, and finding a partner that specializes in those features, can mean a product that better serves customers. Even the things you [usually] dont think of are important in a healthcare-delivery device, says Gary LaTorraca, vice president of
MJL Engineering and Manufacturing Inc. (Escondido, CA, USA). As CHF Solutions was developing the System 100, which removes fluid from congestive heart failure patients, MJL was designing a cart to go with it.
LaTorraca credits CHF for recognizing that it wasnt enough for the technical aspects of the instrument to function correctly. They put a lot of effort into making sure that the customer experience is complete, says LaTorraca. The simple things, like the cart, have to be perfect on day one. A panicky nurse has to be able to sprint down the hall with it.
A move from corded to cordless technology may also seem like a simple thing. In the case of the Avalon CTS cordless fetal transducer system, however, it has a big impact. With help from
W. L. Gore & Associates GmbH (Putzbrunn/Mnchen, Germany), Philips Medizin Systeme GmbH (Bblingen, Germany) was able to give women in labour new freedom to move about, while maintaining doctors ability to continuously monitor the babies.
Squeezing in Technology
In many cases, both high- and low-tech features have to fit into smaller and smaller spaces. Technology is growing, but the operating room is still the same size, says Morelli. His team achieved a 35% reduction in the footprint of the Cardiac CryoAblation Catheter and CryoConsole, which is used by electrophysiologists to treat cardiac arrhythmias. The unit now integrates seamlessly into the OR, causing less interference with staff movement. The Endoscopic Full-Thickness Plicator from
NDO Surgical (Mansfield, MA, USA) also squeezes more technology into less space, consolidating the five separate tools needed for laparoscopic surgery into one instrument. It turns the inpatient treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease into a 20-minute procedure requiring no incisions.
Two key trends in the medical world are presenting incredible opportunities for advanced medical technology: Ever-mounting pressure to hold medical costs in check and the need to reduce the possibility of medical errors, says David Robson of Item New Product Development (Providence, RI, USA), which helped design the endoscopic device. Devices that enable noninvasive surgery and shorter hospital stays tap into this trend.
The Indigo Optima laser system from Ethicon Endo-Surgery Inc. (Cincinnati, OH, USA) uses a less-invasive fibre to allow minimally invasive treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Because the device also shortens treatment time, local anaesthesia is an option. Designers also made the device multifunctionalallowing treatment of bladder neck contractures, urethral strictures, and other conditionsto make it a flexible addition to doctors offices.
While it doesnt compress technology, the CT Exprs does shrink both time and cost in computed tomography procedures that make use of contrast media. The units disposable elements and intuitive, modular design save clinicians time in training, instrument cleaning, and patient prep.
A Different End-User
When the customer is not a clinician but a patient, OEMs face a new set of challenges that design partners can help them overcome.
Guidant Corp. (St. Paul, MN, USA) was in such a situation with its Partner Rhythm Assistant, and turned to
Worrell Inc. (Eden Prairie, MN, USA) for design assistance.
Richard Stein, principal system design engineer, product development, Guidant, says that the team from Worrell helped Guidant engineers spend time with patients, potential patients, and clinicians, allowing them to identify key needs for the Partner to fill. The handheld wireless device communicates with an implanted defibrillator, and allows patients to check their own cardiac rhythm and to self-administer an atrial shock if needed.
The patients wanted the device to tell them what to do, and in their own language, says Stein, adding that Worrell helped the Guidant design team overcome their initial resistance to including voice technology in the product. The feature became what Worrell president and founder Bob Worrell calls a patient delight.
Products designed for patient use also face new financial challenges. In the case of the Partner, costs had to be kept low because patients and their insurance companies were footing the bill. On the plus side, Worrell believes concerns about the cost of healthcare are leading OEMs to create more self-diagnostic tools like the Partner.
In some cases, however, financial pressures could squeeze truly innovative treatments out of the picture. Says Gerald E. Loeb, MD, director of the medical device and development facility Alfred E. Mann Institute for
Biomedical Engineering (Los Angeles, CA, USA), Pressures on healthcare costs will lead inexorably to an even more conservative environment for reimbursement of new treatments. On the positive side, that could lead to more objective outcome-based decisions. On the negative, it could discourage many truly innovative treatments just because they dont already have a billing code. Loeb helped develop the bion microstimulator for Advanced Bionics Corp. (Valencia, CA, USA), reducing the size of the implantable neurostimulator and potentially opening this treatment option to a wider patient population.
Caveat Emptor
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| Medisize Development & Manufacturing, one of the suppliers that contributed to the award-winning CT Exprs advanced contrast media delivery system from Swiss Medical Care, cites teamwork and open communications as key elements of a successful product development partnership. |
Regardless of a products purpose or prospective end-user, quality supply and design partners always keep cost in mind. The design and development process associated with the creation of innovative new products must never lose sight of the manufacturers primary goalprofit, says Herbst LaZar Bells Keane. Even so, HLB is not generally a low bidder. The differentiating factor in HLBs favour is an innovation process that generates intellectual property protection for our clients products, Keane says.
Items Robson says he generally warns clients to beware of the lowest-cost bids. These inevitably underestimate the complexity of a project. We try to identify and address all financial issues up front, so money issues dont derail the project before completion, he explains. When money is taken out of the equation by establishing a realistic budget at the outset, its much easier to tear down the traditional client/consultant barrier and take a fruitful team-based approach.
Robson sees new manufacturing technologies as a cost-cutting aid. Technology innovation is enabling seamless communication between a manufacturer and supplier with truly collaborative software, Web-based phone conferencing, and Web-based product data and product life cycle management systems, Robson says. Rapid prototyping methods have also changed a lot in the past five to six years, and will continue to become more accessible and cost-effective.
Staying Competitive
Along with financial pressures, design firms are also feeling pressure from competition.
Halkey-Roberts (St. Petersburg, FL, USA), supplier of the check valve for the System 100, stays in the game by developing new products with strong patents. We continue to harvest our niche to stay on top of the market, says sales manager Steve Bello. A research and development partnership with a local university, as well as current projects, bring inspiration. Were constantly looking to develop new valves, Bello says. A lot of the ideas we get come from our customers. They have the experience with the end-user.
In the optical manufacturing sector, Elcan Optical Technologies (Midland, ON, Canada), supplier for the Indigo Optima laser system, has countered low-cost competition from Asia with new automated manufacturing and test equipment. We have also invested in novel manufacturing techniques to investigate new technical capabilities, such as the production of nonspherical lens surfaces and the development of demanding thin-film coatings for optical beam splitters and filters, says programme management director Evan Cameron.
Electronic manufacturing service (EMS) providers also face a balancing act. Firms are continuing to reconfigure their footprints to provide high-quality domestic services while offering low-cost offshore solutions, says engineering manager Corey J. Gannon of
Smtek International (Marlborough, MA, USA), which worked on the System 100.
LRE Technology Partner (Nordlingen, Germany), a collaborator on the CT Exprs, stays on top of the market with investment and its excellent record. We are in a good financial situation and can afford investments in new technologies and/or equipment to be competitive, says Ulrich Shroeder, CEO. Another important point is our excellent quality management system and our quality record over the last 35 years in this specific business segment. We know what we are talking about, and this gives us a natural advantage compared to other EMS companies.
Consolidation will likely become an upcoming trend in the contract manufacturing industry, predicts TriVirixs Rose, with fewer but more substantial companies offering more full-service options. Preferring to concentrate resources on their core competencies, OEMs will turn to full-service outsourcing specialists to handle everything else.
No matter how medical products and the companies that create them may change, certain factors will still be essential to the type of successful partnership that creates award winners. Cecilia Bjrkman of W. L. Gore & Associates sums it up: Constant and proactive collaboration between manufacturer and supplier. Open communication and committed associates. Mutual confidence in the individual capabilities. The pursuit of a common vision and goal.
Presenting the 2004 Medical Design Excellence Awards Winners
Now in its seventh year, the Medical Design Excellence Awards (MDEA) programme recognizes achievements in product innovation, design and engineering excellence, end-user and patient benefits, contributions to business success, and improvements in healthcare delivery. Sifting through a record number of entries, a multidisciplinary panel of judges named 28 winners in 10 product categories. The companies will be presented with gold and silver awards at a ceremony on 16 June at the MD&M East conference and exposition in New York City. For more information about the winning products and MDEA in general, go to
www.mdeawards.com. The MDEA programme and MD&M East event are organized by Canon Communications llc, which also publishes this magazine.
Critical-Care and Emergency Medicine Products
Audicor Cardiograph Expansion System
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Manufactured by Inovise Medical Inc. (Newberg, OR, USA), the Audicor cardiograph expansion system provides primary-care and emergency medicine physicans with automated detection and reporting of heart sounds and ECG information. The device aids in the timely diagnosis of CHF, ACS, MI, and LVH. Supply and design credits go to
Andrews-Cooper Technology (McMinnville, OR, USA), Sirius Technology (McMinnville, OR, USA),
Oliver Products Co. (Grand Rapids, MI, USA), and Long Beach Memorial Medical Center (Long Beach, CA, USA).
LifePort Kidney Transporter
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The LifePort kidney transporter perfuses kidneys with cold physiologic solution to improve organ condition during transport to transplant recipients. The product is manufactured by
Organ Recovery System (Des Plaines, IL, USA). Supply and design credits go to
IDEO (Palo Alto, CA, USA).
Dental Instruments, Equipment, and Supplies
BiteStrip Disposable Bruxism Test
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The BiteStrip is a disposable electronic home test for sleep bruxism. It monitors the EMG signals of jaw muscles during sleep, counting episodes of clenching and grinding in real time. Results are presented on the tests built-in permanent display. The product is manufactured by
SLP Ltd. (Tel Aviv, Israel).
PrepMaster Disposable Air Abrasion Instrument
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The PrepMaster is a disposable air abrasion instrument that enables dentists to perform all classes of cavity preparation and therapeutic surface etching. Manufactured by
Groman Inc. (Margate, FL, USA), the products low unit price makes disposability feasible. Supply and design credits go to
A&G Plastics Inc. (Hialeah Gardens, FL, USA), The R&D Group
(Coconut Creek, FL, USA), Lasereliance Inc. (Longwood, FL, USA), K-Tube Corp. (Poway, CA, USA), and
Global Thermoforming & Engineering (Miami, FL, USA).
Finished Packaging
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Dermabond Topical Adhesive ProPen XL
The ProPen XL applicator is a sterile, single-use delivery system for Dermabond topical skin adhesive. It is designed for precision application of liquid adhesive technology, replacing sutures and staples in surgical procedures. The device is manufactured by
Closure Medical Corp. (Raleigh, NC, USA); supply and design credits go to
GW Plastics Inc. (Bethel, VT, USA).
General Hospital Devices and Therapeutic Products
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Algo 3i Newborn Hearing Screener
Manufactured by Natus Medical Inc. (San Carlos, CA, USA), the Algo 3i newborn hearing screener is a portable, handheld device used to screen the hearing of infants between the ages of 34 weeks corrected gestational age and 6 months. Supply and design credits go to the following California-based companies:
Pemstar/Pacific Consultants (San Jose), Electro Alliance Inc. (Hollister),
ACTiSYS (Fremont), Elpac Power Systems (Irvine), GCX Corp. (Suisun City),
Worldwide Manufacturing (San Bruno), and SMAC/Bay View Funding (San Francisco).
Avalon CTS Cordless Fetal Transducer System
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The Avalon CTS cordless fetal transducer system provides continuous, cordless patient monitoring in the antepartum period and during labour and delivery. The device is manufactured by
Philips Medizin Systeme GmbH (Bblingen, Germany). Supply and design credits go to
Kunststoff Christel GmbH & Co. (Bad Durrheim, Germany) and W. L. Gore & Associates GmbH (Putzbrunn/Mnchen, Germany).
Syndeo Patient-Controlled Analgesia Syringe Pump
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The Syndeo patient-controlled analgesia syringe pump is designed for the safe and precise delivery of analgesic, sedative, and anaesthetic solutions in hospital or alternative medical environments. The pump is manufactured by
Baxter Healthcare Corp. (Round Lake, IL, USA). Supply and design credits go to Herbst LaZar Bell Inc. and Insight Product Development, both based in Chicago, IL, USA.
System 100 Fluid Removal System
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The System 100 simply, safely, and precisely removes up to 4 L of fluid over 8 hours from patients with fluid overload. Manufactured by
CHF Solutions Inc. (Brooklyn Park, MN, USA), the device comprises a microprocesser-controlled console, disposable extracorporeal blood circuit, and venous access catheters. Supply and design credits go to
YY Design (New York City, NY, USA), Design Catapult (Los Alamitos, CA, USA),
John Smith Medical Device Engineering (Oceanside, CA, USA), MJL Engineering & Manufacturing Inc. (Escondido, CA, USA),
Smtek International Inc. (Marlborough, MA, USA), EAD Motors (Dover, NH, USA),
Introtek (Edgewood, NY, USA), Integrated Power Design (Wilkes-Barre, PA, USA),
Harding Energy (Norton Shores, MI, USA), Genesis Medical Technology (Owings Mills, MD, USA),
Sonny Behan Consulting (Duluth, GA, USA), Datakey Electronics (Minneapolis, MN, USA),
TriVirix International Inc. (Belfast, UK), Indulgent Technologies (Stow, MA, USA),
Donbar Industries (Long Valley, NJ, USA), CarTika Medical (Plymouth, MN, USA),
Dunn Industries (Manchester, NH, USA), Grove Engineering (Buskirk, NY, USA),
Bunzl/Pexco (Northborough, MA, USA), Spectrum Laboratories Inc. (Rancho Dominguez, CA, USA),
Quality Mold and Design (Londonderry, NH, USA), Merit Medical Systems Inc. (South Jordan, UT, USA),
Minnetech (Minneapolis, MN, USA), Pelham Plastics (Pelham, NH, USA),
Method Associates Inc. (Keyport, NJ, USA), Venetec International Inc.
(San Diego, CA, USA), Colder Products Co. (St. Paul, MN, USA), InterV/Manan Medical Products Inc. (Wheeling, IL, USA),
B. Braun Medical (Plymouth, MN, USA), and Halkey-Roberts (St. Petersburg, FL, USA).
Zassi Bowel Management System
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The Zassi bowel management system is a catheter and collection-bag system designed to safely and reliably divert and contain potentially harmful fecal waste produced by bedridden or immobilized patients. The product is manufactured by Zassi Medical Evolutions Inc.
(St. Louis, MO, USA). Supply and design credits go to Yeungnam University Medical Center
(Daegu, South Korea); Yushin Medical Company, Ltd. (Bucheon City, South Korea);
Command Medical Products (Ormond Beach, FL, USA); Jamak Fabrication Inc. (Weatherford, TX, USA);
Parylene Coating Services (Katy, TX, USA); and Cycles Inc. (Sterling, MA, USA).
Implant and Tissue-Replacement Products
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Bion Microstimulator
The bion microstimulator is a miniature, self-contained, rechargeable implantable neurostimulator. Manufactured by
Advanced Bionics Corp. (Valencia, CA, USA), the device is intended to treat a variety of diseases by means of direct electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves and muscles. Supply and design credits go to the following California-based organizations: Alfred Mann Foundation (Valencia),
Quallion (Sylmar), and the Al Mann Institute for Biomedical Engineering,
USC (Los Angeles).
In Vitro Diagnostics
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CellTracks AutoPrep System
Manufactured by Immunicon Corp. (Huntingdon Valley, PA, USA), the CellTracks AutoPrep system is used with immunomagnetic reagents that capture target cells, and labelling reagents that differentiate them. The first application is based on isolation and characterization of rare circulating tumour cells. Supply and design credits go to
HS Design Inc. (Gladstone, NJ, USA) and Astro Instrumentation LLC (Strongsville, OH, USA).
Paradigm Link Glucose Meter
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The Paradigm Link blood glucose meter, developed jointly by BD Medical, Diabetes Care (Franklin Lakes, NJ, USA);
Medtronic MiniMed (Northridge, CA, USA), and Nova Biomedical (Waltham, MA, USA), is manufactured for BD Medical, Diabetes Care and Medtronic MiniMed by Nova Biomedical. It is the worlds first untethered wireless glucose meter that provides bidirectional communication between a glucose meter and insulin pump. Supply and design credits go to
Nova Biomedical, Medtronic MiniMed, and Herbst LaZar Bell Inc. (Chicago, IL, USA).
ThinPrep Imaging System
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The ThinPrep imaging system is a fully integrated, interactive computer system that assists cytotechnologists and cytopathologists in the primary screening and diagnosis of ThinPrep Pap test slides. It is manufactured by
Cytyc Corp. (Boxborough, MA, USA). Supply and design credits go to Battelle Healthcare Products (Columbus, OH, USA).
VersaTrek Automated Microbial Detection System
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The VersaTrek automated microbial detection system is a clinical laboratory instrument that combines blood culture, sterile body-fluid culturing, mycobacterial detection, and mycobacterium tuberculosis susceptibility testing in a single platform. The product is manufactured by
Trek Diagnostic Systems Inc. (Cleveland, OH, USA). Supply and design credits go to
Plexus Technology Group (Neenah, WI, USA) and Mayville Engineering Co. (Mayville, WI, USA).
Over-the-Counter and Self-Care Products
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HealthWear Weight-Loss System
HealthWear is a weight-loss system consisting of a small wearable monitor, Internet application, and advanced algorithms for a personalized self-care calorie balance system. It is developed and manufactured by BodyMedia Inc. (Pittsburgh, PA, USA) and marketed by
Roche Diagnostics Corp. (Indianapolis, IN, USA). Supply and design credits go to
K Development Inc. (Erie, PA, USA), Millennia Technologies Inc. (Cheswick, PA, USA),
Nypro ADC (Elmhurst, IL, USA), and Theron Inc. (Carmel, IN, USA).
Vicks Underarm Thermometer
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The Vicks underarm thermometer accurately and comfortably takes the axillary temperature of children aged 2 to 7 years. The device, manufactured by Kaz Inc. (New York City, NY, USA), is especially suited for children too old for rectal measurements, yet too young to hold an oral thermometer. Supply and design credits go to New York Citybased Smart Design.
Radiological and Electromechanical Devices
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Cardiac CryoAblation Catheter and CryoConsole
Manufactured by CryoCath Technologies Inc. (Montreal, QC, Canada), the Cardiac CryoAblation Catheter and CryoConsole system achieves cryotherapeutic temperatures as low as 75C. It provides electrophysiologists with a precise, minimally invasive solution for treating cardiac arrythmias. Supply and design credits go to Morelli Designers, also located in Montreal.
CT Exprs Advanced Contrast-Media Delivery System
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The CT Exprs is an advanced contrast-media delivery system for computed tomography. The system, manufactured by
Swiss Medical Care S.A. (Lausanne, Switzerland), provides multidosing and programmable saline flush. Supply and design credits go to
Debiotech S.A. (Lausanne, Switzerland), LRE Technology Partner GmbH (Nordlingen, Germany), and
Medisize Development & Manufacturing (Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, Ireland).
Partner Rhythm Assistant
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The Partner Rhythm Assistant is a handheld device for patient control of atrial defibrillation therapy used in conjunction with the Vitality AVT implanted defibrillator. Both products are manufactured by Guidant Corp. (St. Paul, MN, USA). Supply and design credits go to
Worrell Inc. (Eden Prairie, MN, USA).
Secca Fecal-Incontinence Treatment System
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Designed to treat fecal incontinence, the Secca system comprises a radio-frequency-generating control module and a disposable handpiece for delivering therapy. Manufactured by
Curon Medical Inc. (Fremont, CA, USA), the device is used to perform a minimally invasive outpatient procedure. Supply and design credits go to
Ambrit Engineering Inc. (Santa Ana, CA, USA), MOS Plastics (San Jose, CA, USA), D & N Precision Inc.
(San Jose, CA, USA), Watson-Marlow Pumps (Wilmington, MA, USA), and
Innerstep (Fremont, CA, USA).
Rehabilitation and Assistive-Technology Products
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Hand Mentor Rehabilitation System
Manufactured by Kinetic Muscles Inc. (Tempe, AZ, USA), the Hand Mentor aids in the restoration of hand function in patients who have experienced a stroke or other neurological injury. Supply and design credits go to
Arizona State University (Tempe, AZ, USA).
Omega T-Ring CAD Tool
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The Omega T-Ring is a CAD tool meant for use by a prosthetic or orthotic practitioner in the fabrication of custom-fitted lower-limb prosthetic sockets. It is manufactured by
Ohio Willow Wood (Mount Sterling, OH, USA).
Storm Series TDX5 Power Wheelchair
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The TDX5 is a configurable power wheelchair that provides independent mobility for pediatric to geriatric individuals with disabilities. It is manufactured by
Invacare Inc. (Elyria, OH, USA).
Surgical Equipment, Instruments, and Supplies
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Diego Powered Dissector
Diego is a powered tissue dissector for ear, nose, and throat surgery with the patient under general anaesthetic. It incorporates an electrically powered handpiece and single-use cutting blades and burrs. The device is manufactured by Gyrus ENT LLC (Bartlett, TN, USA). Supply and design credits go to
IDEO (Palo Alto, CA, USA).
Endoscopic Full-Thickness Plicator
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The Endoscopic Full-Thickness Plicator is designed to grasp, retract, fold, and fixate tissue near a weakened lower esophageal sphincter. The device, manufactured by
NDO Surgical (Mansfield, MA, USA), is intended to be a treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Supply and design credits go to
Item New Product Development (Providence, RI, USA), DaTuM 3D (Watertown, MA, USA),
Optimum Technologies (Southbridge, MA, USA), and BarenBoym Co. (Framingham, MA, USA).
Indigo Optima Laser System
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The Indigo Optima laser system consists of a diode laser and unique diffusing fiber optics to provide office-based, minimally invasive treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia using a thermotherapy process known as interstitial laser coagulation. The system is manufactured by
Ethicon Endo-Surgery Inc. (Cincinnati, OH, USA). Supply and design credits go to
Plexus Corp. (Neenah, WI, USA) and Elcan Optical Technologies, a Raytheon Co.
(Midland, ON, Canada).
MicroTargeting Platform System
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Manufactured by FHC Inc. (Bowdoinham, ME, USA), the microTargeting Platform System is a software-driven planning device that enables neurosurgeons to rapidly and accurately design and fabricate a customized mounting interface and navigational tool for a particular patient and stereotactic procedure. Supply and design credits go to StarFix Inc. (Portland, ME, USA), Aerohydro Inc. (Southwest Harbor, ME, USA), Z-Kat Inc. (Hollywood, FL, USA), IVS Solutions AG (Chemnitz, Germany), and Harvest Technologies (Belton, TX, USA).
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