Originally Published EMDM May/June 2005
2005 Medical Design Excellence Awards
Presenting the 2005 Medical Design Excellence Awards Winners
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Now in its eighth 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. A multidisciplinary panel of judges named 30 winners in 10 product categories. The companies will be presented with gold and silver awards at a ceremony on 14 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 European Medical Device Manufacturer.
Critical-Care and Emergency Medicine Products
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EZ-10 Intraosseous Delivery Device
The EZ-I0 intraosseous delivery device is manufactured by VindaCare Corp. (San Antonio, TX, USA). The powered device is used for delivering fluid resuscitation and administering medication when standard vein access cannot be readily achieved. Supply and design credits go to BC Tech (Santa Cruz, CA, USA).
Lifeline Automated External Defibrillator
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Manufactured by Defibtech (Guilford, CT, USA), the Lifeline (aka Reviver) automated external defibrillator is a self-contained defibrillator with voice prompting and intuitive user interface. Its real-world functionality enables both medical professionals and lay responders to provide lifesaving defibrillation. Supply and design credits go to BSC Engineering (Dumont, NJ, USA).
LifeSync Wireless ECG System
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The LifeSync wireless ECG system is an electrocardiogram monitoring system that eliminates lead wires and trunk cables between patients and bedside 12-lead or transport ECG monitors, allowing freedom of movement throughout the hospital. The system is manufactured by GMP Wireless Medicine Inc. (Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA). Supply and design credits go to Design Continuum, Healthcare Technology Group (Wharton, TX, USA), Molex Inc. (Naperville, IL, USA), Motorola Energy Systems Group (Lawrenceville, GA, USA), Motorola Inc. (Northbrook, IL, USA), Robrady Design Inc. (Sarasota, FL, USA), and Stonestreet One Inc. (Louisville, KY, USA).
Dental Instruments, Equipment, and Supplies
OptraGate Oral Treatment Field Enlargement Aid
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The OptraGate enables dental professionals to easily and effectively enlarge the treatment field for dental and other oral procedures. The product, manufactured by SFS intec AG (Altstatten, Switzerland), is latex-free and flexible, to improve patient comfort. Supply and design credits go to Ivoclar Vivadent (Schaan, Liechtenstein).
Waterlase MD Dental Therapy Laser
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Manufactured by BioLase Technology Inc. (San Clemente, CA, USA), the Waterlase MD dental therapy laser employs advanced dental laser technology for effective, highly precise, and safe treatment of hard and soft dental tissues with no pain, no need for anesthesia, no bleeding, and fast recovery time. Supply and design credits go to LeFiell (Santa Fe Springs, CA, USA), Morphix Design Inc. (San Clemente, CA, USA), Patton Design Inc. (Irvine, CA, USA), Pulse Technologies (Harleysville, PA, USA), and Solid Concepts (Poway, CA, USA).
Finished Packaging
RelyX Luting Plus Cement
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RelyX Luting Plus cement is a fluoride-releasing dental cement used by dentists to permanently affix crowns and bridges. The clicker dispenser ensures a precise 1:1 volume ratio of the two-part cement. The product is manufactured by 3M ESPE Dental Product Development Specialist (St. Paul, MN, USA). Supply and design credits go to AP Engineering Services (St. Paul, MN, USA), Hi-Tech Rubber Inc. (Anaheim, CA, USA), and Intesys Technologies Inc. (Costa Mesa, CA, USA).
General Hospital Devices and Therapeutic Products
3M Foam Adhesive Dressing
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The 3M foam adhesive dressing, manufactured by 3M Co. (St. Paul, MN, USA), is a bordered, highly absorbent dressing for treating moderately to highly exuding partial- to full-thickness dermal wounds such as pressure ulcers, neuropathic ulcers, abrasions, and first- and second-degree burns. Supply and design credits go to Alcan Packaging, Medical Flexibles Americas (Milwaukee, WI, USA), LMI Inc. (St. Charles, MI, USA), Loparex (Willowbrook, IL, USA), and National Nonwovens (East Hampton, MA, USA).
ALYX Component Collection System
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The ALYX component collection system is a portable automated system that rapidly collects and processes two transfusion doses of red blood cells, separating out the red cells on the spot and returning unneeded components to the donor with saline, thereby reducing donor side effects. The system is manufactured by Baxter Healthcare Corp. (Round Lake, IL, USA). Supply and design credits go to Insight Product Development (Chicago, IL, USA).
EnteraLite Infinity Enteral Feeding System
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The EnteraLite Infinity enteral feeding system, manufactured by Zevex Inc. (Salt Lake City, UT, USA), allows tube-fed patients to be physically active, without being held back by their feeding pump. Designed for hospital and alternate-care use, the device offers simplicity, accuracy, and portability to promote physical activity. Supply and design credits go to Eclipse Product Development (Salt Lake City, UT, USA).
F.A.S.T. Facilitated Aspiration/Suction Thrombectomy
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Manufactured by Genesis Medical Interventional Inc. (Redwood City, CA, USA), F.A.S.T. (Facilitated Aspiration/Suction Thrombectomy) employs a funnel catheter and suction to remove blood clots from the access grafts of dialysis patients, reducing the possibility that the clots might move elsewhere in the body, where they could cause death. Supply and design credits go to Medical Murray (Buffalo Grove, IL, USA) and Smiths Medical (Gary, IN, USA).
Lighted Ear Curette
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The Lighted Ear Curette combines a bright, white light-emitting diode (LED) with a clear-plastic ear curette. The curette, manufactured by Bionix Development Corp. (Toledo, OH, USA), enables physicians to perform cerumen removal safely under direct visualization of what had previously been considered a blind procedure. Supply and design credits go to Lambda Research Corp. (Tucson, AZ, USA) and The Tech Group (Grand Rapids, MI, USA).
Vital Heat Body Temperature Regulator
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The Vital Heat body temperature regulator, manufactured by Dynatherm Medical Inc. (Burlingame, CA, USA), employs a slight vacuum and circulating hot water to restore and regulate a patient’s core body temperature during and after surgery. The device provides a simple and intuitive user interface, thereby reducing the risk of user error. Supply and design credits go to Whipsaw Inc. (San Jose, CA, USA).
Implant and Tissue-Replacement Products
Axxess Neurostimulation Leads
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Axxess leads are the world’s smallest-diameter neurostimulation leads, according to manufacturer Advanced Neuromodulation Systems (Plano, TX, USA). Their small size and unibody design provide surgeons with better control and more placement options than other leads, resulting in less-invasive procedures.
In Vitro Diagnostics
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Alegria Multisample Random-Access ELISA Analyzer
The Alegria multisample random-access ELISA analyzer is manufactured by Orgentec Diagnostika GmbH (Mainz, Germany). The Alegria was developed for processing SMC-technology-based test strips as an aid in the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases. The Alegria is intended for in vitro diagnostic use only. Supply and design credits go to BIT Analytical Instruments Inc. (Burlington, MA, USA) and Teleca System Design AB (Stockholm, Sweden).
GeneChip Scanner 3000
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The GeneChip Scanner 3000 with autoloader is a desktop device that provides genetics researchers with sensitive, high-resolution, state-of-the-art scanning of GeneChip-brand microarrays used for complex genetic analysis. The device is manufactured by Affymetrix Inc. (Santa Clara, CA, USA). Supply and design credits go to Design Continuum (West Newton, MA, USA).
Niox Mino Handheld FENO Analyzer
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Manufactured by Aerocrine AB (Solna, Sweden), the Niox Mino handheld FENO analyzer is a portable device for measuring exhaled nitric oxide (NO), a marker of airway inflammation. This noninvasive method makes it easy to diagnose asthma and measure a patient’s response to treatment, and can give early warning of loss of asthma control. Supply and design credits go to Ergonomidesign (Bromma, Sweden) and Teleca System Design AB (Stockholm, Sweden).
Over-the-Counter and Self-Care Products
ConfiDose Disposable Autoinjector
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The ConfiDose disposable autoinjector, manufactured by PharmaPen Inc. (Athens, TX, USA), is a disposable autoinjector that can inject a drug without the recipient ever seeing a needle. Insertion, delivery, and withdrawal are completed with a push of a button. The needle retracts fully, thus averting the risk of needlestick injury. Supply and design credits go to Acxess Spring (Riverside, CA, USA), Hogan & Hartson LLP (Washington, DC, USA), Pinnacle Precision Inc. (Logan, UT, USA), and Pleasant Precision Inc. (Kenton, OH, USA).
Humatrope Reconstitution Device
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The Humatrope reconstitution device is used to mix a diluent (liquid) with a human growth hormone powder. The subsequent solution is used for injection. Manufactured by Eli Lilly and Co., Pharmaceutical Delivery Systems (Indianapolis, IN, USA), the device makes the reconstitution process significantly easier than previously possible. Supply and design credits go to IDEO (Palo Alto, CA, USA).
Vicks Baby Thermometer
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The Vicks Baby Thermometer, manufactured by Kaz Inc. (New York, NY, USA), is designed for safe and easy rectal temperature measurement of babies. Its compact, ergonomic housing is easy to hold and control, while the large display makes viewing easy. The short probe helps guard against overinsertion. Supply and design credits go to Smart Design (New York, NY, USA).
Radiological and Electromechanical Devices
Intelect Advanced and Mobile Electrotherapy Range
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The Intelect Advanced and Mobile Electrotherapy range comprises fully integrated suites of clinical electrotherapy equipment used to administer a comprehensive range of physiotherapy treatments. The devices are manufactured by Chattanooga Group (Hixson, TN, USA). Supply and design credits go to Design + Industry Pty Ltd. (Balmain, NSW, Australia).
Somatom Sensation 64 Computed Tomography System
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The Somatom Sensation 64 computed tomography system, manufactured by Siemens Medical Solutions (Malvern, PA, USA), is the world’s fastest 64-slice computed tomography system. It offers the world’s fastest gantry rotation time (0.33 seconds) and delivers optimal image quality in cardiac, neurology, and body-imaging applications, the company explains.
Z-View Aberrometer
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Manufactured by Ophthonix Inc. (San Diego, CA, USA), the Z-View aberrometer offers comprehensive and accurate diagnosis of optical imperfections. Lenses created using a Z-View-generated prescription provide high-definition corrective vision nonsurgically, with excellent clarity, crispness, and acuity. Supply and design credits go to Custom Engineering Plastics (San Diego, CA, USA), DD Studio (Carlsbad, CA, USA), and Polytech Industries (Saint Charles, IL, USA).
Rehabilitation and Assistive-Technology Products
Motiva Interactive Healthcare Platform
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The Motiva interactive healthcare platform is a healthcare information and monitoring system for people with chronic diseases. It uses clinical software, vital-sign measurement devices, and a personalized interactive TV program in the home to connect patients to their caregivers. The product is manufactured by Philips Medical Systems (Milpitas, CA, USA). Supply and design credits go to Celadon (San Rafael, CA, USA), Philips Digital Systems Laboratory (Eindhoven, The Netherlands), Schematic (Los Angeles, CA, USA), and Silicon & Software Systems (Leopardstown, Dublin, Ireland).
Sage Oxygen Therapeutic Device
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The Sage oxygen therapeutic device, manufactured by Chad Therapeutics (Chatsworth, CA, USA), is a pulsed oxygen-delivery device that incorporates a motion sensor, software algorithms, and integrated memory to recognize and deliver oxygen according to a patient’s needs based on activity level. Supply and design credits go to CTS Electronics Manufacturing Solutions (Moorpark, CA, USA).
Savia 211 dSZ Hearing System
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Intended for persons experiencing hearing loss (approximately 10% of the Western population, and 28 million in the United States alone), the Savia 211 dSZ hearing system is manufactured by Phonak AG (Stäfa, Switzerland). One Savia device is worn on each ear to improve hearing. The attractive, colour housing was developed to make the device seem fashionable. Supply and design credits go to Milani Design & Consulting AG (Erlenbach, Switzerland).
Surgical Equipment, Instruments, and Supplies
cardioPAT Perioperative
Autotransfusion System
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The cardioPAT perioperative autotransfusion system, manufactured by Haemonetics (Braintree, MA, USA), salvages red blood cells lost intraoperatively and postoperatively during cardiovascular surgical procedures in which the expected rate of processing salvaged fluids is no more than 2 L/hr. Supply and design credits go to ESI Visual Communications (Newton, MA, USA).
Cassi Rotational Core Biopsy Device
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The Cassi rotational core biopsy device is an automated large-core biopsy device used in the diagnosis of breast disease. Manufactured by Sanarus Medical Inc. (Pleasanton, CA, USA), Cassi’s patented Stick-Freeze technology is used to immobilize the target tissue, making it unnecessary to purchase capital equipment. Supply and design credits go to Compass Product Design (Pleasanton, CA, USA), CullDez Product Development (Byron, CA, USA), CVM Inc. (Pleasanton, CA, USA), and Valmark (Livermore, CA, USA).
ClozeX Wound-Closure Device
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The ClozeX wound-closure device, manufactured by Clozex Medical LLC (Wellesley Hills, MA, USA), is a coaptive wound-closure device that replaces sutures, staples, and glues. The device provides dramatic improvements in speed, precision, cosmesis, comfort, and cost-effectiveness. Supply and design credits go to Adhesives Research Inc. (Glen Rock, PA, USA), Baril Die Inc. (Haverhill, MA, USA), Delta Industries (Minneapolis, MN, USA), and Sterile Technologies Inc. (Queensbury, NY, USA).
Insorb 20 Subcuticular Skin Stapler
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Combining the cosmetic result of an absorbable suture with the rapid closure time of metal skin staplers, the Insorb 20 subcuticular skin stapler eliminates the need for postoperative staple removal. Manufactured and entered by Incisive Surgical Inc. (Plymouth, MN, USA), the skin stapler is a patented absorbable skin-closure product. Supply and design credits go to redgroup Inc. (Minneapolis, MN, USA) and UFE Inc. (Stillwater, MN, USA).
StarClose Vascular Closure System
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The StarClose vascular closure system, manufactured by Abbott Vascular Devices (Redwood City, CA, USA), delivers a nitinol clip to close femoral artery puncture sites following percutaneous catheterization procedures. Supply and design credits go to Modified Polymer Components Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA, USA), MOS Plastics Inc. (San Jose, CA, USA), New England Precision Grinding (Holliston, MA, USA), Norman Noble (Highland Heights, OH, USA), PacifiX Product Development Inc. (Menlo Park, CA, USA), Parnell Engineering and Consulting (Sunnyvale, CA, USA), Peridot Corp. (Pleasanton, CA, USA), Pulse Systems Corp. (Concord, CA, USA), Spectralytics (Dassel, MN, USA), SR Design (San Mateo, CA, USA), and TFX Medical-OEM Group (Jaffrey, NH, USA).
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