2006 MEDICAL DESIGN EXCELLENCE AWARDS
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Innovative healthcare products once again take centre stage as the winners of the 2006 Medical Design Excellence Awards (MDEA) are announced. Now in its ninth year, the 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 prestigious panel of judges named 26 winners in 10 product categories. The companies will be presented with gold and silver awards at a ceremony on 7 June at the MD&M East conference and exposition in New York City. For more information about the winning products and the MDEA programme in general, go to www.mdeawards.com. The awards and the MD&M East event are organized by Canon Communications llc, which also publishes this magazine.
Critical-Care and Emergency Medicine Products
Rugged Power-Pro XT Ambulance Cot
Manufactured by Stryker EMS (Portage, MI, USA), the Power-Pro XT ambulance cot is a wheeled transport device with powered lifting capability. The product eliminates the burden of lifting patients to facilitate transport, handling, and treatment. Supply and design credits go to Control Solutions Inc. (Naperville, IL, USA).
Rad-57 Portable Pulse CO-Oximeter
The Rad-57 is the world’s first pulse CO-oximeter. Manufactured by Masimo Corp. (Irvine, CA, USA), the device is designed for emergency use. The portable unit rapidly, accurately, and noninvasively measures oxygen saturation, heart rate, and the percentage of carboxyhaemoglobin in the bloodstream. Supply and design credits go to Analog Devices (Norwood, MA, USA).
Dental Instruments, Equipment, and Supplies
Image-Guided Implantology System
A computerized navigational system, the Image-Guided Implantology device is manufactured by DenX Advanced Dental Systems Ltd. (Jerusalem, Israel). The product assists in the preoperative and intraoperative phases of dental implantation surgery by accurately guiding surgical instruments according to a computed tomography–based presurgical plan.
DenLite DP5000 Illuminated Dental Mirror
Manufactured by Welch Allyn Inc. (Skaneateles Falls, NY, USA), the DenLite DP5000 is an illuminated dental mirror designed to provide cordless intraoral illumination. Supply and design credits go to Alliance Precision Plastics (Rochester, NY, USA), and Egli Machine (Sidney, NY, USA).
Finished Packaging
NanoCool Shipping System
The NanoCool controlledtemperature shipping system, manufactured by NanoCool LLC (Albuquerque, NM, USA), maintains temperatures in the 2°–8°C range. Designed especially for temperature-sensitive products, it is suitable for biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical device shipping applications.
General Hospital Devices and Therapeutic Products
CrossJect Single-Use Needle-Free Injection System
The CrossJect needle-free injection system is a single-use, prefilled device designed to perform subcutaneous, intramuscular, or intradermal injections. Its modular design can be customized for various injection routes and volumes from 0.2 to 1 ml. The product is manufactured by CrossJect S.A. (Paris). Supply and design credits go to InterDesign S.A.R.L. (Paris).
Cortrak Feeding-Tube Placement System
Manufactured by Viasys Healthcare/Medsystems (Wheeling, IL, USA), the Cortrak system uses an electromagnetic sensing device to track feeding tubes during placement procedures. The system consists of three major parts: a monitor, a stylet, and a receiver unit to track the position of the stylet during placement. Supply and design credits go to Designmakers Pty. Ltd. (Adelaide, Australia), and Micronix Pty. Ltd. (Parkside, Australia).
OmniPod Insulin Management System
The OmniPod insulin management system delivers insulin at preprogrammed rates to people with diabetes. Manufactured by Insulet Corp. (Bedford, MA, USA), the system includes a handheld personal diabetes manager that communicates wirelessly with a three-day-wearable insulin-delivery device. Supply and design credits go to Bay Computer Associates Inc. (Cranston, RI, USA), Design Continuum Inc. (West Newton, MA, USA), and Phillips Plastics (Hudson, WI, USA).
IVantage Volumetric Ambulatory Infusion System
Manufactured by Delphi Medical Systems (Troy, MI, USA), IVantage is a programmable ambulatory infusion system suited for use in hospitals and alternate-care sites, including patient homes, nursing homes, and outpatient facilities. The system’s rotary cassette incorporates an anti-free-flow protection device. Supply and design credits go to Debiotech (Lausanne, Switzerland).
Implant and Tissue-Replacement Products
Gynecare Prolift Pelvic Floor Repair System
Manufactured by Ethicon Inc. (Somerville, NJ, USA), Gynecare Prolift total, anterior, and posterior pelvic floor repair systems are indicated for tissue reinforcement and long-lasting stabilization of fascial structures of the pelvic floor in vaginal wall prolapse where surgical treatment is intended. Supply and design credits go to Medi-Line S.A. (Angleur, Belgium) and Ruetschi Technology AG (Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland).
Nucleus Freedom System
The Nucleus Freedom system restores hearing to people with profound hearing loss. Sounds picked up by a processor behind the ear are transmitted by radio to the implant. The implanted electrodes stimulate the cochlear nerve, and this is perceived as sound. The device is manufactured by Cochlear (Lane Cove, Australia). Supply and design credits go to Crystalaid (Newstead, Australia), Helbling Technic AG (Liebefeld-Bern, Switzerland), Philips Digital Signal Labs (Leuven, Belgium), and Semtech (Neuchâtel, Switzerland).
In Vitro Diagnostics
Afinion AS100 Analyzer
The Afinion AS100 analyzer is a benchtop multiassay analyzer manufactured by Axis-Shield PoC AS (Oslo, Norway) for in vitro diagnostic point-of-care testing. Test cartridges are currently available for glycated haemoglobin and C-reactive protein. Supply and design credits go to Carclo Technical Plastics (Mitcham, Surrey, UK), Epsilon Perspectives Design AB (Göteborg, Sweden), sortimat Technologies (Winnenden, Germany), and Teleca Sweden East AB (Stockholm).
CellTracks Analyzer II
Manufactured by Immunicon Corp. (Huntingdon Valley, PA, USA), the CellTracks Analyzer II is a semiautomated fluorescence microscope used to count and characterize fluorescently labelled cells that are immunomagnetically selected and aligned. It is used with the CellTracks AutoPrep system and specific reagent kits. Supply and design credits go to HS Design Inc. (Gladstone, NJ, USA).
BD GeneOhm MRSA Assay
The BD GeneOhm MRSA assay is a qualitative in vitro diagnostic test for the direct detection of nasal colonization by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Using real-time PCR, the assay detects MRSA DNA in less than two hours. The product is manufactured by BD Diagnostics– GeneOhm (San Diego, CA, USA).
Over-the-Counter and Self-Care Products
Swing Breast Pump
Swing is a compact, lightweight, and portable personal-use breast pump manufactured by Medela Inc. (McHenry, IL, USA). Operable with ac or battery power, the breast pump employs two-phase expression technology to extract more milk in less time than traditional pumps. Supply and design credits go to Milani Design & Consulting S.A. (Erlenbach, Switzerland).
Radiological and Electromechanical Devices
SureFlex Laser Lithotripsy Fibres
Manufactured by IQinc (Phoenix, AZ, USA), SureFlex laser lithotripsy fibres are small-core optical fibres for holmium lasers. They offer unimpeded access to lower-pole kidney stones without risk to laser optics or ureteroscopes, while permitting the use of full therapeutic laser power.
CereTom Mobile Computed Tomography Scanner
The CereTom mobile computed tomography (CT) scanner is a compact, lightweight, mobile, high-speed, battery- and line-powered multislice CT scanner. Manufactured by NeuroLogica Corp. (Danvers, MA, USA), the device is optimized for scanning anatomy that can be imaged in the 25-cm field of view, primarily the head and neck. Supply and design credits go to A & A Testing Laboratory (Danvers, MA, USA), Altronics Manufacturing Inc. (Hudson, NH, USA), American Design Co. (Bradford, MA, USA), Barco (Edinburgh, UK), Ault Design and Communications Inc. (Bedford, MA, USA), Jaco Electronics (Wilmington, MA, USA), Martek Power (Torrance, CA, USA), Spellman High Voltage Electronics Corp. (Hauppauge, NY, USA), and Varian (Salt Lake City, UT, USA).
HD Lower-Leg Array Coil
Manufactured by GE Healthcare, Coils Div. (Aurora, OH, USA), the HD lower-leg array coil has been designed to offer minimally or noninvasive, high-quality, high-resolution magnetic resonance angiography of the lower leg. The device combines minimal risks and side effects with high diagnostic confidence and patient comfort.
Rehabilitation and Assistive-Technology Products
Impact Solar-Powered Hearing-Aid Battery Recharger
Manufactured by Project Impact (Berkeley, CA, USA), the Impact solar-powered hearing-aid battery recharger can operate using either sunlight alone or dc input. Its low cost and portability help overcome financial and environmental constraints to bring modern hearing aids to users in developing nations. Supply and design credits go to Bridge Design (San Francisco, CA, USA,) Iowa Thin Film Technologies Inc. (Boone, IA, USA), Moonpo Development Ltd. (Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China), Peridot Corp. (Pleasanton, CA, USA), Sector Technology (Cupertino, CA, USA), and Solid Concepts (Poway, CA, USA).
Cleo 90 Infusion Set
The Cleo 90 infusion set connects diabetics to their life-supporting insulin pumps. Manufactured by Smiths Medical MD Inc. (St. Paul, MN, USA), the set includes a cannula inserter that retracts to store the needle, and tubing that delivers insulin from the pump, making insertion and use comfortable and easy. Supply and design credits go to Bridge Design (San Francisco, CA, USA), Modified Polymer Components Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA, USA), and Precision Gasket Co. (Edina, MN, USA).
Inogen One Oxygen Concentrator System
The Inogen One oxygen concentrator system, manufactured by Inogen Inc. (Goleta, CA, USA), fulfills the duties of stationary, portable-ambulatory, and traveling oxygen devices. It can operate from ac, dc, and battery sources, permitting users to transition easily between power sources as needed. Supply and design credits go to Adsorption Research Inc. (Dublin, OH, USA), Launchpoint LLC (Goleta, CA, USA), Medical Electronic Devices (Torrance, CA, USA), Norgren Inc. (Anaheim, CA, USA), Omnica Inc. (Irvine, CA, USA), and Totex USA Inc. (Torrance, CA, USA).
eFlow Electronic Nebulizer
Manufactured by Pari GmbH (Munich), eFlow is a portable electronic nebulizer that delivers aerosol medications to the lungs in less than three minutes. Indications include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, pneumonia, respiratory syncytial virus, and systemic therapies. Supply and design credits go to Eckstein Product Design (Munich).
Surgical Equipment, Instruments, and Supplies
Straightshot M4 Microdebrider
Manufactured by Medtronic ENT (Jacksonville, FL, USA), the Straightshot M4 microdebrider is an ergonomically designed surgical handpiece that improves access to the maxillary sinus, frontal sinus, and vocal folds for the removal of polyps, bone, and mucosa during nasal sinus and laryngeal surgery. Supply and design credits go to Metaphase Design Group (St. Louis, MO, USA).
360° Fascia Closure Device
The 360° fascia closure device is an ergonomic, reusable mechanical suturing device. Manufactured by SuturTek Inc. (North Chelmsford, MA, USA), the product employs single-use disposable suture cartridges to enable surgeons to close surgical wounds safely, easily, and quickly. Supply and design credits go to Bleck Design Group, also based in North Chelmsford, and Lacey Manufacturing Inc. (Bridgeport, CT, USA).
SpineJet MicroResector
The SpineJet MicroResector allows minimally invasive surgical access to the spine using high- velocity water to cut and aspirate the herniated disc. The device, manufactured by HydroCision Inc. (Billerica, MA, USA), allows disc decompressions to be performed in an outpatient setting. Supply and design credits go to David M. Fischer Consulting (Waltham, MA, USA), Farm Design (Hollis, NH, USA), LFI Inc. (Smithfield, RI, USA), and Neu-Tool Design Inc. (Wilmington, MA, USA).
PassPort Shielded Trocar
Manufactured by Patton Surgical (Austin, TX, USA), the PassPort shielded trocar with SmartTip is a laparoscopic access device that allows for controlled abdominal-wall penetration yet blunt entry. It eliminates the risks posed by shielded and bladeless trocars. Supply and design credits go to Atrion Medical (Arab, AL, USA), BCD (Meridian, TX, USA), and IncisionTech (Staunton, VA, USA).
