Revolutionizing Stent Deployment
Bolton Medical - Novel Implant Introducer
Project Includes:
Kaleidoscope Innovation created a revolutionary gear-driven medical device implant introducer for Bolton Medical, a leading medical device company that significantly reduces user force required by surgeons for stent delivery.
The Challenge
Reduce User Force Requirements
The Process
Collaborative Discovery
During a joint facilitated workshop session, Kaleidoscope Innovation discovered that the high force was only required for the initial part of the medical device deployment. Kaleidoscope Innovation created a revolutionary gear-driven system with a clutch which required a small and familiar force similar to using a screwdriver to deploy using:
- Brainstorming
- 3D CAD modeling & concept development
- Mechanism & product design
- Prototyping using both 3D printing and machining
- Ergonomic & user testing
The team then came up with a dual mechanism concept. For the initial high-force phase, a rotary mechanism is used where the handle turns engage a gearing system. This provides a high mechanical advantage to deploy the stent. After this initial phase is complete and the deployment force requirements drops, a button is pressed to disengage the rotary system and engage a linear system. This enables rapid positioning of the remainder of the medical implant.
The Result
Enhanced Control and Safety
The redesigned medical device deployment tool makes it possible for surgeons of varying strength levels to deploy it while holding it accurately.
The redesigned medical device introducer:
- Provides a first-ever rotating deployment and clutch mechanism
- Reduces required force significantly and exceeds requirements by 25%
- Improves ergonomics and usability
Increases control which enhances patient safety - Allows surgeons of all strength levels to more accurately and confidently use the tool
Kaleidoscope Innovation provided manufacture ready designs and continued support through manufacturing tooling.
