Continuum
Aquamantys 3 BSC 9.1S Bipolar Sealer with Cutting
Medtronic
Aquamantys 3 BSC 9.1S Bipolar Sealer with Cutting
Unlike these instruments, The Aquamantys3 BSC 9.1S uses a combination of radiofrequency energy and saline, called Transcollation technology, to provide low temperature blood vessel sealing that controls bleeding without charring a patient’s tissue or causing irritating smoke. This, in combination with a cutting function, makes the BSC 9.1S a better, safer option for patients and surgeons.
Aquamantys 3 BSC 9.1S Bipolar Sealer with Cutting
Electrosurgical instruments are critical tools in orthopedic procedures to control bleeding and cut through soft tissue and bone. The problem is that they often burn tissue, leave behind char and produce irritating smoke that can be toxic if inhaled. Unlike these instruments, The Aquamantys3 BSC 9.1S uses a combination of radiofrequency energy and saline, called Transcollation technology, to provide low temperature blood vessel sealing that controls bleeding without charring a patient’s tissue or causing irritating smoke. This, in combination with a cutting function, makes the BSC 9.1S a better, safer option for patients and surgeons.
2. The Brief: Summarize the problem you set out to solve. What was the context for the project, and what was the challenge posed to you?Making it familiar. Surgeons are familiar with the use of electrosurgical knives. Unlike these instruments, the BSC 9.1S incorporates a saline line that is more substantial than the cable of these established tools which could have been a barrier to adoption. We had to make it feel familiar. Making it ergonomically superior. There was an opportunity to make ergonomic advancements that would make the instrument intuitive to operate and reduce grip fatigue, making it easier to use. Designing a dual-functioning tip. Previous Transcollation instruments performed a single function: bipolar sealing of blood vessels. The challenge was to create a tip that incorporated two functions that are at odds with one another: the cutting blade needs to be wire-thin while the sealing tip requires a broad surface area like a paint brush. Modern device. Modern design. We wanted to design a disposable instrument that has a modern aesthetic design that compliments its technological advancement.
3. The Intent: What point of view did you bring to the project, and were there additional criteria that you added to the brief?Medtronic already had the technology but we had to align this technology with the ergonomic needs of surgeons. Through observing surgeries to understand the instrument’s role, talking to surgeons, and prototyping, we were able to create an aesthetic that complimented the technology while aligning with Medtronic’s brand values.
4. The Process: Describe the rigor that informed your project. (Research, ethnography, subject matter experts, materials exploration, technology, iteration, testing, etc., as applicable.) What stakeholder interests did you consider? (Audience, business, organization, labor, manufacturing, distribution, etc., as applicable)We engaged in clinical studies with surgeons to understand the value of our ergonomic directions, we interviewed orthopaedic surgeons to gather input, feedback and insights, and we iterated through several rounds of prototyping to refine our ergonomic and aesthetic directions.
5. The Value: How does your project earn its keep in the world? What is its value? What is its impact? (Social, educational, economic, paradigm-shifting, sustainable, environmental, cultural, gladdening, etc.)Improves Surgical Outcomes. The BSC 9.1S uses a combination of radiofrequency energy and saline, called Transcollation technology, to provide low temperature blood vessel sealing that stops bleeding without charring soft tissue or causing irritating. The results are decreased post-operative recovery time and lower blood transfusion rates. Two Functions In One. The tip is wire-thin in one orientation to allow for cutting and when rotated 90 degrees becomes a broad surface necessary for bipolar sealing. Familiar But Different. In order to make the operation immediately understood, we incorporated standard blue and yellow button colors and kept the distance between the tip and the first button the same as conventional electrosurgical tools. These features eliminate a new learning curve. Also, because of the saline line, something not found on conventional tools, we relieved this burden with a swiveling back end allowing the cable tether to remain in a fixed position while the body of the instrument can rotate between cutting and sealing modes. The surgeon never feels the difference. Ergonomically Superior. The rear, blue button is wide and sweeps over the sides of the instrument for reachable activation in either orientation. Contrarily, the front, yellow button is narrow and vertically aligned making it tactilely different. This prevents accidental activation of either button. A triangular grip profile provides a more comfortable, less fatiguing grip and helps orient the instrument in the surgeon’s hand. Strategically textured surfaces enhance the ability of the surgeon to rotate the instrument during use.