Rory O’Callaghan/Real Motives Design
The challenge was initially set by Cook Medical in collaboration with the MSc. in Medical Device Design at the National College of Art and Design (NCAD). It proposed to streamline the procedure of EUS-FNA (Endoscopic Ultrasound – Fine Needle Aspiration). One aspect of the procedure, the creation of a vacuum (required to take the biopsy), is integrated into the handle of the needle device. An innovative “off label” method called the “slow pull technique” was found to positively impact on the workflow while creating vacuum. However, this technique requires delicate teamwork between the endoscopist and assistant.
The success of the design stems from how the disparate ideas of rotary control and the “slow pull technique” are succinctly packaged into a self-contained EUS-FNA device. It has good ergonomics and now only requires a single user. This gives the clinician confident control and removes barriers to using the technique. Its greatest impact is showing how design thinking can challenge and disrupt current medical procedures.
Rory O’Callaghan is an Industrial Designer from Cavan. He studied Industrial Design in Umeå Institute of Design, Sweden; Interface Design in Muthesius University of Fine Arts and Design, Germany; and has a masters in Medical Device Design from NCAD Dublin. He is a current BioInnovate Research Fellow in NUI Galway.