Kandice Lau

New Blog Alert! 🌟 'Connecting Precision: Hirose's Role in Surgical Robotics' Dive into our latest blog to see how Hirose connectors are at the heart of surgical robotics innovations. Learn about the crucial role our technology plays in advancing medical precision and reliability. You can find it here! https://hubs.li/Q02JcPkN0 #Innovation #SurgicalRobotics #HiroseConnectors #HiroseConnectors #InnovationInMotion #ConnectingTheFuture

9

What's the right number of prototype iterations in MedTech? Hint: the answer is not 1. That's like expecting a hole-in-one on a long distance golf shot. Just ain't gonna happen. Instead, focus your prototype iterations on answering specific questions: ➡️ Prototype 1: Does it work on the bench? Simplified proof-of-concept prototype that addresses key questions related to technical performance. ➡️Prototype 2: Does it work (pre)clinically? Early prototype aimed at collecting data, preclinically (for significant risk devices) or clinically (for non-significant risk devices). ➡️Prototype 3: Will people use it correctly? Usability prototypes (or mockups) aimed at evaluating user interfaces, usability, and possible misuse through human factors studies. ➡️Prototype 4: Does it achieve target COGS? Alpha prototype integrating industrial design and engineering, while designing for production materials and processes. ➡️ Prototype 5: Does it meet the requirements? Beta prototype addressing shortcomings of Alpha, and used for engineering verification testing (before V&V). So, minimum.. 5 prototype iterations. Often many more. Stage these prototype iterations so that each one gains the benefit of the prior. If you isolate these risk factors, your prototypes can be much simpler, faster and more cost effective to design, produce, and test. Prototyping is a mindset -- it's about learning, quickly and effectively. > Identify the right questions to answer > Build simple prototypes focused on the key questions > Run the tests, learn, and iterate. #medtech #medicaldevices #prototyping

47

14 Comments

Let’s go - exciting early insights into how force feedback impacts performance! Thankful to be a part of this collaborative research!

13

This project focuses on the development and implementation of an optical fiber-based bending sensor designed to accurately mimic the movements of human joints, specifically the elbow. The project leverages the precision and flexibility of optical fiber technology to create a sensor capable of capturing and reproducing intricate joint movements. Sensor Design and Optical Fiber Implementation: ◦ Optical Fiber Bending Sensor: The core of the project is an optical fiber sensor that detects bending and deformation. Optical fibers are highly sensitive to changes in curvature, making them ideal for capturing joint movements. ◦ Lego MINDSTORMS: To facilitate the modeling of human joints, a custom firmware scheme was developed using Lego components. This approach allowed for a modular and adaptable framework to replicate the complexity of human joint movements, focusing initially on the elbow. Elbow Movement Reproduction: ◦ Elbow Joint Model: Using the Lego-based firmware, an accurate model of the human elbow joint was constructed. This model served as the testbed for the bending sensor, enabling the simulation of realistic elbow movements. ◦ Sensor Integration: The optical fiber sensor was integrated into the elbow joint model, allowing for real-time monitoring and reproduction of elbow movements. The sensor's data was processed to replicate the dynamic range of motion of the elbow. Circuit Design and PCB Development: ◦ INA128-Based Circuit: A custom circuit based on the INA128 instrumentation amplifier was designed to amplify the signals from the optical fiber sensor. The INA128 was chosen for its high precision and low noise characteristics, ensuring accurate signal amplification. ◦ PCB Fabrication: the PCB was developed to house the INA128-based circuit and other necessary components. The PCB design was optimized for compactness and reliability, facilitating easy integration with the sensor and joint model. Deterioration Analysis: ◦ Sensor Durability Testing: A comprehensive deteriorati in analysis was conducted to evaluate the long-term performance and durability of the optical fiber sensor. This involved subjecting the sensor to repeated bending cycles and environmental stressors to simulate real-world usage. ◦ Data Analysis: The data collected during the deterioration tests was analyzed to identify any degradation in sensor performance over time. This analysis helped in understanding the sensor's lifespan and reliability, providing insights for future improvements. The project successfully demonstrated the feasibility of using an optical fiber-based bending sensor to reproduce human joint movements, with a focus on the elbow. The sensor's high sensitivity and precision allowed for accurate tracking of joint angles and movements. The integration with a Lego MINDSTORMS provided a versatile and modular approach to joint modeling. The deterioration analysis highlighted the sensor's robustness and potential areas for enhancement.

20

We are 2 months into #MLB season and 42 players are sitting on the bench for #UCL injuries, awaiting or recovering from surgery. Did you know… -After surgery, the average career of a professional pitcher is 2.5 years shorter (1) -15% of those athletes will require at least 1 more UCL surgery (revision) during their playing career (2) Here’s a fast pitch: Reconstruction of UCL has a long recovery time and delayed return to sport. UCL repairs have a shorter return to sport (6-8 months vs 12-14 months) (3) but a higher retear rate (4). This new #AJSM publication proves that #BioBrace reinforces a UCL repair (5).  Other research has also proven that #BioBrace supports rapid cellular infiltration during early healing (6). Could #BioBrace augmented UCL repairs reduce retear rate and improve return to sport? https://lnkd.in/eaWsQ3hK 1-     Le et al. AJSM. 2014 2-     Wilson et al. Journal of Hand Surgery American. 2015 3-     Carr et al. Arthroscopy. 2020 4-     Azar et al. AJSM. 2000 5-     Lin et al. AJSM. 2024 6-     Carter et al. ORS. 2021 #BioBrace #MLB #baseball #UCL #orthopedics #sportsmedicine Kevin Rocco David Hook Lisa Donnelly Sean Delserro, MS Emily Hostetler Jason Hamil Jeff Grebner Jacob Komenda Joaquin Batista Justin Bendigo Gowri Viswanathan

78

1 Comment

We are excited to share the latest #BioBrace peer-reviewed publication released in #AJSM, “Augmented Ulnar Collateral Ligament Repair with Structural Bioinductive Scaffold: A Biomechanical Study” by Kenneth M. Lin, MD et al. This study highlights the biomechanical benefits of BioBrace augmented UCL repair vs. UCL repair alone. The authors also discuss the concerns about overconstraint or stress shielding with nonabsorbable suture tape. Key Takeaways: - UCL Repair augmented with BioBrace restored UCL valgus opening similar to native UCL and better than UCL repair alone - UCL Repair alone did not restore valgus opening compared to native UCL and was similar to torn UCL Link: https://lnkd.in/g7RgMagM Kenneth Brinson Ran Atzmon Calvin Chan Seth L. Sherman Michael Freehill Lisa Donnelly Emily Hostetler Nate Miersma David Hook Kevin Rocco Joaquin Batista Jacob Komenda Jeffrey Ott Justin Bendigo Gowri Viswanathan Jeff Grebner Tyler Marincov Justin Rhodes Mike Diodené Bryan Swift Scott Rogow Lydia Wait Michael R Redler, MD Devon Hartman CONMED Orthopedics Jason Hamil Jordan Rawlins John Hilvert Darren Way American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine #ucl #sportsmedicine #orthopedics #medicaldevice

111

4 Comments

Additive manufacturing and micro-CT analysis are key technologies for biomedical engineers and related field. From Rapid prototyping to design and fabrication of medical devices and scaffolds, additive manufacturing can play a key role in boosting research and validation of research hypothesis. Moreover, post-analysis of additively manufactured components is a must to gain understanding and excellence in one's field of research. If you are looking to expand your knowledge in this field by getting trained from highly knowledgeable and experienced professionals, here's a great opportunity: mPRAGATI, IIT Delhi is hosting a 3-day hands-on training workshop on Metal & Polymer Additive Manufacturing and Advanced Micro-Computed Tomography (micro-CT) analysis. This is perfect for engineers, researchers, or anyone curious about 3D printing metals & polymers, or using micro-CT for analysis. #additivemanufacturing #3dprinting #microCT #iitdelhi #mpragati #workshop #india #learning

16

Blue Arbor Technologies, Inc. has just received #FDA breakthrough device designation for its Restore neuromuscular interface system 🧠 The FDA has also accepted the system into its Total Product Life Cycle (TPLC) Advisory Program (TAP) Pilot. 💪 The Michigan-based team designed its "Restore" system to integrate into the peripheral nervous system alongside robotic prosthetics seamlessly. 🤖 They want to restore naturalistic hand and arm function for patients with upper limb loss. With their platform, patients could potentially manoeuvre upper limb prosthetic devices with enhanced dexterity, speed, and reliability. 👏 It features implantable intramuscular electrodes, a sensing unit, a socket-mounted receiver, and a comprehensive software package. The sensing unit filters, conditions, and processes patient-generated electromyographic (EMG) signals, transmitting them wirelessly to a socket-mounted receiver. From there, the receiver decodes the signals into precise movement commands for the prosthesis, all controlled by the software. 💻 President of Blue Arbor Paul S. Cederna, MD, FACS said: “Blue Arbor Technologies is dedicated to developing solutions that address the unmet need for improved robotic prosthetic control options for people with limb loss so they can more easily integrate a prosthesis in their daily lives and return to normality,” “The breakthrough designation and TAP enrollment is a valuable step in the pathway to FDA market clearance. We look forward to working closely with the agency to make the Restore system available to people with upper limb loss to hopefully increase prosthesis adoption and use.” #neurotech #medicaldevice

23

4 Comments

Formlabs acquired Micronics (A KS backed startup known for its sub $10k SLS 3D printer). Very happy to have Luke and Henry join the Formlabs team and another great opportunity to learn from smart people out there! If you think it's one of those "bling bling" M&A news, think again. Here is a great read witten by David Lakatos that gives you a deeper insight about Formlabs culture and leadership and "what's wrong with 3D printing!" https://lnkd.in/di2ZBkwE

8

1 Comment

Improving flow diversion treatment using origami techniques (i.e., conforming and adapting to vessel shape in the first deployment instance).

1

Opportunity

2

3️⃣ STAGES of #ROBOTICSURGERY - At #SRS2025, Yulun Wang, another one of the founding fathers of #surgicalrobotics, did a masterful job laying out the three stages of surgical robotics. He knows it because he's lived it. He founded Computer Motion, which was acquired by Intuitive. His system was used in the first transatlantic surgery over two decades ago. Now he's heading up SOVATO which is building the infrastructure upon with surgical robotics can reach its promise. Watch this clip but meet Yulun, CEO Cynthia Harris Perazzo and others from SOVATO at DeviceTalks West. #dtwest2024

41

3 Comments

What 'old school' medtech teaches us: 👉 Design devices for physician preference 👉 Stay stealth as long as possible 👉 Avoid FDA until submission 👉 Avoid clinicals (time, $) 👉 Take lowest bar through regulatory 👉 Hire VP, Sales to push product A better approach: 👉 Design devices for #valueanalysis 👉 Get customer feedback, constantly 👉 Conduct Q-Subs early, often 👉 Derisk through data collection 👉 Let marketing drive reg. pathway 👉 Promote outcomes for market pull

55

4 Comments

Yesterday I asked why MedTech companies so heavily monitor and restrict the social media of their employees, but nobody really had a full answer. So, I did more research, and here's some of what I learned: MedTech companies keep their reps from posting individualized content because they have to, not because they want to. People will sue their grandma for a bag of corn nuts and a seashell necklace. There is so much confusion in the industry regarding social media compliance that many companies just play it safe. When lives are in the balance, there is no disclaimer or liability waiver that can stand in the way of prosecution for misinformation. Unfortunately Avoiding false advertisement | \/ Lack of transparency and open discussion in the medical device world The FDA's social media regulations are well intended... But painted with an overly broad brush. This, and other draft guidance's, clarify the FDA's stance on social media liability in MedTech: (line 96-98, https://lnkd.in/geKWMgQa) "A firm is responsible for communications that are owned, controlled, created, or influenced, or affirmatively adopted or endorsed, by, or on behalf of, the firm." The FDA also essentially views a corporate false advertisement and an accidentally misleading post by rep Joe Schmoe on LinkedIn, to be similar in liability for the entity. Particularly if the misleading information forms a pattern repeated elsewhere. Say the FDA were to make an exemption for individual social media accounts, then what would happen? Obviously, clinical studies are the best and only option to make informed decisions. Period. However, casual discussion between professionals over the best choice of equipment also has its value. Especially when there are few clinical studies of comparative analysis. Professional discussion made publicly available online, could in theory: Enable surgeons to know more potential issues that a device may have, instead of possibly encountering the situation themselves on a patient --> More informed, productive, patient first discussions with challenging but necessary objections for reps pushing emerging technology ----> Decisional peace of mind for early adopters and innovative surgeons ------> Accelerating the healthcare adoption curve --------> Lowering the startup barrier to entry ----------> Increasing the rate of innovation ------------> More and better devices, drugs, solutions, etc... ---------------> Better outcomes But as with every legislative decision, there's always an unintended negative effect. What do you think it could it be? Would it be significant enough to outweigh the possible benefits? Link for the study below (https://lnkd.in/gn8ZxAE4)

9

2 Comments

What are Design Outputs? 💡 In MedTech, Design Outputs are the blueprint of the device. They're the end result of the Design Inputs – after engineering has turned all of those inputs into a functioning device complete with assembly drawing, you have Design Outputs. In this short video, Etienne Nichols discuses the differences nad shares a few examples of design outputs and inputs. Was this helpful for you? Let us know in the chat, and if you got any questions leave a comment. #designoutputs #designinputs #productdevelopment #engineering #videos #greenlightguru #medtech #medicaldevices

14

1 Comment

Primary isolated PCL reconstruction with suture tape augmentation provides better posterior stability than without suture tape augmentation at a minimum of 2 years’ follow-up. #PCLReconstruction #SutureTapeAugmentation

60

#Neurotech startup Motif Neurotech receives industry validation for their miniature bioelectronic device 🧠 💪 Rice University Professor Jacob Robinson and his team at Motif Neurotech have made significant strides in the fight against treatment-resistant depression. They've developed the Digitally programmable Over-brain Therapeutic (DOT), a wireless device designed to provide neuromodulation for psychiatric conditions like depression, OCD, and PTSD. What sets DOT apart is its size – just 9 millimetres wide – making it easily implantable while still delivering powerful electrical stimulation to the brain through the dura (the membrane that protects the brain and spinal cord). The innovation could offer an alternative to traditional treatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). A recent publication showcases successful implantation and stable performance in both human and animal subjects. CEO of Motif Jacob Robinson said: “It overcomes challenges by using a battery-free and wireless approach to create an implant that can deliver precise and programmable stimulation to the brain, without brain surgery,” #DBS #medicaldevice

108

3D Printed Medical Devices ? A recent study by Additive Manufacturing Research predicts the 3D printed medical device market will explode to $16.5 billion by 2034, with a growth rate of 12% annually. Reasons it could be a game changer ... Custom prosthetics that perfectly match a patient's needs. Custom built limbs allow us to consider prosthetics as an extension to the human body instead of replacements. The cost of developing new medical devices could plummet Think bionic ears and 3D-printed organs... 3D printing is pushing the boundaries of medical innovation, with exciting possibilities on the horizon. Prosthetics, audiology, and dentistry are just the beginning. What are your thoughts on 3D printing? #3Dprinting #healthcare #medicaldevices #futureofmedicine #personalizedmedicine

16

1 Comment