Comfort, Precision, Confidence
Imagine inserting a needle into a 1 cm target and if unsuccessful,
that patient could die! This is the situation doctors face everyday
performing ultrasound guided injections. The difficult procedure is
further aggravated because equipment available to doctors is badly
designed, counter-intuitive, ergonomically unsound and does not allow
procedures to be performed by a single doctor.
A new ultrasound probe with an intuitive needle-guide system is the
solution. The probe prevents wrist strain and allows user comfort
during scanning. The needle guidance system offers different angles
for specific procedures, easy single-user operation allowing quick
insertion of the needle into the patient. Sterility is guaranteed via
the disposable nature of the guide.
The Doctor comfortably scans the patient using the ultrasound probe
whilst referring to the ultrasound monitor. The target is centered
on the monitor corresponding to the center line on the probe. The guide
is easily altered to the appropriate angle for the target anatomy.
The Doctor slides the needle down the guide into the patient, confident
that the target will be accurately entered.
In the future I would like to be designing within the following arenas:
medical products, products and systems for developing countries, and
renewable energy. I feel that these areas offer the challenge of applying
engineering design to difficult environments, whilst also requiring
crucial user consideration. I feel I could bring my enthusiasm and drive
to these interesting fields of opportunity.
