NP Medical’s nCompass IV Catheter

Improving Stability and Ease of Use at the Point of Care

Problem

Traditional IV catheter systems involve multiple components and steps, leading to time-consuming insertions, unstable dressings, and tubing prone to kinking, putting patient comfort and caregiver efficiency at risk.

Solution

HaA PD observed clinical use and redesigned a solution to streamline insertion and stabilization. We introduced a larger securement surface and a 180-degree fluid pathway to reduce kinking and improve fitment. 

Outcome

The resulting nCompass design simplified workflow and delivered greater reliability, and improved patient comfort aligning with NP Medical’s mission of smarter, safer care.

Services Provided to Develop NP Medical’s nCompass IV Catheter

Research

  • HaA conducted market research through an alignment exercise that uncovered many questions related to the product, procedure, and the sources of information within the company. This helped to focus the team on what answers were needed and where those answers would be obtained. 

  • Analyzed what was leading to time-consuming insertions, unstable dressings, and tubing prone to kinking.

Usability

  • Identified Issues and concerns from standard options to ensure the new catheter would address the challenges of current issues.

  • Multiple usability feedback sessions were conducted to ensure the catheter solved the current problems with standard IV catheters.

Workflow Optimization

  • Mapped the procedure to pinpoint failure points.

  • Streamlined workflow to reduce complexity and enhance efficiency, improve patient comfort.

Program Management

  • Based on experience and simple math, we were capable of estimating part cost at the onset of the project allowing for proper budgetary planning.

  • Developed a detailed summary of the project, including milestones, product cost targets, pre-engineering tooling costs, and estimated testing costs.

  • Engaged with partner vendors early to ensure realistic, real-world cost projections.

Project Management

  • Managed the project timeline from start to finish, assigning roles and responsibilities of both internal and external resources.

Regulatory Compliance

  • Operated within the company’s Quality Management System (QMS).

  • Supported and provided regulatory documentation and work instruction development.

Industrial Design

  • Sketched initial concepts and built CAD models.

  • Ensured design met human factors, environmental needs, and product workflow requirements.

  • Final designs balanced form, fit, and function.

Engineering

  • The HaA engineering team designed a device that addressed the issues of previously available IV catheters and worked closely with high capability contract manufacturers to make sure the device could be made repeatedly and within specifications.

CAD Development

  • Developed detailed 3D CAD models based on final product specifications.

Prototyping

  • As part of our prototyping services, we built fully functional units for animal trials and testing.

  • HaA prototyped parts using various methods. The team worked closely with the final component suppliers to make sure prototype designs were easily transferable to manufacturing. 

Manufacturing Support

Identified appropriate laser cutting, extrusion, catheter assembly, and injection molding manufacturers for scalable production.