Smith and Nephew CDS System

Innovative Solution for Disc Repair

Problem

Clinicians previously relied solely on patient feedback during spinal disc procedures, leading to inconsistent results and a high risk of injury. Smith & Nephew needed a solution to have a controlled and reliable fluid delivery system that provided real-time disc pressure data, ensuring safer, more reliable outcomes.

Solution

We developed the Smith & Nephew CDS System, automating fluid delivery while providing real-time disc pressure monitoring. This groundbreaking system reduces risks, improves efficiency, and ensures consistent, data-driven results.

An affordable, low-cost disposable syringe design was engineered with a pressure sensor integrated into the plunger. The plunger shaft had an overmolded lead frame that lowered cost by eliminating the need to hand wire the sensor to the proximal end of the plunger.

The untethered autoclavable remote enabled the physician to position him or herself in a location where they were close to the patient as well as see the multiple monitors required to perform the procedure, thus enhancing visibility, safety and reliability, revolutionizing disc repair procedures. With predetermined parameters the physicians were able to target pressures and volumes simultaneously.

Outcome

This system was designed to be an affordable, low-cost disposable design to allow the company to maximize market adoption. We developed a unique, autoclavable remote that is both safe and reliable. This system revolutionized disc repair procedures.

Services Provided to Develop Smith and Nephew CDS System

Research

  • Collaborated with the team to document challenges experienced by end users and understand the requirements for a successful system.

  • Analyzed failures in current procedures and ensured that we captured critical needs.

Usability

  • Observed live procedures to ensure clinical workflow and needs of physicians and care team were fully understood. 

Workflow Optimization

  • Mapped the full surgical procedure to pinpoint failure points.

  • Streamlined workflow to reduce complexity and enhance efficiency.

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

Industrial Design

  • As part of our industrial design services, we sketched initial concepts and built CAD models.

  • Selected designs based on human factors, environmental needs, and product workflow.

  • Developed graphics, color material finish and branding.

  • Final designs balanced form, fit, and function.

User Interface Design

  • Worked on touchscreen interface to simplify navigation and provide easy access to relevant information.

  • Worked with software development to verify the interface was suitable for multiple languages.

Engineering

  • Selected a mechanism that maintained a compact form factor while ensuring full functionality.

  • Created a remote that was detailed but had the ability to be autoclaved.

CAD Development

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

Prototyping

  • Within our prototyping services, we developed a testing device that simulated the experience so that we could validate devices.

Intellectual Property

  • Assisted with securing IP.