Dr. Paul Depauw, a neurosurgeon specialised in skull base surgery and spine surgery, reached out to Voxdale to develop products to move and position patients under anesthesia in the operating room (OR).
The goal was to create certified products that allow the optimal positioning or moving of patients, using the compressed medical-air system that is always available inside the OR with special attention to ease of use, hygiene and reduction of physical labour.
Approach
Starting with Dr. Depauw’s clear requirements of using compressed air and inflatables, Voxdale took charge of the full product development. In the first stage, Voxdale conducted a thorough research of the possible materials and methods we could use to position the patients. After the construction of several models, as a proof of concept, we started the search for suppliers and toolmakers for the prototypes. These prototypes were then used for the verification and validation in the CE-certification process. The design transfer became the final major tasks for the Voxdale crew.
Alongside the process of product development, Voxdale supported Dr. Depauw in the product’s IP creation and management. Voxdale helped to create and file the application for CE-certification (received in 2019) and advice in receiving the right funding for these innovative new products.
The result
Ergotrics launched its first products in 2019: the IPS (Inflatable Prone Support), the IBO (Inflatable Board) and the Hummingbird (a specially designed reusable air pistol for applications in the medical world). Today the products are being used in many European hospitals. The next generation of products are being prepared…
During the Covid-19 pandemic, a new Ergotrics product has been released and distributed. This time for ventilating Corona patients in prone position, read more here.
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Image courtesy of Ergotrics NV