SURGUIDE
9 Months - Graduate Design Engineer
SurGuide develops an inspection tool that can differentiate cancer from healthy tissue.
In close cooperation with the Erasmus University Medical Centre, SurGuide aims to improve the results of oral cancer surgery.
For my graduation project, I made a design proposal for this product, a medical tool for rapid assessment of the surgical margin in tumor resection specimen, which provides surgeons with information that facilitates complete tumor removal.
RESEARCH
The tool should determine the distance between the resection surface and the tumor border in a resected specimen.
In the first phase it is analysed what is according to surgeons and pathologist a functional and user-friendly tool for this purpose. Types of specimens, the accuracy needed for a good functioning instrument and the existing prototype are studied. Also, the surgical margin procedure, the use and the user specifications are outlined. All these analyses resulted in a set of design requirements.
CONCEPT
By means of creative methods, like creative sessions, drawings and foam models, many ideas have been generated. Concepts have been proposed to the potential users, the project team and some technical experts.
TEST CONCEPT
The selected concept is thoroughly evaluated on its functionality and usability. Proper functioning of the concept has been tested by shaping of foam models and testing the potential selected components. Also, factors which may influence the accuracy of the needle like the tissue deformation and the surface tensions are investigated. Tests with potential users focussing on the usage of the product are conducted to improve the use of the concept.
ENGENEERING
Taken the concept one step further by looking at the manufacturability, maintenanability and appearance of the concept.
DESIGN PROPOSAL
The insights of all the experiments lead to the final design proposal for SurGuide. To advise for the further development, the main risks are listed by the use of a FMEA and a strategic consideration is explained by the use of a design roadmap.
