When it comes to concepts for new medical devices, design can be the deciding factor in whether a device will fulfil its potential. A product that is time-consuming or fiddly for patients and medical professionals to use will never fully support healing, even if driven by the most cutting-edge technology. Hospital’s busy wards and patient’s busy lives must sit within the initial blueprint of a product to make it a success.
The Red Dot Awards celebrate ground-breaking innovation and intuitive design in products all the way from prototypes to Ready To Market launches. We were delighted that RENASYS EDGE walked away with the top award in the Medical and Technology category, thanks to its realization of negative-pressure wound therapy housed in a patient-friendly design.
It is estimated that the annual financial burden of chronic wounds in the US is $33 billion,1 and affecting some 8.2 million people.2,3 Chronic wounds, including ulcers, have a huge impact on a patient’s life beyond just the pain and discomfort, with 68% often becoming self-conscious of their wound and many becoming isolated.4 The need to carry a bulky, noisy medical device that draws attention to their condition only increases this discomfort.
The design of EDGE drives towards a solution that meets the needs of patient, clinician and operator. A clean, fresh looking industrial design gives the device a friendly and unintimidating appearance, with screen animations to help the patient and clinician troubleshoot, should problems arise. As well as a built-in carry handle and stable table-top placement for portability, discretion for patients is ensured by the quiet pumping system, concealed exudate canister and carbon odor filter.
Function is paramount in medical devices, but style and design are far more than buzzwords to boost sales. They are integral to accelerating patient healing and supporting healthcare professionals to achieve results on busy wards.
References
1. Rice JB, Desai U, Cummings AK, Birnbaum HG, Skornicki M, Parsons NB. Burden of diabetic foot ulcers for Medicare and private insurers. Diabetes Care. 2014 Mar;37(3):651-8. Numbers are rounded where appropriate.
2. Based on Medicare beneficiaries
3. Sen CK. Human wounds and its burden: An updated compendium of estimates. Advances in Wound Care, 2019; 8(2):39-48.
4. Phillips T, StantonB, Provan A, Lew R. A study of the impact of leg ulcers on quality of life: financial, social, and psychologic implications. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1994;31(1):49–53Smith and Nephew 2022. RENASYS EDGE System Human Factors Summative Report Summary. Internal Report. CSD.AWM.22.071.
2. Based on Medicare beneficiaries
3. Sen CK. Human wounds and its burden: An updated compendium of estimates. Advances in Wound Care, 2019; 8(2):39-48.
4. Phillips T, StantonB, Provan A, Lew R. A study of the impact of leg ulcers on quality of life: financial, social, and psychologic implications. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1994;31(1):49–53Smith and Nephew 2022. RENASYS EDGE System Human Factors Summative Report Summary. Internal Report. CSD.AWM.22.071.