Medezine

Medecast and Medecut - cast removal and autopsy saw systems development

Background

Medezine aimed to add value to its successful business in surgical, autopsy and orthopaedic cast room device distribution by developing a range of saws.

Objectives included:

• Unique single format for autopsy and cast removal applications.

• Market leading ergonomics with minimal noise, dust and vibration.

• Extreme robustness and resistance to harsh chemical ingress.

• Instant brand recognition to inspire user confidence.

• Precision component manufacturing sourcing and development liaison.

• Support for regulatory compliance in international markets.

Discovery

To understand human protocol and technical challenges, our designers met and with morticians, cast room technicians, patients, carers, and Medezine’s service and marketing team. 

Mapping product interactions and lifecycle and considering the competitive context, we prioritised opportunities to add value from product build through dispatch, use, servicing, and end-of-life.

Design

Rationalising potential component layouts, Lucid’s team balanced engineering a user’s day–to–day interactions with manufacturing , assembly, and service considerations. 

Vacuum units were evaluated, control electronics developed and optimised.

Working through options with sketch visuals, 3D CAD, block model and working prototypes we engaged stakeholders in providing valuable feedback, developing a clean, clinical aesthetic. 

Design for EMC, ingress and structural test requirements was optimised concurrent with noise and vibration from drive mechanisms and blades subcontractors in the UK and Far-East early and throughout the design process.

Results

Usability

Human factors engineering includes design for simple treatment interactions and safe, intuitive build and service access.

Brand impact

Consistent brand cues are applied across the range.

Regulatory

ISO 14971 risk-management and ISO 60601 medical electrical safety principles and consideration of the EU Machinery Directive were applied throughout development.

Sustainability

Good power and thermal management optimises energy use.

Manufacturability

Modular design of independent sub-assemblies enables efficient, low-volume batch build, test and servicing.