Five-Minute Pitch Competition

Authors: Dilshan Rajan, Anuk Dias, Shaliny Jadhav, Cassiano Santiago Crespo, Gwenyth Fischer, Jeffrey Ames, and Michael Murati

Authors: James Hill, Euan Miller, and Benjamin Terry

Resecting intraventricular brain tumours via a traditional surgical approach is a highly invasive procedure, with reported morbidity rates of up to 70%. To improve patient outcomes, an endoscopic approach has been developed wherein a motorized tissue shaver device is used to fragment and remove the tumour via the endoscope working channel. However, existing shavers cannot be used on tumours that are vascularized as unmanageable levels of bleeding are encountered during tissue fragmentation. This drastically limits the proportion of tumour cases that can be treated endoscopically. To address this problem, we created a novel tissue shaver mechanism that simultaneous cauterizes tissue as it is fragmented. The design was developed through extensive finite element modelling and then evaluated via a series of experiments on ex vivo tissue.  Testing found that the new device could successfully cauterize brain tissue to the depths necessary for hemostasis without causing thermal injury to surrounding brain structures. Moreover, the mass of tissue removed per resection cycle was consistent with that of existing neurosurgery shavers. In all, this work represents a strong first step towards the creation of an endoscopic tissue shaver that can safely and effectively resect vascularized intraventricular tumours. In vivo tests will now follow with the aim of eventual clinical translation.

Presenting Author

Matteo Bomben, BASc
PhD Candidate
Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
University of Toronto

Matteo is a PhD candidate at the University of Toronto, where he studies mechanical engineering under the supervision of Prof. James Drake and Prof. Naomi Matsuura. His research, which is part of a collaboration between the university and SickKids Hospital, is centered on the development of robotic and manually operated neurosurgical instruments. As part of this work, Matteo is designing a new suite of minimally invasive devices that aim to improve brain tumour resection surgery by increasing the surgeon’s range-of-motion and reducing intraoperative bleeding. Prior to starting his PhD, Matteo received a bachelor’s degree in engineering science from the University of Toronto. During his studies, he majored in biomedical systems engineering and conducted research on the development of MRI scanner calibration methods that can facilitate advanced vascular imaging protocols.

Co-authors: Thomas Looi, Naomi Matsuura and James Drake

Traditional ECG electrodes often detach during stress tests due to sweat and body movement, leading to compromised signal quality, patient discomfort, and increased test times. Our ECG device addresses these issues with an active suction system inspired by octopus tentacles. We aimed to design an array of biocompatible suction cups that surround a metal electrode and are attached to a vacuum chamber. The vacuum chamber is connected to an adjustable suction system allowing this device to meet different patient needs without causing discomfort or damage to the skin. With strong clinical potential, this technology offers a commercially viable solution for more accurate and patient-friendly ECG monitoring.

Presenting Author

Farjana Ferdous Bhuiyan
Student, Biomedical Engineering
The University of Texas at Arlington

Farjana is an Undergraduate Senior at The University of Texas at Arlington majoring in Biomedical Engineering and also pursuing her pre-medical studies. With strong enthusiasm in the medical field, she is passionate about the healthcare industry and is committed to solving challenges by developing devices that would positively impact patient care. 

Co-authors: Madilyn Nee and Oguz Yetkin

Authors: Sudesh Sivarasu, Lehan Hefer, Chibuike Mbanefo and Rakiya Saidu

Presenting Author: Tonya Rich, Minneapolis VA Health Care System

Co-authors: Andrew Hansen, Katharyn Cristan, Timothy Truty, and Princess Ackland

Presenting Author: Matthew Jungmann

Co-authors: Donald Bowen, Mary McDougall, Duncan Maitland and Daniel Alge

This presentation presents the design of a novel ambulation support device aimed at enhancing post-surgical rehabilitation in home settings. Motivated by the limitations of current ambulation devices, including their bulkiness, reliance on external structures, and high costs, the proposed device is designed to be lightweight, foldable, and free-standing. Initial design concepts were developed through stakeholder interviews, identifying key challenges such as patient motivation, ease of use, and the need for structural adaptability. A prototype was developed, demonstrating strengths like full-body support while revealing challenges with attachment and mobility. The final design offers a practical, cost-effective home solution, addressing key rehabilitation challenges and enhancing patient compliance.

Presenting Author

Zachary McWilliams (Presenting Author)
Medical Device Intern
Mechanical Engineering Student
University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Zach McWilliams is a junior at UNL who is majoring in Mechanical Engineering and minoring in Robotics. Zach is working as a Medical Device Design Thinking Intern for UNL Mechanical Engineering Department and UNMC. As a Medical Device Design Thinking Intern, Zach works in interdisciplinary teams to develop novel solutions for problems within the medical industry including robotic ultrasound technology and rehabilitation technology.

Co-Authors: Carl Nelson, Yucheng Li and Tyler Scherr