Five-Minute Pitch Competition

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

Bio: 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

Safe intraosseous (IO) needles are paramount to pediatric critical care, but the current standard of needle devices have major problems. These problems, which include extravasation and dislocation during transport, were analyzed and identified via a literature search. A large-scale 3D radiology measurement study was then conducted to analyze the current IO needle measurements and to identify a safer needle length. Using this data, a new IO needle was designed and prototyped to be safer and more user-friendly. This needle was then tested in a pediatric tibia training bone. In the future, this needle will be tested in cadavers to complete validation of the device.

Presenting Author: Anuk Dias
Student, Bakken Medical Devices Center
University of Minnesota

Bio: Anuk Dias is a junior at the University of Minnesota majoring in Computer Science and Psychology. He is a researcher studying topics in device innovation, computational neuroscience, and psychology. Anuk is passionate about working with technology to solve medical problems and make a positive impact.

Co-authors: Dilshan Rajan, Shaliny Jadhav, Cassiano Santiago Crespo, Gwenyth Fischer, Jeffrey Ames, and Michael Murati

Phantom limb pain (PLP) after amputation is commonly experienced and can impact quality of life.[1] Management of PLP is challenging with few effective treatment options. One non-drug intervention is graded motor imagery (GMI) that includes 3-phases (i.e., limb laterality, motor imagery, and mirror therapy). Although clinicians report patient benefit from use of GMI, barriers exist to supporting at-home use of the intervention. This report focuses on refining a mobile app (VA-GMI) through serial cognitive interviews with 12 Veterans with transtibial amputation and PLP. Following each round of interviews, we summarized the major points to guide iterative changes in the mobile app. Our first round of interviews suggested that the Veterans find the VA-GMI app acceptable, but Veterans endorsed the need for added instructions. Concurrent with these enhancements, we worked to optimize the motor imagery and mirror therapy phases. We then invited Veterans to try the new version and repeated the process. Our second round of interviews suggested the need for additional education to support Veteran understanding of pain rehabilitation. This report describes the development and testing work to date using human centered design considerations. We anticipate we will reach consensus on the VA-GMI mobile app within the next iteration.  

Presenting Author: Tonya Rich
Research Occupational Therapist
Minneapolis VA Health Care System

Assistant Professor
University of Minnesota

Bio: Dr. Rich is a research occupational therapist specializing in complex post-amputation pain at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. Consistent with her OT training, her research focuses on pain and how it impacts Veteran’s abilities to participate in desired activities and roles in life. Core to her approach, is a commitment to active collaboration between research and her fellow clinicians. Tonya is an Assistant Professor of Rehabilitation Science at the University of Minnesota.

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

The health of the gut microbiome has been linked to various other health conditions including inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, hypertension, and coronary artery disease. Yet due to difficulties in maintaining anaerobic conditions during sampling, there is a significant knowledge gap in the strength of these relationships and the prescribing of treatments and therapies. Exploiting the relationship between gut pH and microbiome health facilitated by the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), a pH capsule originally designed for gastric reflux was repurposed and validated for use in this application, potentially enabling long-term, continuous monitoring of gut microbiota health.

Presenting Author: James Hill
Undergraduate, Mechanical Engineering
Brigham Young University

Bio: James Hill is a Senior at Brigham Young University, graduating a week before the conference with a BS in mechanical Engineering. Working with Dr. Benjamin Terry, his research focuses on treating and diagnosing conditions of the gut using ingestible technologies. He has a strong passion for making a positive impact through innovation and invention.

Co-authors: Euan Miller, and Benjamin Terry

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

Bio: 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

Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where effective screening has been challenging due to resource constraints. In high-income countries, methods such as pap smears and human papillomavirus DNA tests have proven effective. Visual inspection with acetic acid has been employed in low-income settings as an alternative. However, high costs, reliance on subjective interpretation, and the discomfort women experience due to the use of a speculum to visualise the cervix during these tests hinder widespread adoption in LMICs. This research aimed to develop a speculum-free digital cervical cancer screening device, the CerviScreen, to enhance VIA's diagnostic accuracy and usability. The device, comprising five subsystems—housing, visualization, liquid application, dilation, and decontamination—was designed using rapid prototyping principles. It provides a less invasive screening procedure, offering real-time video, controllable lighting, and acetic acid application for diagnosis. Verification testing aligned with ISO 8600 standards and included risk assessment to mitigate usability and functionality concerns. Although the study acknowledged design limitations, the CerviScreen showed promising diagnostic accuracy and usability. Further testing on human patients is necessary to confirm its efficacy. Based on the study feedback, refinements will be made to optimize the device.

Presenting Author: Sudesh Sivarasu, PhD
Professor, Biomedical Engineering Division
University of Cape Town

Bio: Prof. Sudesh Sivarasu holds the DSI/NRF SARChI South African Research Chair in Biomedical Engineering Innovation and is Director of UCT's Biomedical Engineering Research Centre and Head of Biomedical Engineering. His research focuses on medical device innovation, which is based on unmet clinical needs. As UCT's most prolific inventor, he has 67 patent applications (27 granted) across multiple countries. His innovations have led to five UCT spin-off companies and numerous award-winning health technologies, including reScribe, Laxmeter, and ZiBiPen. Prof. Sivarasu maintains international connections as an adjunct professor at Northwestern University, USA, MAHE- India and Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Italy. His research on appropriate health technologies for low-resource settings has produced over 100 peer-reviewed journal & Conference articles, a book on medical device innovation and earned prestigious accolades including the UCT Deputy Vice-Chancellor's Award for Innovation. Prof. Sivarasu has successfully supervised 62 students to completion and currently guides 18 more, while his work has garnered 16 MedTech awards across four continents.

Co-authors: Lehan Hefer, Chibuike Mbanefo and Rakiya Saidu

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
Medical Device Intern
Mechanical Engineering Student
University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Bio: 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