Medtronic, M4 Microdebrider

CONTROL: Metaphase set a new industry standard in ergonomic surgical instrument design with Medtronic’s “M4″ Microdebrider for ENT surgeons who operate in twisted sinuses under remote visual guidance. This breakthrough design has given surgeons what they asked for resulting in a sales increase of 243% in the first 60 days from launch. The “M4″ is an award winning design that has redefined the state-of-the-art in ergonomic surgical hand piece design. The “M4′s” patented elastomeric grip provides perfect biomechanical control of the instrument throughout all orientations of usage. The rubberized grip is also fused to the machined hand piece to allow for unlimited sterilizations. An index finger finger-tip control allows the surgeon to orient the surgical cutting window on the fly making procedures faster and more comfortable.

MEDTRONIC, Electronic Bone Mill System

GRIND: Medtronic’s Electric Bone Mill System is a fast method for controlled and precise bone morselization. The Electric Bone Mill System was developed to function as part of the IPC Power Console System or as a standalone device when used in combination with pneumatic tool sets. The compact and stable design easily fits onto the sterile back table of any operating room, with minimal footprint. The autoclaveable base and disposable bowl are designed for easy graft transfer and additions.

MEDTRONIC, IPC Power Console System

INTUITIVE: Surgeons and nurses have stressful, high-speed jobs that require precision and efficacy. The IPC Power Console System addresses these issues by combining the interfaces for multiple handpieces into one intuitive solution. The organic form is as welcoming and interesting as it is pure. Each handpiece plug is organized by color for clear delineation between ports. The ports are recessed to ensure protection from inadvertent bumps. The handle that tops the system allows for a variety of grip postures and configurations, from hanging the console on an IV pole to carrying it between ORs. The finished product is an uncluttered, intuitive and inviting solution inspired by the needs of surgeons and nurses in the field.

Tyco Healthcare, Fluid Warmer

VITAL: International observational research and in-depth ergonomic analysis drove the development of this system for warming I.V. fluids to maintain a patient’s core body temperature. The tubing clamps are designed for single-handed operation by hands of all sizes. Color-coded parts facilitate correct usage, even during emergencies. As a whole, looking more like jewelry than typical hospital equipment, the I.V. fluid warmer brings Metaphase’s concept of “The Dignity Factor”TM to OR’s, ER’s, and Trauma Wards.

Tyco Healthcare, Fas-Temp

COOL: Based on in-hospital design and ergonomic research, Metaphase’s team of experts helped define the optimal thermometry system for caregivers. The Filac “FasTemp” from Tyco Healthcare incorporates some of the advanced features of a PDA into a user friendly hand-held device. The “FasTemp” fits perfectly into the hand of a hospital healthcare professional, leaving the other hand free to perform the temperature operation. All buttons are within a thumb’s reach and the display couldn’t be easier to understand with graphical instructions to eliminate language barriers. The single button, single handed disposable sheath release makes it possible for all actions of the “FasTemp” to be achieved without cross-contamination or ever setting it down.

Refractive Technologies, Steritome

CLARITY: The Metaphase team conducted intensive ergonomic and design research to create Refractive Technologies breakthrough “Steritome”, a flap maker for Lasik surgery. This is the first disposable microkeratome system that offers quick and intuitive connect/disconnect features with an ergonomic grip that enhances control and precision. The primary grip zone accommodates a wide variety of surgical grip styles while optimizing delicate control. The surgeon has clear visual access to the instrument head to cut the perfect flap. The quick release utility umbilicus facilitates quick set-ups & change-outs between procedures.

Reichert, Tono-Pen Avia

VISIONARY: If you are trying to ensure precision, comfort, and accuracy while pressing a handheld instrument to a person’s cornea, what’s the best way to do it? That’s the question Metaphase’s team of experts asked when presented with the challenge of designing the next generation device used to measure intraocular pressure. Through extensive observational research and ergonomic testing, the Tono-Pen Avia Applanation Tonometer was designed by Metaphase for Medtronic, and later sold to Reichert. The Tono-Pen Avia increases operator stability and minimizes tremor with balanced weight distribution and a handle design optimized for virtually all hand sizes. The grip architecture promotes correct thumb and forefinger placement for comfortable and effective usage. The large, easy-to-read LCDs are positioned on each side of the device to allow both left- and right-handed users to view the readings. It’s a vision to be seen…and used!

Medtronic, NIM Probe

TOUCH: The need for touch is never more demanding than when probing for electrical currents during spinal surgery using Nerve Integrity Monitoring (NIM). Metaphase experts worked with Medtronic to design its new ergonomic NIM Probe, which is the first ever to offer high-touch quality and ergonomics in a disposable format. The fingertip push-pull toggle switch gives surgeons expert control over the probe’s functions. The hand piece is weighted to balance in the surgeon’s hand for stress free operation and comfort during tight controlled insertions, sensing and probing.

IV House, Intravenous Site Protector

CARING: Metaphase has created a new standard of bedside care with their breakthrough “UltraDressing”, a tape-free way to ensure a safe, more humane IV insertion. From a small child, to an elderly adult, “UltraDressing” eliminates patient anxiety and trauma, and costs only $5 a piece. As the “UltraDressing” eliminates the cost of IV restarts, health care providers will experience an annual net savings of $675 per bed. The “UltraDressing” maximizes dwell time, minimizes painful restarts, and eliminates the need for exposed looping and restraints all while permitting continuous access and giving the patient peace of mind and assured comfort. The “UltraDressing” comes in four sizes, fits both left and right hands, and uses delicate Velcro closures to ensure a perfect fit.

Bayer, Micropipette

EXACT: The ergonomic design of this micropipette allows technicians, nurses and researchers to quickly and precisely secure, then apply blood samples reliably without splatter. The ergonomic thumbwheel enables precise withdrawal and deposition of a 15 ml blood sample. The teardrop-shaped main body provides a non-slip grip when cradled in the palm of the hand, while the thumb is engaged on the wheel for control.

Bayer, Status

ACCURACY: Based on extensive international research, Metaphase experts worked with Bayer to design the most powerful, low-cost immunoassay instrument for clinical settings. The “Clinitek Status” brings laboratory testing to the clinic office at a fraction of the price and time, allowing doctors to provide nearly instant test results to patients within the same office visit. The large, easy-to-read UI is intuitive and designed to simplify normal operation and set-up. The heart of any instrument is the disposable test strip – the high volume economic engine. The test device was designed to be easily placed and removed from the test stage without contamination.

Bausch and Lomb, Hand Tool/Foot Controller

FLAWLESS: The new “Millennium II” titanium hand tool and foot controller sets new standards for control and ergonomics. The designs are based on extensive in-surgery task analysis and observational research conducted by Metaphase’s team of experts. The utility connectors are designed to minimize torque and pull on the surgeon’s hand, effectively optimizing control and minimizing stress & strain. The shape of the primary grip and its location along the shaft are deliberate and provide high-level grip security for the surgeon’s gloved hand. The foot controller design is all ergonomics with buttons differentiated through size, shape & location to allow the surgeon to quickly and accurately select the desired hand tool mode.

Alcon Labs, Keratometer/Lensometer

PRECISION: The Alcon Labs’ keratometer, lensometer and printer offer the first major ophthalmology innovation in decades. The texture and color of the controls suggest where and also how to touch. The iconographic labeling scheme and LCD interface provides a rapid learning curve, regardless of language barriers. Clinicians and patients never had it so easy. The weight and balance of the first ever handheld Keratometer provides for easy alignment to the patient’s eye, while the single-handed thumb interface leaves the clinician’s second hand free for positioning the patient.