At Kickr Design, our engineers tackle some of the most complex challenges in the biomedical field. We recently sat down with Jacob Thompson, one of our talented biomedical engineers, to learn more about the cutting-edge medical device projects he’s worked on and get his insights on what it takes to succeed in this fast-evolving industry. From solving intricate engineering problems to keeping up with the latest innovations, Jacob shares his experiences and advice for anyone looking to make a mark in medical device development.
1. Can you tell us about some of the most interesting or challenging medical device projects you’ve worked on at Kickr Design?
One standout project was with Coolspine, a company aiming to reduce the risk of paralysis during surgeries by cooling the spinal cord. We started with their trilumen catheter design, which needed to be small enough to fit into the spinal canal, but robust enough to circulate chilled saline without bursting. We designed a custom prototype that included a servo pump, heat exchangers, and monitoring sensors. To make sure it worked, we developed custom software to control the system and visualize the data in real-time. The complexity of balancing size, heat transfer, and pressure made this project both fascinating and challenging.
2. How does Kickr Design’s custom development approach benefit medical device clients?
At Kickr Design, we combine our decades of medical product experience to create flexible development plans tailored to each client’s unique goals. We address technical risks early on by focusing on prototyping and experimentation. This collaborative and agile approach ensures we deliver the best solutions for our clients’ specific needs, especially when they are developing novel medical devices.
3. What advice would you give if you were starting a medical product company?
My advice would be to thoroughly understand both user and market needs. A solid understanding leads to developing the “right product” and ensures the design is executed properly. Also, make sure to have a strong business plan, plan resources early, and surround yourself with experienced people who can help you bring your vision to life.
4. What common mistakes should small businesses avoid when entering the medical device market?
One big mistake is not spending enough time understanding the market and the pain points from all angles. Also, navigating the FDA’s medical device regulations can be tough, but having an experienced regulatory expert early on helps. They can guide you through the process and develop a regulatory strategy that maximizes efficiency and value.
5. What key factors do you consider when developing FDA-compliant medical devices?
Quality management is crucial. Having a tailored quality system in place ensures the device meets safety and regulatory standards. We also aim for designs that are “fail-safe,” like interlocks in medical equipment, ensuring safety in critical applications.
6. What do you enjoy most about collaborating with clients?
The collaboration process is a real thrill. I love diving into technical problems and brainstorming solutions with our talented team and passionate clients. It’s exciting to work together toward creating something impactful.
7. What trends or innovations in biomedical engineering are you excited about?
I’m particularly excited about point-of-care and at-home diagnostic devices, which are becoming smaller, smarter, and less invasive. The integration of wearable biosensors and machine learning for early disease detection is especially exciting, as it combines multiple disciplines to create impactful solutions.
For more information on Jacob Thompson and his work, please visit his bio here.
To learn more about Kickr Design’s medical device development services, visit our page here.