On behalf of: Designer & Workshop Lead
Island Health’s Innovation Team has helped physicians develop a new tool for a pediatric tracheostomy, an uncommon but potentially lifesaving procedure on infants. These tools have been created in a cost effective and efficient way thanks to support from our industrial designers and the use of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) modeling and 3D printing.
This project was submitted via the Clinical Governance intake portal, which helps us move projects forward by connecting people to the right teams, resources and technology. When Dr. Andrew Guy and Dr. Jeff Bishop reached out and explained the challenge they were facing, the request was assigned to Innovation Consultant Jennie Murray, an industrial designer with global experience across industries like electronics, vehicles and medical devices.
The physicians were hoping to develop a 3D-printed model of a pediatric trachea and larynx used to practise pediatric tracheostomy procedures which is a surgical procedure (tracheotomy) that creates an opening, or stoma, in a child's neck and windpipe to insert a breathing tube. A critical emergency in children where providers cannot maintain adequate oxygenation or ventilation despite attempts at airway management are rare but represent a life-and-death scenario, and existing adult models are too large and not appropriate for pediatric tracheostomy training.
After consulting with the physicians, Jennie began developing a tool for providers to train with. Keen to have as accurate a representation as possible, she searched public databases for 3D assets of pediatric larynx models. When none were suitable, Simulation Operations Specialist Jack Sjostrom shared recommendations on where else to look. With his help, a reference model was found that could be used as an anatomically correct guide, highlighting how the Innovation Team’s network across the health authority strengthens projects.
Organic forms are more challenging to model accurately, so Jennie was glad to have a reliable reference. Reviewing the model from front, side and plan views, it gradually took shape. To validate structural integrity, she loaded the design into 3D slicing software, adjusted print settings and produced the first prototype on a flexible material, which was immediately successful.
Jennie was fantastic to work with from beginning to end. She quickly helped us identify our needs and goals, and helped to develop a framework for the 3D printed pediatric trachea model,” says Dr. Guy. “She then took our ideas and created the model quickly, and we had a working prototype perfect for our purposes. We’re now using it to train providers on surgical approaches to pediatric Emergency front-of-neck access (eFONA) at an upcoming pediatric simulation course.”
The Innovation Team at Island Health exists to support people across our organization, community and beyond. Innovation Consultants on our team sit on CARE Networks and Local Level Committees, which helps us stay connected to the wide range of projects happening across the organization and to offer guidance on integrating innovation early instead of letting work move forward in silos.
The team continues to develop, with huge potential to create meaningful change across the organization. We encourage anyone who has a problem to reach out to us – even if you don’t yet have an idea for a solution. Our team can help guide you toward a working prototype, whether it is a product or a service.
The department is currently working on several product design projects and is excited to take on more. If you or your team has a need for industrial design or 3D printing, contact the Innovation Team at innovation@islandhealth.ca or submit through the Clinical Governance intake. As Dr. Guy says, “Have no hesitation to reach out to Jennie and the Innovation team – they are an amazing resource to tap into!”