The development of the rotating medication vial holder showcased a range of my technical skills, with a focus on addressing the clinical need for more efficient, sterile procedures during lumbar epidural injections. By conducting ethnographic studies and directly observing clinical workflows, I was able to understand the intricacies of current procedures, identifying the bottlenecks and risks associated with maintaining sterility when assistants are unavailable. This insight directly informed the design requirements for the device, demonstrating my ability to translate clinical needs into actionable engineering goals.

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My technical expertise in mechanical design played a key role in the project. I was involved in designing a rotating mechanism that allowed healthcare providers to rotate and secure medication vials without touching them, ensuring a sterile environment. The design incorporated a foot-pedal system to control vial rotation hands-free, which required a solid understanding of mechanical components, rotational dynamics, and stability during needle insertion. This solution directly addressed the clinical need for a safer and more independent procedure for physicians, reducing reliance on additional personnel and minimizing needlestick risks.

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In terms of prototyping, I iterated through several design versions, integrating feedback from clinical mentors and using ethnographic findings to refine the functionality of the device. I demonstrated my skill in material selection by evaluating FDA-compliant materials that would be both durable and easy to sterilize in a clinical setting. Balancing cost-efficiency with mechanical integrity, I ensured that the device could withstand the physical demands of medical procedures, such as repeated needle insertions, while remaining lightweight and manageable.

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Furthermore, I applied human factors engineering to create a user-friendly design. Color-coded vials and locking mechanisms enhanced the device’s usability, ensuring that physicians could maintain focus on the patient rather than the device, thus improving procedural efficiency. I also gained experience in understanding regulatory frameworks, classifying the device as a Class I medical device and ensuring compliance with safety and effectiveness standards without requiring extensive FDA approvals.

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Overall, this project demonstrated my ability to use ethnographic research to identify clinical needs and apply technical skills in mechanical design, material science, and regulatory awareness to develop an innovative medical device. The result was a prototype that addressed key procedural inefficiencies, enhanced sterility, and offered a practical solution to a real-world clinical challenge.