3FOLD
A 3D foldable applicator for the insertion of implantable medical devices in protective envelopes
The applied research project at the Zurich University of the Arts resulted in «3FOLD», a foldable surgical application instrument that enables a contactless and time efficient application of «Hylomate» in the operating room.
«Hylomate» is a natural, biosynthetic material in the form of a pouch that prevents complications after the insertion of pacemakers. The main cause of such complications is scar tissue surrounding the implant.
The ETH spin-off Hylomorph conducted usability tests with «Hylomate» in preliminary stages and realized that the sticky and slippery material takes too long to apply, the pouch is damaged by ordinary surgical instruments and too many touches lead to contamination risks.
In cooperation with the industrial design researchers at ZHdK, the entire process was analyzed in a user-centered approach, discussed with experts from various fields and iteratively tested with end users. «3FOLD» was developed to market maturity and is expected to be approved on the market in early 2024.
