In the western world, laparoscopic surgeries use CO2 gas to insufflate (blow up) the abdomen for keyhole surgery. In rural India gas cylinders and general anaesthetic are not readily available, so Dr Gnanaraj invented a gasless laparoscopic device to lift the abdominal wall. This attained additional benefits of single incisions and quicker recovery times.
Pd-m are working in collaboration with Dr Gnanaraj, the National Institute for Health Research and The University of Leeds to help develop the current heavy and costly gasless device into a lightweight, portable version. We recently flew to India to gain insights and first hand information from rural surgeons about the device.
In addition to user interviews and feedback groups, Pd-m scrubbed up and observed the device in use, in Kolkata’s Medical College Hospital, the oldest medical school in Asia. This primary research will inform the next stage of the design process.
Pd-m are continuing development with this project and plan to go back to India at the end of 2019 to test the new, improved prototype.
“Traditionally these types of products are unimaginative and purely functional but PDM managed to create several innovative features such as coloured sliding terminal blocks, easy install gland plates, snap fit back bracket, stackable extension box, and screw-less assembly. Moreover, the design was intrinsically strong meaning even the most onerous installations could be accommodated whilst looking aesthetically fantastic. The result was impressive.”
Work packages
