Custom Abdominal Aortic Stent Model
Achieve Targeted Market Coverage Overnight!
“A lot of medical device manufacturers use device replicas for physician demos, but for us the biggest payoff (after partnering with Pulse MDM to drive down costs) was in providing our implanting physicians with a device model that they could keep on their desk to educate their patients on the device and the procedure–anything we as marketers can do to help physicians educate patients has a long-term benefit for physician relationships and ultimately patient care. Thanks Pulse MDM!”
Global Product Marketing Director
Model of Abdominal Aortic Stent
The Challenge:
The cost to give salespeople and clinical team members a sophisticated implant can be expensive but having to rely on images & animations may not drive home the key strategic message. This client contacted Pulse MDM to create a realistic-looking replica that is what the model-making industry would call a “looks-like” model. In a look-like model, all the features appear but they do not function. The device replica was to be one-to-one in size and weight and retain some of the flexibility of the real stent.
Model Design:
At Pulse MDM, in addition to our client’s criteria, we bring our own priorities to improve the experience for medical device associates and for their clients; the clinicians. In this project, we knew the conversations could be richer if we provided some context. So instead of supplying a plain box to protect the replica, we proposed that the box be an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) shaped cavity to hold the stent and display it in an eye-catching way. Background artwork included the beginning of the renal vessels to facilitate a more in-depth clinical discussion between the salesperson and the clinician.
Model Development:
All the manufacturing process used to make the real stent were changed to processes that are more economical. Instead of wire-reinforced fabric, Pulse MDM created molded plastic tubes with silver decoration to represent the wire. The sharp and dangerous to handle cage at the top was replaced with a metal stamping with softer edges for safe handling. The stent is flexible for demonstration and discussion. And the replica easily pops in and out of the aneurysm shaped well in the custom & branded display case.
Model Benefit:
Medical device replicas are made with non-medical grade materials and alternative production processes. The replicas are made in factories without ISO 13485 for lower overhead and tracking costs. These cost efficiencies make the replica affordable for every salesperson to have one. Replicas show the features and attributes that will differentiate your device and give physicians a compelling and memorable experience, without the cost of a production device. A custom case provides context, protects the replica, can contain marketing messages and this one has a ‘kick-stand’ on the back of the box for display. The pictured stent replica was made in quantity and sent directly to physicians, helping the company to achieve targeted market coverage, overnight.
Although this custom model is not available for sale to the public, we are delighted to make you a version that is specific to your unique medical device and procedure. Please use this link to start the process of receiving a model concept; a visual representation of how you will be able to promote your product and procedure. Pulse MDM does not charge for model concepts or the conversations around them so there is no risk to see how we can help you to tell your story in the most engaging and memorable way possible.
Procedure Overview:
The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body, carrying blood from the chest to the abdomen where it branches into the iliac arteries, which carry blood to the lower body and legs.
An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) occurs when the portion of the aorta passing through the abdomen bulges because of the weakening of the vessel wall. An aneurysm means the walls of the artery have stretched and become thin causing the vessel to bulge or expand. This weakens the vessel wall and affects its ability to support normal blood flow. If an AAA bursts, it can cause internal bleeding, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) is a minimally invasive procedure that accesses the aorta through a small incision in your groin. Thin wires are inserted through the femoral arteries and act as a guide for a catheter. A stent is delivered through the catheter to the site of the aneurysm and expands to reinforce the damaged portion of the aorta. The stent remains in place permanently to bypass the aneurysm.