Bronchial Tree Custom Demo Model

The Challenge:

The airway endoscopy product managers at Boston Scientific needed a way to demonstrate their new single-use flexible bronchoscope and loved the models that Pulse MDM made for their counterparts in the biliary space. Allison Rae suggested borrowing the development and architecture from the biliary models.  “Why not make a portable scope demo model that reflects the trachea and upper airway branches?”  To eliminate the upfront costs, Pulse MDM amortized the development expense of over 200 models to allow the Boston Scientific team to get started faster.

Flexible bronchoscopy is a procedure that allows a clinician to examine the breathing passages of the trachea and airways.  Flexible bronchoscopy can be either a diagnostic procedure or a therapeutic procedure used to treat an existing problem.

Model Design:

Pulse MDM proposed an opaque bronchial block with a realistic internal tract matching the texture and color of the trachea rings, including lesions for targeting.  The block’s exterior displays a profile of the internal anatomy so clinicians know what to expect inside.  The airway was abbreviated to enhance portability and to keep the cost down.

Model Development:

Little input was needed from Boston Scientific because of Pulse’s specialized expertise and lengthy track record sculpting internal body tracts.  They did, however, provide some so particularly interesting images of lesions, which served as inspiration for sculpting.   Within one month, Boston Scientific had a soft, fully colored bronchial block for evaluation.

Model Solution:

Boston Scientific sales representatives now have a portable, professional anatomical model to demonstrate how their Exhalt B Single Use Flexible Bronchoscope offers precise navigation to targets and can also be used to collect samples and complete other procedures.  The realistic internal coloring highlights the superiority of Boston Scientific’s dynamic light control and image capture.  The model is housed in a small professional branded box to protect it on the road.

“Thank you team!  These are great!!!” 

Senior Global Product Manager, Single Use Imaging – Airway

Although this custom model is not available for sale to the public, we would be delighted to make you a specific version of your unique medical device and procedure. Please use this link to start the process of receiving a model concept, a visual representation of how clinicians and patients will experience your product and procedure. Pulse MDM does not charge for model concepts or the conversations around them, so there is no risk in seeing how we can help you to tell your story in the most engaging and memorable way possible.

COVID-related Single Use Bronchoscope Benefits

Single Use Flexible Bronchoscopy COVID benefits:

The pandemic highlighted the importance of reducing occupational exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The reprocessing procedure for reusable, flexible bronchoscopes requires multiple equipment handling processes increasing the risk of transmission.   A single-use flexible bronchoscope eliminates this risk.

Further, reusable, flexible bronchoscopes pose risk between patients and pathogenic organisms despite adherence to various prophylactic guidelines. Bronchoscopy units have been significantly impacted by the pandemic with the restructuring of pre-and post-operative areas, altered patient protocols, and the reassessment of air exchange and cleaning procedures. Single-use flexible bronchoscopes can be incorporated into these protocols to improve occupational and patient safety.