Panniculus Retractor Custom Model
Building On The Client’s Model Making
The Challenge:
Sometimes sales reps at medical device companies are so compelled to demonstrate the merits of their procedures that they make a trip to Home Depot to make their own model. At Pulse MDM, we love when this happens. It proves how much a model is needed, and often these models have already addressed the primary demonstration opportunities.
In this case, the sales representatives from Clinical Innovations needed to give clinicians hands-on practice using their panniculus retractor and help them grow accustomed to pulling the tissue back, which, in a real surgical setting, often offers more resistance than they expect. Realistic clinical demonstrations are critical to achieving full retraction for surgical site access and ultimately increasing device adoption in the field.
Model Design:
Building on the momentum created by the sales rep’s model, Pulse MDM considered new features, enhancements, and functionality in addition to making the model more professional looking and economical to make in larger quantities.
- Could the model be made from a material that looks more like skin than a black rubber sheet?
- Could the model be designed to add resistance to replicate the required effort to retract the panniculus as experienced in a real clinical scenario?
- Could the model be used without a second person holding it down while the clinician pulled the tissue back?
- Could the model be more easily carried to and from demos?
- Could the model walk the clinician through the proper steps to the proper use of the device?
- Could the model be designed so the panniculus movement can be visually quantified?
It turned out the answer to all those questions was yes.
Model Development:
When it comes to the feel of a medical demonstration model, the only development method that works is making and trying samples. There is no amount of CAD data or discussion that can replace making samples, testing them and making new ones based on lessons learned. This is how we replicated the resistance and weight against the client’s retractor. A polypropylene sheet was placed behind the skin material, causing it to want to roll forward just like forces impacting real tissue. Many prototypes were made at different lengths and thicknesses to achieve the perfect resistance.
Model Solution:
The Traxi demonstration model now includes skin that allows it to be repositioned many times. It includes graphics that show step-by-step instructions on how to use the device and measures the degree of tissue retraction. The model is anchored to a work surface with heavy-duty suction cups to ensure stable demonstration by a single sales rep. Further, the panniculus retractor model includes a handle for improved portability and includes Clinical Innovations design elements that support and extend the company’s brand. Finally, and most importantly, the model improves the sales representative’s effectiveness by increasing the quality and memorability of information clinicians received during and after the demonstration.
Although this custom model is not available for sale to the public, we would be delighted to make you a specific version 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 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.
Panniculus Retraction Overview:
Traxi panniculus retractor model is used for reliable retraction of the panniculus during surgical procedures. The model retracts and holds the panniculus for the duration of the operation, freeing the hands of the surgeon and staff to better care for the patient.