According to Canon Communications, sponsors of the MDEA program, 28 awards were selected this year, out of virtually hundreds of submissions. The winning products were evaluated by a multidisciplinary panel of third party jurors using several criteria, including: “design and engineering attributes; user-related features that improve healthcare delivery and change traditional medical attitudes or practices; enhanced benefits to the patient; and the ability of the product development team to overcome design and engineering challenges to meet clinical objectives.”

The Baxter Syndeo PCA Syringe Pump is a hospital pump that delivers pre-determined doses of pain medication to patients on a prescribed basis. This pump was designed with significant human factors input, incorporating end-user needs, preferences and usage patterns into various stages of the design process. The unit combines both an intuitive user interface with built-in safety checks and a durable design, with the intent of enabling more time to focus on patient care.

“The Syndeo PCA Syringe Pump offers clinicians a number of unique usability and safety features, including: simple medication programming sequence; built-in wireless transmission; easy-to-read display; impact-resistant housing,” said Gary Prokop, director of design at HLB, and lead designer on the Syndeo project. “The Syndeo Pump delivers a total pain solution that addresses clinicians medication management needs while enhancing patient safety.”

The Nova Biomedical Medtronics Paradigm Glucose Meter is the world's first non-tethered wireless glucose meter for diabetics that provides bi-directional communication between the Nova Biomedical BD Logic Glucose Monitor and an insulin pump. Using RF signals, the Paradigm instantly communicates data (current glucose levels) obtained from the Logic Glucose Monitor to the insulin pump, which then adjusts insulin dosages to achieve the desired glucose level.

Working in unison, the Paradigm Link Glucose Meter and the Logic Glucose Monitor are breakthrough devices, which take the pain out of the daily testing procedure and difficulty out of managing insulin levels for diabetics, according to Charles Keane, HLB Senior Vice President of Design. These devices permit the pump user to more accurately control their glucose levels and insulin dosage.

“Projections are that this approach will reduce the number of hypoglycemic reactions, narrow the range between high and low glucose levels, and reduce hemoglobin levels - ultimately improving the overall health and life span of diabetics,” Charles said. “Until a cure can be found, this system represents a significant step in bringing relief and quality of life back to victims of this devastating disease.”

As a result of this award, HLB and the client teams on these two projects will be honored in a ceremony recognizing MDEA award winners at the Medical Design & Manufacturing (MD&M) East 2004 Conference and Exposition, in New York City on June 16, 2004.