FastTraCS collaborates with healthcare innovators to help translate medical device ideas from preliminary sketches to design concept.
We offer design support ranging from CAD assistance (3D modeling) to more in-depth product development and guidance services.
Depending on the project's needs, collaboration can range from several weeks to longer term engagements. Innovators will receive a whiteboard ideation of their project, final design report, and 3D representative model of their device idea.
Example projects
Tracheostomy Tube Monitor
An ENT Physician requested a solution to accidental decannulation in pediatric patients with tracheostomy tubes. FastTraCS designed and prototyped two separate sensor mechanisms to detect decannulation: a contact switch approach and a light-detection approach. (read more)
Urinary Catheter Device
Medical device innovators approached FastTraCS seeking assistance with translating a pen and paper sketch of their device design to a 3D model. FastTraCS engineered a 3D model of the device in several different configurations during use and prototyped the device in the open and closed versions. (read more)
Tamper Deterrent CVC Device
UNC Hospital Medicine requested help to engineer a device that will deter patients from exploiting their central venous catheter devices as a convenient route of administration for illicit drugs. FastTraCS designed and prototyped two different locking mechanisms for the device which are both accessed with a contactless key. (read more)
Ready to collaborate or need an initial consultation? Submit a request
Who We Are
The FastTraCS Design Lab is an internal R&D unit tasked with identifying critical unmet needs at UNC Hospitals, ultimately to design, prototype and validate commercially tractable solutions.
Our team proactively engages targeted clinical departments to capture both observed and clinician-reported problems. We employ various methodologies including ethnography, contextual inquiry, literature reviews—ultimately to select unmet needs through a step wise, data-driven approach. Selected needs are thoroughly evaluated in several key areas, including disease understanding, patient outcomes, patient burden, existing solutions and market fundamentals.
In collaboration with clinicians, multiple concepts are generated and assessed for feasibility, alignment with user need(s), patent landscape and development risk. Highly-ranked concepts are designed, prototyped and undergo appropriate proof-of-concept testing.
Onsite Labs
Housed on the 10th Floor of Mary Ellen Jones, FastTraCS labs features facilities and equipment for:
- design
- rapid prototyping
- assembly
- testing and validation of promising medical devices, diagnostics, and technologies
- software and hardware development
Through our partners, we also have access to specialized capabilities on- and off-campus. Our Prototype and Design Engineers have experience in the medical device industry, quality management systems, and are proficient with industry standards such as ISO 13485, ISO 10993, IEC 60601, IEC 62304 and FDA 21 CFR Part 820. We maintain a library of current ISO and IEC standards.
In partnership with:
Contact Us
Brinkhous-Bullitt, 2nd floor
160 N. Medical Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
919.966.6022
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