Additional Media
Client Situation
Clinical positron emission tomography (PET) imaging is experiencing rapid expansion due to the recognition by the clinical community for its value in decision making related to oncology. Also with the significant technological improvements in Cardia PET Imaging over the now ubiquitous SPECT imaging, Bracco needed to introduce this technology advancement as a market leadership strategy.
Because the CardioGen-82 is the only FDA approved generator-based technically advanced PET perfusion agent reimbursed for the evaluation of coronary artery disease, Bracco wanted to redesign its system technology to a level of sophistication commensurate with technically advanced PET scanning systems from Seimens, GE, Philips and others.
Result
A nationwide search was conducted to find the right development partner for this product. Worrell was selected because of our depth of understanding with Bracco's stated and implied needs as well as our deep experience in the medical device industry
Bracco's specific project goal was to reduce the weight of the cart and add new functionality, improve usability, safety and appearance. Worrell initiated a thorough ethnographic evaluation of customer environments and segments including the development of customer personas. This was supplemented with Worrell's proprietary Censys® process that prioritized customer requirements and identified customer delight opportunities. A critical component of the customer requirements was the user interface.
Our integrated industrial design and creative engineering team led the design and development of the hardware and our Graphic User Interface team created the screen interface, architecture and software for the system. Two fully functional prototypes were built in Worrell's prototyping facility. Worrell satisfied the most important requirements of increased functionality and weight reduction by 17%. The human factors and safety requirements were dramatically improved including higher efficiency and lower radiation exposure.
A new tubing cassette was created to improve ease of use and potential reduction in radiation exposure. The newly designed CardioGen-82 ended up to be a dramatic story were we not only met but exceeded customer expectations by great lengths. Worrell was also retained Worrell to continue after the product had been completely developed to produce the product manual and a user video to enhance the out-of-box user experience.
