Precision and performance embodied in user-centered development
Zimmer Biomet develops innovations to help patients in need of treatment for joint, bone and soft tissue disorders and injuries including full joint replacement tools and implantable devices. Zimmer’s promise to patients is to look not only at what solutions are available today, but to what is possible next to create better surgical outcomes. Based on our history of successful collaborations with Zimmer, they came to Design Central for development of their new Universal Power System surgical suite. Design Central’s research, design and engineering team integrated quickly with a truly international team of engineering and manufacturing partners to deliver Zimmer’s next-generation orthopedic surgical system.
Client
- Zimmer Biomet
Industry
- Healthcare
Capabilities
- Research
- Product Design
- Engineering
- Prototyping
- User Experience
Objective: Turnkey development of the next generation universal power system.
User insight drives innovation
The Design Central team worked with Zimmer advisory surgeons, participated in hip and knee replacement surgery training, and interviewed orthopedic surgeons and nurses using the device to garner feedback on features, feel and performance requirements. These firsthand observations and direct user input helped prioritize features and performance requirements. This led to a final system consisting of two hand-piece designs with two interchangeable rechargeable battery technologies (aseptic and sterilizable) and a space-efficient charging system to meet the needs and expectations of surgeons and facilities the US and Europe. The handpieces are designed to accept a wide variety of tools such as drills, reamers, and sagittal saws with a simple but highly reliable connection and release to facilitate tool changes in surgery. The result is a system that is exceptional in size, weight, feel and precise in use.
FDA compliant development process
The Design Central team worked following Zimmer Biomet’s approved FDA process throughout the development process, from research, design, and engineering through the transition to manufacture. System-level Alpha and Beta prototypes were developed and thoroughly tested to ensure fit, feel and performance for all aspects of use, including delivery, surgery, cleaning, and all sterilization processes. This rigorous research, design, engineering, and validation process, carried out through a best-in-class design and manufacturing team, resulted in a beautiful, precise, and high-performance system that exceeds user expectations.