Team 8

Wearable Haptic Feedback System for Prevention of Repetitive Strain Injuries in Endoscopists

Team Members:
Calvin Huang
Evan McQueen
Alexander Sedlack
Ivan Tonido

Team Mentors:

Dr. Marco Santello - Arizona State University

Dr. Robert Sedlack - Mayo Clinic

YouTube Link:
View the video link below before joining the zoom meeting

Zoom Link:
https://asu.zoom.us/j/82744721253

Abstract

Present day endoscopists have developed repetitive strain injuries resulting from extreme ranges of motion on a daily basis. Some of the more serious cases of these injuries can involve recovery time which leads to decreased productivity and medical expenses. A study done in Korea discovered that 89.1 % of surveyed endoscopists experienced strain injuries in at least one location on their body, and 42.1% of these people reported severe pain. For the device we decided on the use of flexion sensors which would be attached across the joint being measured, removing the need for calibration, and would allow for the device to be easily adjustable between multiple users. For feedback, tactile would be the most optimal method as this can be felt without impairing any senses of the operator. This feedback will be delivered by multiple ERM coin motors which will provide graded vibratory feedback. The final device model features a lightweight sleeve to not impair the user's action or ranges of motion as well as velcro straps to secure the device and ensure adjustability between users. To further benefit the user the device will be completely wireless using Bluetooth. Primary customer segments are hospitals conducting endoscopies and medical educational establishments training endoscopists. In order to launch, we need funding in the millions of dollars. This comes from R&D, manufacturing, FDA approval, and distribution costs. Funding can come from venture capital or a buyout from a medical company. If this product goes to plan we hope that this device will be accepted into endoscopy training programs where a percentage of time in the healthy range must be consistently maintained to achieve competency as with their other identified skills outlined by the Assessment of Competency in Endoscopy (ACE) tool from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE).