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Human Powered Medical Devices: O2 Scope Optimization

Charmaine Castillo, Andrew Chen, Ariyan Rahmanian, Christopher Wiggins

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at University of California, San Diego

Sponsored by Khai Nguyen, MD, Clinical Services Chief of Geriatrics

We aim to develop a signature and flagship medical device that is ubiquitous and essential in the healthcare field for easy recognition and early adoption.

Background

The motivation of this project was the recognized need for improvements on two medical devices, the ophthalmoscope and otoscope, both of which have been unchanged since the 19th century. The ophthalmoscope and otoscope are used by medical professionals for routine physical exams. During these physical exams both the ophthalmoscope and otoscope are used successively. Khai Nguyen, MD, clinical services chief of geriatrics at UC San Diego’s division of geriatrics, determined the need for a device that combines both medical equipment. By combining both medical equipment, the efficiency of the physical exams increases.

Objectives

The project requires a human powered medical device that is designed with the user (nurses, physicians, and medical technicians) in mind.

The design must:

• Incorporate both otoscope and ophthalmoscope heads into a single device

• Contain lenses found in modern, top-market scopes

• Not require the use of batteries or an electrical outlet

• Be human powered

• Be ergonomic and user friendly

• Be durable enough to withstand thousands of medical examinations

Final Design

Summary of Performance