Future Work & Reflections

Future directions 

Although our current adapter is a successful proof of concept, several steps remain before clinical application is possible. Future work will optimize the design’s fit, durability, and compatibility with biocompatible materials suitable for sterilization, such as medical-grade thermoplastics. We plan to refine the adapter based on further usability feedback from clinicians to improve its handling in emergencies. We aim to explore advanced manufacturing methods like injection molding and pursue regulatory compliance. Collaborations with hospitals and physicians will be essential to validate performance in real-world settings. Ultimately, this adapter has the potential to enhance emergency pacing procedures and improve patient outcomes in cardiac surgery recovery.

Economics / potential for mass production 

Our adapter is intentionally designed with manufacturability and affordability in mind. While current prototypes were 3D printed for rapid iteration and testing, future mass production would benefit from cost-effective techniques like injection molding, which offer precision and consistency at scale. The design minimizes production costs without compromising performance by using standardized medical-grade materials and a simple, compact form factor. The device’s low material usage and single-piece construction also reduce assembly time. With proper funding and manufacturing partnerships, this adapter has strong potential for economical mass production and broad distribution in hospitals, especially if integrated into existing emergency catheter kits.

Experience gained and lessons learned 

Through this project, our team gained valuable technical and professional experience to shape our future as an engineer. We strengthened our CAD design skills by iterating the adapter many times and learning advanced modeling techniques. SLA and filament-based 3D printing have deepened our understanding of the prototyping process and its limitations. We also gained hands-on experience performing pressure and leakage tests and translating theoretical goals into practical evaluations. In addition to technical skills, we learned how to effectively manage timelines, delegate tasks, and communicate within teams. Importantly, we found the importance of iterative design on how failures during testing can lead to significant improvements. These lessons highlighted the importance of adaptability, persistence, and accurate documentation in engineering design.