Pd-m Takes Cardiac Tech Further in Sustainable Design

Cardiac-Tech Ltd approached Pd-m with a challenging mission: transform their temporary pacemaker technology to reduce environmental impact without compromising patient care.??

Pd-m's team stood out for Cardiac Tech at the 2023 Med-Tech Insights Expo, which turned into a productive partnership with a six-month project running through the first half of 2024.

Cardiac Tech is a forward-thinking company developing technology which aims to improve patient outcomes and reduce mortality rates following cardiac surgery. With backing from venture builders Start Codon, and several (3)?successful Innovate UK grants, Cardiac Tech is taking major steps in bringing its innovation to market.

“It has been fantastic to work with Will Simpson and Dan Meese on this project, the technology they’re creating with their platform will be transformational to patients receiving temporary pacing.? Recognising a shift in procurement as well as the clinical drive for sustainability, Cardiac-Tech have embedded this from the start. Will and Dan are committed to a 'low carbon’ product, steering away from harmful materials and a ‘consumables’ business model. We look forward to taking them further on the innovation journey with this project, in the near future." - Rich Shaw , Sustainability Lead

The Challenge?

The healthcare sector faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact while maintaining the highest standards of patient care.?

From the outset, Pd-m's approach was comprehensive. Their multidisciplinary team, led by sustainability lead Rich Shaw, focused on a conducted a high-level product carbon footprint assessment on the market leading product to establish baseline data and understand which components caused the emission 'hot spots'. As expected, concerns around the increased potential for dioxins during incineration of PVC meant that this was an area of particular focus for the project. ?

Conceptualisation and Clinical Team Collaboration?

Pd-m recognised the opportunity to transition from single-use to multiple-use cables to reduce waste and lower the product carbon footprint. However, this required not only a shift in product design but also careful consideration of clinical team interaction, regulatory compliance, and manufacturing feasibility.

Pd-m coordinated two key meetings involving clinical teams. These sessions were critical in gathering insights on how the new multiuse cables would be used in real-world clinical settings. Pd-m’s ensured that the concepts presented were not only innovative but also practical and aligned with clinical needs.

They leveraged their extensive healthcare network to arrange meetings with clinicians from LEEDS GENERAL INFIRMARY (part of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust ), gathering relevant data about user needs as well as practical considerations. This direct connection to frontline medical professionals is a particular strength of Pd-m, allowing them to bridge the gap between innovative design and real-world application.?

Outcomes and Impact?

Pd-m exceeded Cardiac Tech's expectations by delivering a solution that proposed at least 20 'turns' per cable, significantly reducing waste and lowering the product's carbon footprint across the entire life cycle.??

Pd-m's project management approach kept things running smoothly. Regular presentations and updates ensured Cardiac Tech remained informed and engaged throughout the process. This level of communication and organisation is something Cardiac Tech noted as particularly impressive about working with Pd-m.?

The result of this collaboration was a series of innovative concepts that met both environmental and user requirements. These weren't just ideas on paper, Pd-m delivered 3D printed prototypes, giving Cardiac Tech tangible results to show stakeholders, from clinicians to investors.

By the project's end, Pd-m had helped Cardiac Tech develop a concept that is user centred, ensures patient safety, and reduced environmental impact through a reusable approach. More than that, they had laid the groundwork for Cardiac Tech's next phase of development and fundraising.?

Why Pd-m??

What sets Pd-m apart from other agencies in the design and innovation space is their holistic approach. They do not just focus on design or sustainability in isolation; they integrate these elements seamlessly to deliver solutions that are both practical and forward-thinking.

As Cardiac Tech moves forward with their plans for clinical trials and scaling up production, they are confident in continuing their partnership with Pd-m.?

This case study exemplifies how Pd-m lives up to their motto of "We take you further".??