Auburn University's Innovative Engineering Collaboration Creates Revolutionary Medical Device

A remarkable collaboration between students from Auburn University's Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Design programs has led to a groundbreaking surgical device. Recently, these students had the opportunity to showcase their work at a prominent conference, marking a significant step in medical device innovation.

The story began when a select group of students, including Haley Duncan, Savannah Anderson, Joseph Freeman, and Jacob Garza, partnered with KYRA Medical, Inc. This global medical equipment manufacturer was excited to involve students in the design and development of a new surgical device aimed at improving efficiency during arthroscopic procedures. As the students prepared for the public unveiling, the anticipation was palpable. Duncan expressed her relief and joy when the device operated flawlessly during its debut.

A Solution to a Common Problem

During arthroscopic surgeries, a small camera is utilized to visualize and repair joints in the body, which necessitates a consistent flow of saline to keep the surgical area clear. Traditionally, nurses are forced to frequently change IV bags, which can interrupt the flow of surgery and distract the surgeon. The Auburn team’s innovative prototype eliminates the need for this rushed process by automatically switching to a new bag as each one becomes empty, ensuring an uninterrupted surgical experience.

Shea Tillman, a professor at Auburn, emphasized the disruptive nature of traditional IV management. He noted, “This device provides a non-disruptive method to manage and monitor fluids during surgical procedures.” By addressing this long-standing issue, the students have contributed to a potentially pivotal change in surgical practice.

Strong Collaboration and Communication

Throughout the development process, KYRA Medical staff held weekly video conferences and visited the Auburn campus multiple times. The partnership was characterized by a hands-on approach, which allowed students to learn directly from industry professionals. Tillman commented on the synergy between Auburn and KYRA, highlighting their mutual enthusiasm for product development.

As part of their work, the students created numerous prototypes—over 100 iterations of various components—before finalizing two prototypes displayed at the AORN annual conference in Boston. Anderson articulated the relief and pride felt upon unveiling the device, noting how it seamlessly integrated with the KYRA brand.

The Origins of Collaboration

This unique collaboration materialized through a chance encounter between Steve Taylor, Auburn's Senior Vice President for Research and Development, and Howard Miller, KYRA's president and co-founder. Miller, an Auburn alumnus, recognized the potential of merging engineering and industrial design expertise to bring a product from concept to market.

Appreciating the skills being developed by students, Miller remarked, “It was incredibly rewarding to see the next generation of engineers bring a real-world medical device all the way from concept to professional unveiling.” The interdisciplinary collaboration was instrumental in the project’s success, demonstrating the importance of merging usability and ergonomics with functionality in product design.

Freeman, one of the engineering students, echoed this sentiment, explaining how working with industrial designers enriched their overall approach and contributed to the project's success. This experience has not only enhanced their learning but has also provided a solid foundation for future innovations.

Conclusion

Auburn University's commitment to fostering real-world applications through educational collaborations has yielded a product that promises to improve surgical procedures significantly. The collaboration with KYRA Medical serves as a model for how academia and industry can work together to address pressing challenges in healthcare, paving the way for the next generation of engineers and designers to make meaningful contributions to society.