CorFlow Therapeutics AG
CoFI System - Diagnostics & therapy for coronary obstructions
CorFlow - Two in one in the cath lab
Cardiovascular diseases are still the most common cause of death worldwide. The Swiss start-up CorFlow has set itself the task of reducing these figures - and has developed the Controlled Flow Infusion (CoFI) system, the first combined device that can both detect and treat microvascular obstructions after a heart attack. Compared to existing methods, CoFI is used directly in the cath lab and can help to quickly detect obstructions in the smallest blood vessels. Up to 20 percent of patients require further treatment after a heart attack - CoFI helps to minimize this risk immediately.
Tidy: Reduced complexity - more usability
The team at WILDDESIGN started the project at a very early stage in order to analyze and understand the complex processes and innovative technology and to design the basis for an ergonomic housing in combination with a comprehensible interface. An initial, simplified research setup with numerous external components, add-on parts and screens already existed. However, the design made it difficult for users and technical staff to operate the system - a task that had to be solved together with CorFlow. Our most important task was therefore to reduce the complexity and significantly improve usability in order to make the application not only simpler but also safer. Together with our long-standing partners BYTEC and Benkana Interfaces, we developed a compact trolley that combines all functions in one integrated housing.
A standard trolley as a base accommodates the all-round clad technical components. The focus is therefore clearly on the operation, which is combined in the upper part of the housing structure and improves accessibility for the user. The widened center of the housing forms the heart of the system: the pump mechanism. A partially transparent single-use cartridge is inserted into a recess in the central front plateau facing the user. CoFI uses an optical system to automatically monitor whether air bubbles form in the system and can react at lightning speed to protect the patient. The transparent cover surface of the cartridge also enables visual inspection of the internal channels and tubing, thus improving the overall safety of the process.
Maximum functions in the smallest space
To save space when positioning CoFI in the laboratory and at the patient's bedside, the housing structure has been slimmed down at the bottom. This means that the handles on the sides do not waste any space thanks to their effective dual use: an infusion holder with up to three liters of liquid can be attached to one side. On the opposite handle there is a suspension for cables so that they do not lie around in the room and get in the way when transporting the device. The design in the CorFlow CI colors blue and white visually reduces the volume noticeably. With its powerful lines, the central indentation on the front of the housing forms a striking and recognizable element that gives the system a strong dynamic.
Thanks to a compact design and the targeted reduction of housing parts, which are optimally joined together, dust or moisture cannot penetrate the device and enable protection class IP 22. Interfaces were positioned during the design process so that they are protected from liquid spillage by a recess at the rear. LED strips for alarm signals are formally integrated flush and optimally visible at the front and rear.
Innovation, visible from every angle
The design of the large 21.5" display is absolutely innovative: it can be rotated completely around its own axis and therefore offers optimum monitoring of the patient's status. As this option has also been taken into account in the size of the display, the doctor can monitor the patient's values from different positions in the room.
The interface also focused on a clear design that supports operation. A wizard guides the user step by step through the setup process. Each step is explained with supporting graphics of the individual device parts, making it easier to distinguish and connect the plugs and connections, for example. The icons and color scheme also ensure error-free use with clear lines.
Joining forces for success
Other long-standing partners of WILDDESIGN were involved in the construction of the first sample devices: Canto Prototypenbau produced the first housing parts and sheet metal assemblies for the internal structure based on the CAD data used to prepare the design, in order to make it possible to build the first test devices at short notice, which were assembled by the manufacturer Bytec Medizintechnik. The first test systems were completed last year and are currently undergoing the testing process. The close cooperation with our long-standing partners BYTEC, Benkana and Canto has resulted in a product that meets the customer's requirements: The small-scale research setup has become a compact and safe device that is both simple and user-friendly to operate. In addition to the excellent cooperation, the experience of the CorFlow team and the clearly formulated requirements for the product contributed to this. We are keeping our fingers crossed that CorFlow will make a major contribution to significantly reducing health risks after heart attacks in the future.
Note: The CoFI system mentioned here is not yet available for commercial distribution. The system is not yet certified in the USA and Europe.
"Forward-looking projects with high innovation potential benefit from a well-coordinated team of all project partners - the right mix of expertise, experience and flexibility is what makes such short development periods possible in the first place."
Your contact person for the project
Dennis Kulage
Head of Office Gelsenkirchen
+49 (0)209 702 642 00
dennis.kulage@wilddesign.deNext gen Medical design
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