Project overview
Histimate is a small finger clip which is aimed at preventing cases of anaphylaxis during surgery going unidentified or being identified late. If this aim is fulfilled, there will be a reduction in serious cases of anaphylaxis during surgery and stress for surgical staff in these situations will be alleviated.
What are the differences between allergies and anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis during surgery
In conducting my research on anaphylaxis, I came across the issue of anaphylaxis during surgery. In conducting further research into this topic, I began to learn that surgical staff can have issues in identifying anaphylaxis during surgery.
Usually, when somebody is going into anaphylactic shock, they can complain of symptoms such as difficulty breathing or nausea. However, the issue with perioperative anaphylaxis is that the patient is unconscious. This means that they cannot complain of their symptoms and it is up to the surgical staff to try and identify the anaphylaxis before the patient is damaged.
Failure to identify anaphylaxis in enough time can have detrimental effects on the patient’s health and may lead to death.
Research overview
Like any medical device, a lot of research was required in order to gain an understanding into the characteristics of the issue. Medical papers were reviewed and interviews were conducted to name but a few methods which were used in order to further my field of knowledge.
Design brief
'Design a product which will aid in the detection or prevention of anaphylaxis whether it be in surgery or emergency medicine'.
Three design requirements were chosen as essential features for the device to fulfil the design brief.
Sketches were used in order to aid concept generation. These sketches ranged from form sketches to ways of storing information to how the device will be applied to the user.
Prototypes were also used throughout the process in order to aid concept development and to refine various aspects of the product. Each prototype and their purpose is
outlined below.
Final Product
How does it work?
The clip will receive signals from the patient vitals monitor throughout the surgery. If one of these vitals goes above or below a certain threshold, the patients finger will be pricked and their blood will be tested for histamines. If histamines are detected in the patients blood, the surgical staff will be alerted with the use of the red LED on the device and an alarm.
Automatic activation
Manual activation
IF blue LED goes off
