Awardees of the 2017 Seventh Annual Pediatric Device Innovation Competition include devices for non-surgical eardrum repair, reducing infant mortality in low resource environments, treatment of amblyopia, low-pressure finger cuff continuous noninvasive monitoring of infant blood pressure, decreasing incidence of unplanned teenage pregnancy, and improving intracranial pressure monitor for hydrocephalus.

The 13 finalists presented their product concepts and development plans September 25, 2017, at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. The panel of judges included physicians, surgeons, business professionals and engineering representatives.

Projects were evaluated on their clinical significance; approach to product development; likelihood for marketing success; project team expertise, environment and resources; and potential for additional funding toward FDA clearance and commercialization.

The APDC grant awards will assist winners in further developing their devices toward commercialization. APDC associates will also be available to advise in prototyping, consulting, clinical trial design, regulatory strategies, business development strategies and manufacturing.

Caretaker®4 Pediatric

The Device: Caretaker 4 is a simple, low-pressure finger cuff that measures continuous noninvasive (Beat-by-Beat) blood pressure (“cNIBP”), heart rate, and other physiological parameters displayed on a wireless remote monitor. This project will redesign the finger cuff, monitoring algorithms, and form factor to effectively accommodate the size and physiological needs of pediatric patients.