The ATEC Breast Biopsy System Console was the first ever all-in-one vacuum-assisted breast biopsy system capable of minimally invasive tissue excision.

IDENTIFY

The project entailed a redesign the company’s “flagship” console into one that displayed the Hologic’s commitment to a compassionate, patient-friendly biopsy solution. The interaction between the console and patient was as important as the interaction between the console and clinicians/physicians. Noise reduction, overall size and user ergonomics along with an updated look and style were all areas that needed to be considered when developing the new console design.

DEFINE

Designers engaged in both ergonomic and user needs research documenting findings and learnings to support concept development of the product redesign.  Brainstorming and multiple iterations of concept generation followed the research learnings.  These concepts focused on maintaining the console’s integrity for offering clinicians a method for a fast, safe, easy, and minimally invasive breast biopsy procedure. The incorporation of soft curves and warm color selections exemplified the compassionate approach Hologic was striving for in a design.

Concepts were finalized with component exploded views to be utilized not only for the development of engineering but for initial costing of manufacturing. The

engineering team developed the final concept into engineering models, implementing structural, mechanical, manufacturing and sound proofing solutions into the product design. The team worked closely with Hologic’s manufacturing team to provide optimized designs for improved and efficient manufacturing processes.

Medical Equipment Design and Engineering

REALIZE

While optimization for manufacturing was accomplished through collaboration of Catalyst design/engineering team and the Hologic manufacturing team, other solutions were achieved during the development of the console redesign.

The unit’s noise level was reduced through sound-proof foam and internal baffles. This was considered a significant and necessary achievement to create a “safe feeling” for the patient and minimizing the emotional trauma of a potentially stressful situation.

The operator control pad was redesigned to have a more intuitive interface and utilized a touch pad membrane switch which gave the unit a more sophisticated, high-tech look and feel. The unit hook-up receptacles were re-positioned and separated from the user interface for ease of identification. All of these changes also enhanced cleaning and maintenance of the unit.

Catalyst Product Development Group