The flexIV device in situ

A CAD representation of the flexIV device in situ in the dorsal site

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The accordion bend feature in flexIV

A CAD representation of the accordion bend featured in the flexIV

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The silicone adhesive butterfly wings featuring in flexIV

A CAD representation of the accordion bend featured in the flexIV

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A flexIV prototype in action

A still from the prototype in action presenting the advantages of the flexIV deviceA still from the prototype in action presenting the advantages of the flexIV device including the accordion bend and the silicone adhesive butterfly wings.

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Prototype in Action pt.1

Prototype exhibiting the stability of the flexIV device

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Prototype in Action pt.2

Prototype exhibiting the flexibility of the flexIV device

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flexIV Poster

A poster of the flexIV device explaining its key features and user journey

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User Journey of the flexIV device

An in depth description of the administration of the flexIV device

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I am a Maltese Product Design Engineering student at the Glasgow School of Art and University of Glasgow. An MEng in Product Design Engineering at the two institutions has been an exciting and challenging journey, which has provided a multitude of opportunities in both engineering and design cultures.

My final year project, flexIV, was an exciting venture into the world of biomedical devices. flexIV is a stabilizing intravenous cannula for comfort and freedom. The device protects against dangerous accidental administration of an intravenous fluid into the subcutaneous tissue. This is known as extravasation, which is mainly caused due to movement and instability of the intravenous cannula. Extravasation causes painful side effects, as well as permanent cosmetic damage, loss of function in limbs, and potentially fatalities.

The flexIV device is an innovative redesign of the intravenous cannula. It introduces flexibility to the device to prevent internal catheter movement. With patient comfort in mind as well as extravasation prevention, the user is free to move comfortably without the worry of the catheter becoming displaced.

This project was an excellent opportunity to execute and improve my research skills, build professional relationships with a multitude of professions, and integrate my work ethic from my summer internship at ExxonMobil.