Surgeon viewing the screen of the ViOptix Intra.Ox handheld tissue oxygenation monitor during a surgical procedure in the operating room.

Real-Time Tissue Oxygenation Status

Client

ViOptix

Practice Areas

Challenge

ViOptix engaged with Triple Ring Technologies in a co-development partnership to design and develop their Intra.Ox non-invasive, quantitative, handheld tissue oxygenation monitor. Design requirements included real-time tissue monitoring inside the surgical theater with high sensitivity and reliability. Technical challenges faced in the Intra.Ox product development program included:

  • Design of an easy-to-use multi-wavelength tissue oximeter
  • Smart algorithms to automatically compensate for variable tissue morphologies
  • Handheld form factor
  • Reusable packaging
  • Unlimited readings within a surgery case

 

Outcomes

The ViOptix Intra.Ox technology received FDA clearance after the company and Triple Ring demonstrated its capability to produce accurate, instantaneous estimation of percent saturated oxygen (St02) without the need for capital equipment or dye injection. The Intra.Ox device is now used at various stages of tissue transfer surgery to positively affect clinical and financial outcomes.

 

Value Propositions

  • Deep, relevant clinical and technical domain knowledge
  • Concept to clinical validation and FDA 510k clearance in 18 months
  • Complex modeling, including Monte Carlo simulations to accelerate design process
  • Urgency to drive value and support fundraising
  • Capital efficient, variable resource R&D expertise tailored to the needs of a virtual startup
Exploded view of the ViOptix Intra.Ox handheld tissue oxygenation monitor with read out on the screen, showing components: battery pack, durable sensor, and disposable sheath.
A 3D rendering of the ViOptix Intra.Ox handheld tissue oxygenation monitor with read out on the screen.
A gloved hand holding the ViOptix Intra.Ox handheld tissue oxygenation monitor with read out on the screen.

Background

Assessing tissue viability during surgery enables early intervention to improve patient outcomes post-surgery. ViOptix came to Triple Ring seeking solutions for capturing oxygen concentration in resected tissue while mitigating artifacts from surrounding tissue components. The teams worked side-by-side to invent novel solutions at the subsystem and system level, creating a product that promotes faster surgical recovery times, benefitting patients and the hospitals that care for them. 

 

A great thing about working at Triple Ring is that we can both see a wide variety of projects and technologies and develop key technologies that go all the way from concept to treating patients.” The relationship works well for the client also. Scott Coleridge, the ViOptix CEO observes, “Triple Ring has served as our development and engineering group since we decided to go virtual. I don’t think we could have found a higher caliber of scientists and engineers under one roof. They are flexible to work with and have grown with our needs. I would highly recommend them.

ViOptix

 

Scott Coleridge, (CEO) and Mark Lonsinger, (GM) are family now and we treat ViOptix like it’s our own company,” says Kate Bechtel as she describes ViOptix, a Triple Ring client aiming to improve surgical outcomes through the deployment of technology that can easily measure soft-tissue health in the operating room.

Triple Ring

 

More information on the ViOptix website.

A patient in Aim Medical Robotics' MRI-compatible surgical robot, nested inside a white MRI machine with physician in the background.

MRI-Compatible Robotics

Client

AiM Medical Robotics

Challenge

AiM Medical Robotics required a portable robotic system to perform neurosurgery simultaneous with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI relies on incredibly strong magnetic fields to produce detailed images of the inside of the human body. These strong magnetic fields prohibit the use of ferromagnetic materials that are found in typical robotic hardware. Furthermore, MRI systems feature a small bore around the patient table which severely restricts the form factor of potential robots. Triple Ring overcame these hurdles by employing first-principles thinking and creative engineering.

 

Outcomes

The partnership led to an innovative prototype design with 4 degrees of freedom that served as the basis of AiM Medical Robotics’ industry-first robotics platform.

 

Triple Ring Value Proposition

  • Experience in designing multi-axis robots for multiple applications
  • Deep expertise in the physics of MRI
  • Demonstrated capabilities in designing MRI-compatible systems and components
  • Rapid design, prototyping, and production to meet tight timelines and funding milestones

 

A photograph of a functional prototype of AiM Medical Robotics' MRI-compatible neurosurgical robot with a black mannequin head shown for scale.
A patient with eyes closed in AiM Medical Robotics' MRI-compatible neurosurgical robot and MRI machine.

Background

AiM Medical Robotics chose to work with Triple Ring due to our deep scientific knowledge of the principles of MRI, our extensive experience engineering complex robotics, and our ability to develop creative solutions to complicated, constrained problems. Because of this, Triple Ring was able to deliver a design for AiM Medical Robotics that met the stringent requirements of MRI-compatibility.

A woman undergoing a upright radiation therapy with Leo Cancer Care's system.

Upright Radiation Therapy

Client

Leo Cancer Care

Challenge

Leo Cancer Care partnered with Triple Ring Technologies to design a computed tomography (CT) imaging system for a novel radiation therapy concept enabling better patient outcomes and improved patient experience. Leo Cancer Care is a bold innovator in radiation therapy, developing breakthrough products that treat patients in a more natural, seated position. The system images and positions the patient for radiotherapy in one device while the patient is upright, improving accuracy while increasing comfort and lowering stress – all contributing factors to better outcomes. Triple Ring collaborated with Leo Cancer to design a gantry and CT scanner enabling CT scans of patients in upright and lying down position. This concept is central to Leo Cancer’s platform, making large rotating gantries for the radiotherapy source obsolete, and enabling a fixed beam, slow patient rotation strategy.  Leo Cancer and Triple Ring together overcame multiple design and technical challenges to transform this novel concept into a safe, accurate, and patient-centric platform.

 

Outcomes

The Leo Cancer Care and Triple Ring collaboration led to the creation of an innovative gantry design that featured upright radiation therapy as a new standard of care.

 

Triple Ring Value Proposition

  • Experience designing large multi-axis robotics
  • Deep expertise in the physics of radiotherapy delivery devices
  • Mechanical design of robust and reliable capital equipment to ISO13485 standards
  • Advanced simulation and modeling to streamline system design, development, and test
  • Shared sense of urgency to meet aggressive schedules and assure funding milestones
A modern clinic with the Leo Cancer Care upright radiation therapy system, comfortable seating, and calming interior design.

Background

Leo Cancer Care chose to work with Triple Ring because of our deep scientific knowledge in energy delivery and medical imaging matched with our proven success in building high-precision mechanical systems for clinical validation and market entry. Our work with Leo Cancer required close collaboration and tight communication to integrate multiple subsystems and produce a high quality, efficacious system.

A patient sitting in Leo Cancer Care's upright medical imaging device. in a clinical setting.
Detail view of the top portion of the Leo Cancer Care system, a large circular white housing with dot-matrix light pattern.
A female doctor discussing medical records with a patient in a clinic.

Transdermal GFR Measurement

Client

MediBeacon

Challenge

MediBeacon required expert assistance to develop a photonics-based transdermal detection technology to monitor intravenously injected fluorescent tracer agents and provide clinically actionable measures of kidney function. MediBeacon has brought combination products into the clinic which match fluorescent tracers with innovative detection systems to provide accurate physiological measurements in real-time. Triple Ring, in collaboration with MediBeacon, designed and delivered a non-invasive, light-based wearable detection system as a critical component of their glomerular filtration rate (GFR) monitoring product. The detectors were designed and developed to meet strict product requirements of sensitivity, accuracy, cost, comfort, and ease of use.

 

Outcomes

Fully integrated wearable GFR detectors were developed under ISO13485 design controls and delivered for critical clinical trials.

 

Triple Ring Value Proposition

  • Highly relevant expertise in light-based tissue analysis
  • Advanced modeling and simulations to speed design process
  • Program structure that included skin in the game
  • Deep experience in meeting critical milestones for venture funding
A product photograph of MediBeacon's white vital signs monitor and sensor attached to a stainless steel pole against a light gray background.
MediBeacon medical sensor device with branding next to a vial of green liquid.

Background

MediBeacon selected Triple Ring as their development partner for our multidisciplinary science and engineering teams. Triple Ring’s industry leading capabilities in biophotonics and combination product development, along with our ability to collaborate closely and share risk, made us an optimal partner for MediBeacon.

A doctor records data in a notebook at a workstation with the MediBeacon system, sensor, and vial of liquid nearby.
A happy dog wearing One Health Group's Voyce heart monitor with a bandaged leg on a vet examination table while a veterinarian works in the background.

Veterinary Vital Sign Monitor

Client

One Health Group

Challenge

To accurately measure biometric data and improve outcomes in the veterinary setting, Triple Ring Technologies developed a noninvasive, remote digital monitoring device for One Health Group. Triple Ring’s experts designed a wearable physiological monitor that improved patient comfort, achieved long-term continuous monitoring, provided real-time feedback and alerts, and was cost-effective and easy to use.

 

Outcomes

The robust functional prototypes generated high quality physiologic data that supported One Health Group’s value proposition and enabled expanded partnerships with strategic investors in the veterinary health industry.

 

Value Propositions

  • Client outsourced R&D to Triple Ring which provided expertise tailored for a virtual startup company
  • Deep and relevant clinical and technical domain knowledge
  • Concept to clinical validation services
  • Urgency to drive value and support fund raising
Black pet collar with integrated One Health Group's Voyce physiological monitoring device.
A drawing of a hand assembling the One Health Group's Voyce animal physiological monitor onto a collar.
A digital illustration of One Health Group's Voyce physiological monitor on a dog with a transparent section showing internal anatomy.

Background

One Health’s business model depended on a lean organization. The company required a close outsourced partner to perform all their R&D. One Health’s system is a complex device requiring a multidisciplinary team to design, build and test. Through concept development, industrial design and prototyping, Triple Ring ran a rapid feasibility demonstration process to de-risk critical elements of the product design and prove functionality.

 

Our technology partnership with Triple Ring will enable us to much more quickly bring our patented mobile health monitoring technology to market and will support our goals as we build on our noncontact intelligent biometric sensing Voyce platform, bringing new, innovative physiological monitoring capabilities to support in-situ and real-time animal health care

Al DiRienzo
CEO & Co-Founder of One Health Group

 

Triple Ring is pleased to partner with One Health Group to develop the next version of their exciting platform for next-generation remote animal health monitoring. We believe in One Health Group and are taking a stake in the company, showing our support for their technology and the potential for the Voyce platform

Joe Heanue
CEO of Triple Ring Technologies
Black pet collar with integrated One Health Group's Voyce physiological monitoring device.
A 3D rendering of the Empyrean Morpheus robotic radiation therapy system.

Robotic Radiation Therapy

Client

Empyrean

Challenge

Triple Ring Technologies designed and developed a novel intra-operative radiation therapy device for Empyrean Medical Systems and facilitated submission of a complete design package to FDA for 510(k) clearance.  The compact, mobile, robotically guided, low-energy, intra-operative radiation therapy device was designed with the patient in mind and with a tight focus on useability.

 

Outcomes

A full system was designed, integrated, verified, clinically validated, and submitted to FDA for marketing clearance.  Post 510(k), the device design was transferred to manufacture and launched into the market.

 

Triple Ring Value Proposition

  • Innovative custom x-ray source design for true 3D beam directionality
  • Valuable intellectual property created
  • Advanced modeling and Monte Carlo simulation to speed design process
  • System integration and transfer to manufacture services
  • Strong track record of FDA clearance for device designs
A man demonstrates the Empyrean Morpheus medical robotic system at a trade show booth.
A 3D rendering of the imaging system Triple Ring Technologies designed and engineered for the Empyrean Morpheus robotic radiation therapy system.

Background

Empryean Medical and Triple Ring collaborated on the Morpheus System throughout the product development life cycle from concept to market launch. Triple Ring’s contributions included design and development of critical subsystems (x-ray source and beam steering electronics, for examples) to system integration, verification and test, clinical validation, and FDA submission. Triple Ring was chosen as Empyrean’s co-development partner due to our vast experience commercializing complex energy delivery technology for a range of clinical applications.

3D rendering of Malcova's innovative new breast imaging technology. Modern ergonomic white device with purple accents and the Malcova logo on the front against a light gray background.

User-Centric Breast Imaging

Client

Malcova

Challenge

Malcova invented and prototyped a technology to dramatically improve breast imaging while simultaneously improving patient experience. The device featured full 3D imaging capability at ultra-low radiation dose, and expanded coverage of anatomy missed by standard breast CT. The system was designed with the patient in mind and included a workflow that promoted greater comfort and lower stress during procedures. The company’s initial prototype required a complete redesign to support full functionality and ultimately human testing and FDA submission.

Typical CT systems use gantries to control the x-ray source and detector locations in a fixed configuration. Malcova’s system required a gantry-free implementation to achieve 3D imaging, which consequently required independent movement of source and detector. This architecture presented significant synchronization challenges to the production of quality images. Advanced simulations and skillful engineering were required to tackle the challenges inherent in the design. With our deep expertise in advanced robotics and x-ray imaging, Triple Ring was the ideal partner.

 

Outcomes

Triple Ring designed a CT scanner with the flexibility needed to fully explore the design space of this novel technology.

 

Value Propositions

  • Variable resourced full R&D teams (scientists, engineers, and project managers) available to contribute to the success of an innovative startup
  • Deep engineering experience to manage difficult synchronization challenges
  • Industry-leading X-ray physics expertise
  • Deep experience in Medical Robotics
Two 3d renderings of a person lying in Malcova's innovative new breast imaging system, one view is front three-quarter the other view is top overhead.
Diagram comparing previous breast imaging capability with Malcova's improved breast imaging capability which captures previously missed breast tissue, highlighting the difference in trajectories around a nonplanar object with an x-ray source.
Illustration of Malcova's innovative breast imaging device adjusting height for patient comfort during a procedure.

Background

Triple Ring has extensive expertise in x-ray imaging and advanced reconstruction technologies in combination with advanced robotics. Triple Ring has designed many dedicated CT systems for both human, animal, and industrial imaging in the last 19 years.

3d concept rendering of Malcova's innovative new breast imaging system in a modern comfortable clinic.
A person holding a transdermal patch applicator

Microneedle Patch Applicator

Client

Confidential

Challenge

The client had developed a novel microneedle patch for transdermal drug delivery intended for use by the patient at home. The patch required a significantly greater degree of uniformity in pressure during application than existing transdermal patches. It required design of a reusable applicator to achieve reliable adhesion and dosing, while supporting the robustness and ruggedness requirements for use by a patient in their home and a low cost.

The key was ensuring that the patch would work across a wide variety of skin types in the potential patient population. Triple Ring relied on its expertise in material design and selection, precision mechanical engineering, and our life scientists to design an applicator that provided the required pressure for patch adhesion, across skin types that varied by thickness, age, moisture content, and placement.

 

Outcomes

The resulting single-entity combination product comprised a reusable applicator and a microneedle array containing patch, for intracutaneous drug delivery allowing rapid absorption into the bloodstream. With the applicator, the client was able to successfully enter clinical trials. Ultimately the technology for the product was acquired by a vaccine manufacturer.

 

Value Propositions

Triple Ring’s interdisciplinary team had all the required skills for a complex design.

3D view of an innovative commination medical device microneedle patch applicator for transdermal drug delivery. White and orange ergonomic handheld device with attachment
Diagram of a transdermal patch delivering medication through the skin with drug-coated tips penetrating the epidermis.

Background

The client was a publicly traded company with deep medical and domain expertise to address a drug delivery problem using their novel patch technology. They selected Triple Ring to design the mechanical delivery device based upon our long history of working with designing novel technologies for health care that delivered excellent user experiences. The Triple Ring designed applicator allowed the client to both more easily demonstrate their technology to other health care professionals and to get it into the hands of end users in clinical trials.

A four-panel illustration showing the steps for using a handheld transdermal patch applicator: from resting position, opening, applying on skin, to pressing the dispenser button.