Support Brackets for Critical Components of a Perfusion System
Due to multiple acquisitions and mergers, 30 existing brackets assemblies were sourced from multiple suppliers. They were inconsistent in appearance, cost and quality.
- KDI re-designed and prototyped all 30 bracket assemblies
- Optimized function, improved appearance and streamlined manufacturing
- Designed assemblies that would share components, reducing the number of discreet parts
- Developed a common “near net shape” extrusion platform
- Reduced costs from 10 to 40 percent per assembly
- All 30 redesigned bracket assemblies were placed into production within one year
During open-heart surgery, the cardiovascular perfusionist supports the surgical team by monitoring the heart and lungs, while managing the filtering and oxygenation of the patient’s blood. The perfusion system is an intricate combination of mechanical and electronic devices that are held and supported by brackets mounted to a customizable perfusion console.
Medtronic Cardiac Systems recognized that the 30 different bracket assemblies they used to support, secure and organize perfusion system devices often had overly-complicated designs, were expensive to manufacture and were inflexible. Through multiple acquisitions and mergers over the years, they were left with bracket assemblies sourced from multiple suppliers, that were inconsistent in appearance, cost and quality.
Medtronic formed a consolidation/cost-reduction R&D team to address the situation. The technical sourcing lead on the team recommended KDI based on his previous work experience with KDI’s quality, reliability and performance.
The success of the Medtronic/KDI team in significantly improving the look, design, cost-efficiency and quality of the perfusion support system product line has helped Medtronic enjoy consistent and sustained sales growth within this market sector.