Discover your next big idea for life sciences at PACK EXPO Las Vegas
Experience a breakthrough in life sciences packaging—explore solutions from 2,300 suppliers spanning all industries, all in one place this September

Medtronic employs ethnographic research for new package

HealthPack 2015: Using ethnographic research leads to the development of medical device packaging.

This image shows surgical devices in an operating room theater.
This image shows surgical devices in an operating room theater.

Medtronic CardioVascular Senior Principal Packaging Engineer Sameer Upadhyaya’s HealthPack 2015 presentation focused on how the medical device manufacturer employed ethnographic research to remedy vexing packaging problems in the operating room (OR).

To develop its new CoreValve Evolut™ R Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) System, Upadhyaya said the Medtronic team conducted ethnographic research to observe how hospital opened and handled catheter packaging. The new Evolut R is about 4 in. longer than a previous catheter system, which brought an additional challenge.

Using a cross-functional team approach, Medtronic sought input to the following key questions:

• Would the new product require new packaging, or could a modified version of previous packaging be used?

• Who would be the key customers—both internal and external—at the forefront of using the device?

• What would customer needs (and wants) be?

• What would a successful package look like?

List: Digitalization Companies From PACK EXPO
Looking for CPG-focused digital transformation solutions? Download our editor-curated list from PACK EXPO featuring top companies offering warehouse management, ERP, digital twin, and MES software with supply chain visibility and analytics capabilities—all tailored specifically for CPG operations.
Download Now
List: Digitalization Companies From PACK EXPO
Break out of the ordinary: see what’s new in life sciences packaging
At PACK EXPO Las Vegas, you’ll see machinery in action and new tech from 2,300 suppliers, collaborate with experts and explore transformative solutions. Join us in September to experience a breakthrough for life sciences products.
REGISTER NOW & SAVE!
Break out of the ordinary: see what’s new in life sciences packaging