Diego Powered Dissector System for Gyrus ACMI, ENT Division

A benchmark in user-centered medical device design

Diego tripled our revenues in the powered instrument product segment, and elevated our profile in our served markets. What we learned from IDEO about product design has influenced the way we approach all new major development projects.
—Perry Mykleby, senior director of marketing, Gyrus ACMI, ENT Division

Using a highly collaborative process involving designers, engineers, and surgeons, Gyrus ENT and IDEO developed the Gyrus Diego system’setting a new benchmark in user-centered design.

Launched in September 2002, the Diego design brought significant advances to operations on nasal sinuses, adenoids, and laryngeal polyps and tumors. In addition, sales of the new design grew by more than 300% in less than four years, and market share expanded from 4% to 20%.

Beginning with intensive observations of specialists, the design team identified common problems with traditional otolaryngology tools, such as clogging, cord tangling, and operator fatigue. Working with a panel of six leading otolaryngology surgeons, who participated in brainstorming, rough prototyping, and user testing, the team developed a design that has resulted in dramatically better results for surgeons and patients.

Incorporating several engineering innovations, the Diego system facilitates a faster procedure to reduce patients’ time under anesthesia, minimize surgical trauma, and enable faster recuperation. Otolaryngologists benefit from the 360-degree revolving nose cone and handpiece design that allows fingertip control for greater precision and comfort. Straight-through suction allows for easier cleaning and sterilization.

Project date: 2001