Project Medical Device

Our capstone team "Big Mastermind Energy"   is developing a durable, reusable in-line suction filter designed for operating rooms in low-resource healthcare environments. The goal is to replace single-use filters—which are often reused out of necessity—with a safe, reliable, and cost-efficient device built to withstand repeated sterilization. 

The reusable suction filter is an in-line hydrophobic barrier placed between a surgical suction canister and the suction machine. Its purpose is simple but critical:

• Prevent fluids from entering and damaging the machine
• Prevent contaminants from passing through and endangering patients or medical staff

In many hospitals—especially in lower-resource regions—single-use suction filters are frequently reused due to cost and limited supply. This creates serious risks:

• Filter failure can allow fluids to enter and damage suction machines
• Reuse increases the chance of cross-contamination or exposure to infectious materials
   

Our design addresses this challenge by creating a filter that is meant to be reused safely.

We are developing a filter that is:

• Durable — designed to maintain performance through multiple uses
• Washable & Sterilizable — able to undergo proper cleaning protocols
• Cost-efficient — reducing long-term operating expenses for clinics
• Reliable — provides consistent protection without frequent replacement
   

This design is especially valuable for rural or low-resource communities where replacement filters are expensive or difficult to source

Our solution was shaped through direct conversations with healthcare providers and Engineers Without Borders partners in Guatemala. Their insights revealed the need for a reusable, easy-to-clean filter due to:

• inconsistent access to medical supplies
• high replacement costs
• the tendency to reuse single-use filters that appear externally “clean”
   

Currently, no cost-effective reusable in-line suction filter exists.
Our device is designed to match the size, shape, and function of existing filters—ensuring compatibility with standard suction machines—while introducing:

• multi-use capability
• improved durability
• better long-term value