A Concurrent Engineering Approach to Develop BioMEMS Employed in a Deep Brain Stimulator Integrated with a Drug Delivery System

Authors: Abigail Cutajar, Philip Farrugia, Owen Casha, Pierre Vella

Corresponding: Philip Farrugia (philip.farrugia@um.edu.mt)

Keywords: Integrated Product Development, Design Tools and Methods, Product Miniaturization, BioMEMS

Doi: http://dx.medra.org/10.7423/XJENZA.2017.1.06

Issue: Xjenza Online Vol. 5 Iss. 1 - September 2017

Abstract:
This paper presents an Integrated Product Development (IPD) based model to specifically develop bio-medical micro-electro-mechanical-systems (BioMEMS). The concurrent engineering model is based on the IPD model phases, which are presented and formulated by the Integration DEFinition (IDEF) modelling language. To evaluate the IPD model, a case study concerning the development of a BioMEMS device for a deep brain stimulation (DBS) system was investigated. By following the relevant mechanisms and controls in the model, a design concept of a wireless headmounted DBS implant integrated with a drug delivery system (DDS) was conceived. The contribution of this paper is the IDEF model, which provides a road map to the product development team members in order to take a concurrent engineering approach to develop Bio- MEMS. The qualitative feedback received from the identified stakeholders, together with the quality of the case study employed, namely, an integrated DBS and DDS solution, indicate a degree of evidence that the model provides a sound basis in this direction.

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