MedDevice by Design with Mark Drlik and Ariana Wilson

MedDevice by Design

Exploring the Stories Behind MedTech Innovation

Welcome to MedDevice by Design, a video series from StarFish Medical that uncovers the engineering, design, and regulatory choices behind innovative medical devices. Each episode dives into real-world projects and industry trends, bringing you expert perspectives on the challenges and breakthroughs shaping the future of healthcare technology.

Hosted by StarFish Medical’s experienced team, MedDevice by Design is your opportunity to see how medtech ideas move from concept to reality. Whether you’re an engineer, a designer, or simply curious about how devices are made, these episodes deliver practical insights and inspiring stories from the front lines of product development.

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Reducing Device Development Timelines

Ariana and Mark explore how teams can reduce the device development timeline without compromising quality or compliance.

Understanding Medical Device Stakeholders

Every phase of a device’s life cycle involves different people with distinct needs – from clinicians and patients to service technicians and regulatory bodies.

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Past Episodes

  • Split image showing two close-up views of a human eye. On the left, the eye is seen through thick black-framed glasses, indicating impaired vision. On the right, the same eye is enhanced with a futuristic digital overlay of concentric circles and interface elements, suggesting advanced vision restoration technology. A red curved arrow points from left to right, implying improvement. Bold text at the top reads "Restoring Vision?"

    Accommodative Intraocular Lens Technology Explained

    Ariana and Mark explore how accommodative intraocular lens technology may one day restore natural vision for people who require cataract surgery or suffer from presbyopia. As Mark shares, traditional bifocals are not ideal, and new lens solutions may offer better outcomes.

  • Brain-computer interface - A man wearing a brain-computer interface (BCI) headset sits in a clinical setting, concentrating as he appears to control a robotic arm with his mind. His head is overlaid with digital graphics representing brain activity. A doctor in a white lab coat stands nearby, monitoring the interaction. Onscreen data displays in the background suggest medical or neurological analysis. Bold text on the image reads "Brain-Controlled Tech?"

    How Brain-Computer Interfaces Are Mapping the Future of Neurotechnology

    We explore the world of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and the challenges of capturing thought into action. Mark Drlik and Ariana Wilson walk through how these systems translate brain activity into control signals for devices—without needing surgical implants.

  • X-ray image of a human chest showing bones in high contrast. A visible electronic device, likely a pacemaker or implant, is located in the upper left chest area. A bold red arrow points to the device with a label in black and white text reading “definitely not bone.”

    Why Barium Sulfate Is a MedTech Powerhouse

    Mark and Ariana explore the surprising versatility of barium sulfate—a material used widely in both diagnostic procedures and medical device manufacturing. While many recognize it as the contrast agent you drink before an X-ray, it’s also a key additive that enhances plastic components across the healthcare industry.

  • Gloved hand holding a test tube filled with red liquid, with a large red arrow pointing at the tube on a blue gradient background.

    Alzheimer’s Blood Test for Early Detection

    We explore a groundbreaking shift in how Alzheimer’s disease may soon be diagnosed. Instead of relying on invasive spinal taps or costly PET scans, researchers have developed a blood test that detects key proteins associated with the disease—offering a more accessible and patient-friendly screening method.

  • A bearded man in a denim shirt uses a handheld breathalyzer device. To the left, bold text reads: "How Breath Testing REALLY works," with the word "REALLY" emphasized in bright purple.

    Breath Testing in Medical Devices: From Impairment to Gut Health

    We explore how breath testing in medical devices is transforming diagnostics. Mark Drlik walks through how this technology supports everything from roadside impairment detection to gastrointestinal analysis.

  • A transparent capsule-shaped ingestible medical device is shown on the right, revealing internal electronics, circuits, and components. On the left, bold purple text reads “Ingestible Medical Devices” against a clean white background.

    Ingestible Capsules: Future of GI Diagnostics and Drug Delivery

    Mark Drlik and Ariana Wilson introduce the fascinating world of ingestible capsules—tiny, swallowable medical devices that are revolutionizing gastrointestinal health monitoring and targeted therapy.

  • FDA use of AI in medical device review - A computer chip labeled "AI" on the left side is connected by a black arrow pointing to the right, where wooden blocks stacked vertically spell out "FDA." Above the image is a bold caption that says "They're doing it!" in white text on a black background. The image suggests the FDA is adopting AI technology.

    How the FDA Is Using AI in Regulatory Review

    Ariana Wilson and Mark Drlik dive into how the FDA is adopting artificial intelligence to modernize its regulatory processes. With a new chief AI officer in place and rumors of collaboration with OpenAI, the agency is taking major steps to automate review workflows and improve efficiency.

  • A man in a blue shirt and glasses, wearing a lapel microphone, smiles while holding a small circular device with wires. Large bold purple text on the left side of the image reads "From Prototype to Impact" against a white background.

    Cystic Fibrosis Therapy Device Uses Voice Coil Technology to Improve Mobility

    In this episode of MedDevice by Design, we follow the development journey of a transformative chest therapy device for cystic fibrosis patients. Host Mark Drlik introduces a voice coil prototype from an early-stage project that would eventually evolve into the Hill-Rom Monarch—a commercial system delivering high-frequency chest wall oscillation therapy.

  • A row of metallic hex nuts anodized in vibrant colors including blue, pink, purple, and gold are arranged on a white surface. To the left, bold purple text reads "Illusion of Color," suggesting a theme about visual perception or surface treatment.

    How Anodized Titanium Enhances Medical Devices with Structural Color

    We explore the fascinating intersection of materials science and usability in medical device development. Mark Drlik and Ariana Wilson discuss how anodized titanium produces vibrant color without dyes, and how this visual property supports surgical safety, device differentiation, and biocompatibility.