Sustainable endoscopy: Redesigning the polyp trap

Abstract

This project aims to reduce the environmental impact of an endoscopic product, the Polyp trap. The polyp trap is a single use device, that is used during endoscopy to catch removed polyps. Endoscopy is a department that has a relatively high reliance on single-use devices. This is one of the reasons why endoscopy has a high carbon footprint. Through observations in hospitals, literature and product research, the context of endoscopy, the polyp trap and other single-use devices are analysed. Additionally, circular frameworks and strategies specific to the medical context were explored, to identify circular opportunities for the polyp trap. A fast-track LCA of the current polyp trap is used to estimate its current environmental impact and analyse how interventions in design, function or material could influence its carbon footprint.

The insights from this research are used to generate ideas aimed at decreasing the polyp traps environmental impact. The resulting idea directions are presented to various healthcare professionals, such as nurses and infection prevention specialists during interviews. During these interviews, opportunities and risks for the redesign are discussed. Insights from the interviews are used to further develop the idea direction into the final design.

The final design consists of two concepts: The first concept is more conceptual, and reduces its impact by using some components for a longer amount of time; one day rather than per patient. The second concept is more traditional, and decreases its CF through minimising the required amount of material, leading to a smaller design that uses lower-impact materials. The environmental footprint of the final concepts is evaluated with a fast-track LCA.