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Julia Szewczyk

Integrated Industrial Design MSc

Passionate about creating innovative, user-centered designs that make a meaningful impact, I specialize in MedTech solutions, blending my skills in industrial design with a deep interest in improving healthcare technologies.

Neo

Neo is an extravasation detection system designed for premature neonates, addressing the accidental leakage of fluids from veins into surrounding tissues, which can cause severe harm. Extravasation injuries are particularly common in ICUs, chemotherapy, and IV treatments, with delayed detection leading to serious consequences, including tissue necrosis, limb loss, and impaired function. Neonates are especially vulnerable due to their fragile veins and undeveloped skin, making early detection crucial. Between 2011 and 2021, the NHS faced 444 claims related to extravasation, costing £15.6 million. Early monitoring and intervention are key to reducing these injuries.

The system will be comprised of two devices: a wearable sensor placed on patients skin at the IV site, and an automated shut-off valve which will cut off infusion flow when extravasation is detected by the wearable sensor.

The wearable sensor has a pressure biosensor that is adhered directly to the skin using Tegaderm. When the skin stretches
due to a bump or swelling, the detecting electrodes extend accordingly.
This strain shift will cause electrical impedance variations in the sensing electrode material.
When the wearable biosensor detects ≥2ml of fluid in subcutaneous tissue, the shut-off valve stops IV fluid flow. The device will rely on the infusion pump to alert medical personel. It will sound an alarm within 10 seconds of fluid flow stopping.

When the device gets a Bluetooth signal from the wearable sensor indicating that extravasation has occurred, a servo motor will turn a cam by 90 degrees to pinch the IV tube, stopping the IV flow. The rounded edge of the cam and its rotational motion from the bottom will pinch the IV tube and ensure the liquid is pushed up to prevent pressure buildup in the tube.

Through extensive prototyping, the product’s scale, ergonomics, and sensor adaptability to the skin’s topology have been thoroughly tested. Iterative development, informed by expert feedback and testing results, has refined the design to ensure optimal performance and user comfort.

Additional Projects

AR Googles for Firefighters

AR headset tailored for firefighting search and rescue operations with a focus on enhancing visibility, improving the identification of victims and optimising
communication between offcers.

Klip

This parking solution addresses London’s dockless bike littering problem and was developed as part of the Ford Smart Mobility Challenge. The group project received the Ford Fund Award for further development and will be showcased at an accelerator in Madrid in September 2024.

Work Experience

Awards

2021 – 2022 Design Engineer at Pavegen Systems Ltd.

  • 2024 Industrial Design Studentship Award – Royal Comission for the Exhibition of 1851
  • Diploma of Professional Studies
  • 2024 Ford Fund Smart Mobility Challenge Award

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