Project Overview
Aerin Medical sought Austin Visuals’ expertise to create a medical device animation that would clearly illustrate their Airway Sculpting procedure, designed to improve airflow in patients with nasal obstructions. This animation had to depict Aerin’s innovative low-temperature radiofrequency (RF) technology, which allows for non-surgical airway remodeling, effectively educating both physicians and patients about the procedure’s benefits.
The Challenge
The Airway Sculpting procedure involves targeting precise anatomical structures within the nasal cavity, an area where small adjustments can result in significant improvements in airflow. Key requirements included:
- Detailed Anatomical Visualization: The animation needed to depict nasal cavity structures, including the nasal valve, upper lateral cartilage (ULC), and turbinate, accurately and realistically.
- Complex Procedure Simplification: The challenge was to show the RF technology’s mode of action and its effect on soft tissue remodeling without overwhelming viewers.
- Patient-Friendly Representation: The procedure is non-invasive, so the animation had to convey a sense of minimal discomfort and post-procedure recovery simplicity.
The Solution: Detailed Medical Device Animation
Austin Visuals developed a high-quality 3D medical device animation that breaks down the Airway Sculpting procedure into easily understood steps:
- Anatomy Overview: The animation began by identifying essential nasal structures, including the ULC, nasal septum, and turbinate, which are commonly affected by airway obstructions. This provided context for the target area’s role in breathing and the impact of minor obstructions.
- Airway Obstruction Illustration: We visually demonstrated how obstructions in the nasal valve area, the narrowest part of the nasal airway, significantly increase airflow resistance, illustrating how even minor changes in radius can dramatically improve airflow.
- Aerin’s RF Technology: The animation highlighted the Aerin stylus’ low-temperature RF energy mode, showing how it operates below ablation temperatures to gently remodel tissue without causing thermal damage. The stylus tip was shown gently applied to the ULC, remodeling soft tissues and increasing airflow.
- Procedure Steps: The animation covered the entire process, from pre-procedure anesthesia to post-procedure recovery, demonstrating the stylus positioning, RF energy application, and how the process may be repeated in other areas if needed. The patient remained seated in a reclined position, emphasizing the procedure’s minimal invasiveness.
- Endoscopic View: Finally, the animation featured an endoscopic view of the remodeled airway, showing the increased nasal passage space and improved airflow, a result of the tissue remodeling.
Key Features of the Medical Device Animation
- Anatomically Accurate Visuals: Detailed structures and precise device positioning enhanced understanding of the procedure and conveyed Aerin Medical’s technological benefits.
- Clear Process Demonstration: Step-by-step visuals clarified each phase, making it suitable for both medical professionals and patients.
- Patient-Centered Messaging: The animation emphasized the comfort and efficiency of the procedure, highlighting its appeal as a non-surgical option for patients with nasal obstructions.
The Result
The final animation provided Aerin Medical with a powerful tool to demonstrate the Airway Sculpting procedure’s effectiveness and safety. This medical device animation aids in educating healthcare providers and patients alike, effectively supporting Aerin Medical’s commitment to innovative, non-invasive solutions for breathing disorders.
Austin Visuals specializes in custom medical animations that accurately convey complex procedures. Fill out the contact form below, email us at [email protected], or call +1-512-591-8024 to discuss how we can bring your medical device to life through 3D animation.
