What it does
IntelliDrain is a smart drainage device that tracks fluid volume, pressure, and quality in real time. It wirelessly alerts clinicians to anomalies, enabling faster interventions and reducing postoperative risks through data-driven insights.
Your inspiration
The idea was born when a teammate’s infant underwent open-heart surgery. She saw fragile drainage tubes, overworked nurses, and outdated tools — all in a high-risk setting. That emotional moment drove us to design a smarter, safer solution. We interviewed nurses and surgeons, who confirmed the lack of real-time monitoring and the stress it causes. As medical systems face staff shortages and aging populations, we saw drainage monitoring as a small but vital tool. This quiet but crucial process became our mission — to combine empathy, design, and technology for safer recovery and stronger clinical support.
How it works
IntelliDrain integrates pressure sensors, fluid analyzers, and volume tracking into one modular device. It detects drainage intensity using a pressure sensor, monitors fluid output with a laser sensor, and analyzes properties like color, pH, and conductivity via biomass sensors. All data streams wirelessly to a hospital dashboard via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Clinicians receive alerts and can access patient trends on mobile or desktop. The device mounts vertically, horizontally, or on a patient’s leg and uses a sealed ABS body with magnetic charging. It’s designed for bedside use with minimal disruption. Battery life exceeds 36 hours. The compact form supports ICU use and meets hygiene standards. IntelliDrain reduces manual errors and enables real-time insight for faster, safer decisions.
Design process
We began with interviews and shadowing in hospitals to understand current drainage practices. Nurses described manual checks and stress from late-night uncertainty. We benchmarked systems and identified key gaps: lack of fluid quality analysis, real-time access, and poor IT integration. Early prototypes were built from foam and 3D prints. Medical staff gave feedback on size, clarity, and modularity. We created a three-part structure: fluid chamber, sensor core, and control unit — each removable for cleaning. For the interface, we tested Figma dashboards and optimized for alerts, simplicity, and trend visibility. We simulated real scenarios using colored saline and adjusted sensor placement. Engineers helped select non-invasive sensors and BLE/Wi-Fi for seamless transmission. A rechargeable magnetic battery avoided infection risks. Materials were chosen for hospital-grade use, and housings were sealed with antimicrobial coating. Final testing showed strong feedback. Clinicians valued the clear display, quiet design, and reliable alerts. IntelliDrain evolved from a personal experience into a rigorously tested, co-created device — shaped by emotion, verified by evidence.
How it is different
Unlike traditional drains, IntelliDrain adds real-time sensing without changing clinician workflow. It combines three functions in one: pressure monitoring, fluid analysis, and volume tracking. Most devices only measure output manually. Ours provides live alerts and data. It’s compact, hygienic, and wearable, designed for bedside or mobile patients. The dashboard enables remote monitoring and patient triage — essential in busy wards. IntelliDrain also supports anonymized research by tracking trends across populations. This makes it a clinical tool and a research enabler. Most importantly, it’s empathy-driven. It wasn’t built in a lab, but in response to real hospital moments. Every detail, from strap fit to dashboard hierarchy, reflects feedback from those who use it. It offers actionable insights with minimal friction — helping clinicians act faster, reduce risks, and support recovery with confidence.
Future plans
Next steps include firmware finalization, hospital trials, and CE/ISO certifications. We’re collaborating with manufacturers to optimize production. Two university hospitals are helping test usability and dashboard flow. In the long term, we aim to integrate IntelliDrain with EMRs and use AI to flag risks early. Aggregated data may reveal patterns that inform recovery protocols. We see it as the start of a broader post-surgical care platform — one that brings intelligence, personalization, and empathy to clinical recovery.
Awards
Currently under review for the James Dyson Award 2025.
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