VitaTalk Ep. 20

elliebecker35
Aug 20, 2025
2 min read

In this VitaTalk episode, host Eli Rehmann sits down with engineers Mohamed Mohamed and Brett Herdegen to explore the challenges, innovations, and rewards of working at the cutting edge of medical device engineering. With Mohamed specializing in electrical engineering and Brett in biomedical engineering, the conversation reveals what it takes to bring devices from concept to completion, often at scales smaller than a human hair.

Designing for Humans, Not Just Machines

Unlike automotive or commodity engineering, medical device design is rooted in the intricacies of the human body. Every component, from catheters to balloons, must accommodate human anatomy. As Brett explains, the push for minimally invasive procedures means devices are getting smaller, sleeker, and more precise. This demand for compactness mirrors trends in consumer electronics but with a critical difference: patient safety and clinical performance drive every design choice.

The Challenges of Miniaturization

Working at microscopic scales changes everything. Materials like stainless steel or platinum behave differently when they’re thinner than a strand of hair. Complex mechanical systems must be simplified to function reliably in tiny spaces, often requiring custom manufacturing techniques and flawless fitment straight out of the mold.

Mohamed points out that meeting ISO standards is crucial, not only to prove safety and reliability, but also to ensure that the device stands up to scrutiny in a competitive market. “Fitment is huge,” he says, noting that every micrometer matters when the goal is to minimize extra adhesion steps and streamline manufacturing.

When the Tech Doesn’t Exist—Build It

While working with vendors is essential for sourcing specialized components or equipment, many solutions have to be developed in-house. That could mean creating custom fixtures, refining adhesive application methods, or even developing unique software-hardware integrations tailored to a specific device.

“We’re doing that all the time,” says Brett. “Clients come to us because they know we can help them find new pathways from their initial design.”

Power in Small Packages

On the electrical side, battery technology is a constant focus. Smaller form factors with lower power consumption can dramatically extend device lifespans, especially for implantables. While VitaTek doesn’t typically build batteries from scratch, the team acts as specification developers, ensuring the chosen power source meets the exact needs of the device and its sterilization requirements.

The A-to-Z Timeline

From initial concept through manufacturing, sterilization, and delivery, most projects aim for a one- to two-year timeline. But complexity matters. Life-sustaining or critical devices often require more invasive testing, regulatory steps, and extended development schedules.

The Takeaway

Engineering for medtech isn’t just about precision, it’s about marrying technical innovation with patient-centered design. At VitaTek, teams like Mohamed’s and Brett’s are proving that whether it’s rethinking micro-scale mechanics or creating tools that don’t yet exist, the goal is always the same: deliver safe, effective devices that improve lives.

🩺 Interested in learning more about life at VitaTek or how we’re reshaping the medical device space? Stay tuned for more episodes of the VitaTalk Podcast!

Stay tuned for more episodes and updates, because the best ideas in healthcare are just getting started.