Economic and Environmental Impacts of Drug Waste Protocols

Our project goal was to investigate the impact of drug waste protocols in Massachusetts and look into legislation in other states related to this issue. We collected data through interviews with pharmacists, patients, nurses, organizations, and lawmakers. Our findings were: safety protocols, overmedication, and expired medication lead to drug waste. Moreover, dropbox areas/cactus devices can be improved, Pharmacy Benefit Managers exacerbate the burden of drug waste, diversion is an overlooked aspect of drug waste, and legislation regarding drug waste is weak. Based on these findings, we recommend solutions such as deprescribing, public awareness of disposal sites, adjustment of safety protocols, creating an environment for drug reuse companies, and implementing dose banding

A Robotic Platform for Neurointervention

Neurointerventional procedures involve a guidewire and a system of catheters that are maneuvered through the circulatory system into the brain. Due to the procedure's precise nature, X-rays enable practitioners to see the catheter inside the patient, leaving them vulnerable to excess radiation even with protective lead clothing. This paper explores the development of a proof-of-concept prototype for remotely controlling modularized telescoping catheters ensuring rotational and linear accuracy and compatibility with various catheter sizes. Several prototypes were developed, systematically refining the model through testing and further literature research. While improved manufacturing techniques and electronics would be required to get the necessary precision, the final iteration showed that this concept for telescoping catheter control is viable. Recommendations for future work are discussed, and this project serves as a strong starting point for future endeavors that will lead to improvements in the field of robotic neurointervention