The below list highlights just some of the recent and ongoing projects driven by the Fischell Foundry. Additional projects will be shared as details can be made public.
FireFly is a device designed to measure intraocular pressure (IOP), an important measurement for glaucoma screening and monitoring. Instead of using an air puff, probe, or anesthetic drops, FireFly uses a high-speed camera to capture how the cornea naturally flexes during a blink.
Fischell Institute Fellow Giuliano Scarcelli and University of Maryland School of Medicine Professor Amal Isaiah collaborated with the Fischell Foundry to translate the technology into a functional device. Foundry engineers John Rzasa and Kevin Aroom developed an initial tabletop system before redesigning and miniaturizing the technology into a VR-style headset that simplifies eye alignment and data collection.
The technology could make monitoring eye pressure easier and more accessible while helping clinicians detect pressure changes associated with glaucoma.
U.S. Patent #12019018B2
Partnering Institutions: University of Maryland, College Park and University of Maryland, Baltimore
PIs: Giuliano Scarcelli, Ph.D. and Amal Isiah, M.D., Ph.D., MBA
Foundry Leads: Kevin Aroom, M.S., P.E. and John Rzasa, Ph.D.
A novel shoulder replacement technique designed for patients undergoing Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (RTSA) using a ‘Dual Cup’ component was developed within the institute through the Fischell Institute MPower Entrepreneurship Fellowship Program.
Guided by Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and cadaveric studies, the design was developed to improve range of motion while reducing bone impingement — two known issues with current shoulder joint replacements.
The institute leveraged in-house resources such as metal 3D printing and precision 5-axis CNC machining to fabricate implant-grade prototypes that are scheduled to begin cyclic wear testing.
U.S. Patent #12582532
Institution: University of Maryland, College Park
PIs: Martha Wang, Ph.D and Mohit Gilotra, M.D.
Foundry Leads: Martha Wang, Ph.D. and Kevin Aroom, M.S., P.E.
Traditional infant measurement methods require manual data capturing and entry, which is time-consuming and prone to error. The Baby Go Pro automates this process, improving accuracy and sharing the data in an easy-to-understand format.
The device captures digital measurements for head circumference, height, and weight, which allows for real-time plotting of data onto growth charts. This helps parents and doctors to track growth accurately over time, detect any unusual changes, and gain instant feedback on whether the growth pattern is within the expected range. A falloff of the growth pattern alerts parents and medical providers to take a closer look at the child. The device’s ability to quickly identify concerns allows for earlier intervention when problems are detected.
There is both national and international interest in this device.
Patent Pending: WO2025019005A
Partnering Institution: Children’s National Medical Center
PIs: Kevin Cleary, Ph.D. and Natasha Shur, M.D.
Foundry Leads: Kevin Aroom, M.S., P.E. and John Rzasa, Ph.D.
The early months of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in acute shortages in PPE, most notably N95 respirator masks. In addition, it was learned that disposable N95s and KN95s fit some face shapes poorly, lowering their effectiveness. In response, the Fischell Institute developed a reusable mask that can be personalized to fit the contours of an individual’s face.
The Fischell Foundry developed a fabrication method for a clear, customized conformal mask that creates a robust seal along the face, and has the added benefit of mouth visibility. The workflow included facial 3D scanning, 3D printing a custom mold, and thermoforming a mask with interchangeable N95 filter cartridges.
Along with addressing the short supply of N95 respirators, the Fischell Institute team was able to offer health care workers a custom-fitted mask that created the best possible seal around their face to safeguard against virus particles. In addition, the mask’s plastic material allowed it to be washed — and the filter portion of the mask replaced — ahead of each new wear, preventing future mask shortages.
Patent Pending: US20260034320A1
Institution: University of Maryland, College Park
Project Leads: William Bentley. Ph.D. and Kevin Aroom, M.S., P.E.
Foundry Support: John Rzasa, Ph.D., Quinn Burke, M.Eng. and Martha Wang, Ph.D.
TrachSense is a device designed to continuously monitor breathing in children with tracheostomies. The device sits atop a pediatric tracheostomy tube and monitors carbon dioxide levels, alerting caregivers if the tube becomes blocked or accidentally dislodged.
Originally developed as a student-led project with Children’s National Hospital, the prototype was brought to the Fischell Foundry for further development and testing. Foundry Engineers helped validate the system, improve its electronics, and integrate Bluetooth communication for wireless monitoring.
The team also developed a mobile monitoring system that can provide caregivers with real-time alerts, helping bring advanced respiratory monitoring into home and long-term care settings.
Partnering Institution: Children’s National Hospital
PI: Jules Sherman, M.S., MFA
Foundry Leads: John Rzasa, Ph.D., Quinn Burke, M.Eng. and
Arslan Siddiqui, M.Eng.
KeyScope is a low-cost, durable, reusable laparoscopic system for use in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Rather than using fiber optic cables, the KeyScope contains light-emitting diodes and a color complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor detector that are moved to the front of the device. This enables a significant decrease in cost and complexity. KeyScope has comparable resolving power, lens distortion, field of view, depth of field, and color reproduction accuracy to a SOC laparoscope at commonly used working distances (3-7 cm). The Fischell Foundry team designed the device’s ring of LEDs, ensuring they were bright enough to illuminate the internal field of view without generating too much heat, and created custom sealed casing for the device, allowing it to be sterilized using readily available disinfectant. They are also working to simplify the manufacturing process by utilizing equipment and assembly techniques that are easily accessible to LMICs.
Institution: University of Maryland, College Park
PI: Jenna Mueller, Ph.D.
Foundry Leads: John Rzasa. Ph.D., Kevin Aroom, M.S., P.E, and Jason Chen, M.Eng.
The Automated Vascular Access Device (AVAD-2) was developed to assist surgeons with placing a guidewire into a major blood vessel, such as the femoral artery or vein. The intended use case is austere environments, such as a battlefield, where non-compressible injuries require a catheter balloon to stop blood loss.
AVAD-2 uses handheld ultrasound imaging connected to a mobile app developed by the institute to visualize blood vessels beneath the skin and distinguish between arteries and veins based on physiological and hemodynamic characteristics. Once the correct vessel is identified, the system allows the user to initiate automated advancement of the needle and guidewire. The app receives data from other sensors and actuators and displays the information on the screen. By automating these steps, the technology aims to reduce human error and standardize a procedure that is often performed under pressure.
U.S. Patent #11628274B2
Partnering Institution: University of Maryland, Baltimore
PI: Rajabrata Sarkar, M.D., Ph.D.
Foundry Leads: Ryan Smith and Kevin Aroom, M.S., P.E.
BreathAssist is an instructional training device designed to improve bag-valve-mask (BVM) ventilation used during CPR and emergency care. The device attaches to a standard BVM and uses onboard sensors to measure ventilation rate, tidal volume, and mask seal quality. Using LED lights and audio cues, BreathAssist provides real-time feedback to help users recognize and correct their ventilation technique. The technology offers a more accessible alternative to expensive simulation systems while integrating with equipment already used in CPR and emergency medical training. The team transformed the original proof-of-concept into a robust training device with calibrated volume sensing and refined feedback aligned with resuscitation guidelines.
2025 Invention of the Year Nominee - Life Sciences category
Partnering Institution: University of Maryland, Baltimore
PI: Jason Rose, M.D., MBA
Foundry Leads: Kelly Yeung, M.Eng., Joel Bannerman, Kevin Aroom, M.S., P.E., and Martha Wang, Ph.D.
Otophoto is a novel, artificial intelligence-enhanced otoscope designed to diagnose and manage ear infections in children. Its portable, simple design enables non-specialty clinicians to accurately identify and aid diagnosis and management of ear infections. The Otophoto uses a special camera embedded in the tip of the device with a wide field of view and high framerate, giving the user a clear image of the ear canal and eardrum, even if not aimed precisely. Otophoto is wifi-enabled with an onboard Linux processor, can interface with EMRs, and enables telemedicine for patients, clinics, and parents.
Publications and Awards:
Wang W, Tamhane A, Santos C, Rzasa JR, Clark JH, Canares TL and Unberath M (2022) Pediatric Otoscopy Video Screening With Shift Contrastive Anomaly Detection. Front. Digit. Health 3:810427. doi: 10.3389/fdgth.2021.810427
1st Place - National Capital Consortium for Pediatric Device Innovation's 2020 Pitch for Kids competition
Provisional Patent: Methods and related aspects for ear pathology detection; U.S. Patent Application No.: 17/995,455; filed April 5, 2021.
Institutions: University of Maryland, Baltimore and Johns Hopkins University
PI: James Clark
Foundry Lead: John Rzasa
