Building Momentum in Early-Stage Device Development:
How Resolution Medical Partnered with VivaCath
Early-stage medical device innovation demands movement. Concepts evolve quickly, feedback reshapes direction, and clarity often comes only after ideas are built, tested, and refined. For VivaCath, that momentum came through a close design development and prototyping effort with Resolution Medical, focused on translating early clinical ideas into tangible, testable devices.
Progress at this stage requires more than technical capability alone. It calls for a collaborator who can work confidently while details are still fluid, absorb fast-moving clinical input, and turn evolving direction into forward motion without slowing the work down. VivaCath needed someone who understood how to move ahead even while the solution itself was still taking shape.
This perspective is shared by Mike Mirizzi, a seasoned R&D executive at VivaCath, who worked closely with the Resolution Medical team throughout the early stages of development. “From the very first conversations, Resolution made us feel welcome. They were open, transparent, and willing to really show us their capabilities and technologies, which made it easy to see the potential for a strong partnership,” says Mirizzi.
VivaCath engaged with Resolution Medical for design development and prototyping, collaborating with a multidisciplinary group that supported both engineering progress and clinical input. Much of the work centered on engaging with a highly involved clinical leader whose ideas continued to shape the direction of the device. Rather than forcing rigid specifications too early, Resolution Medical helped structure the work so ideas could be explored, tested, and refined through iteration.
That approach proved essential in managing complex and fast-moving clinical feedback. As Mirizzi noted, “Our physician has a lot of ideas, and they come fast. The Resolution team has been really good at listening to all of them, then distilling that input into something that can actually be built and tested.”
“They’re experienced enough to say, ‘We can’t do it exactly like that, but here’s a solution that will work,’ which is incredibly important at this stage of development.”
This translation showed up clearly in the rhythm of the work. Designs were prototyped and shared quickly, feedback was gathered, and subsequent iterations followed without delay. In practice, that often meant responding to direct, actionable input. A prototype might come back with feedback as straightforward as “this is too stiff,” immediately leading to the next question: how quickly can tip flexibility be adjusted and an updated version returned for evaluation? The ability to pivot quickly kept the program grounded in learning rather than speculation.
Speed mattered well beyond engineering progress. “Being able to dream something up and then have it in your hands fairly quickly has been critical for us, especially when raising capital and filing intellectual property.” For VivaCath, having functional, reliable prototypes helped make investor conversations more concrete and credible. Instead of speaking only in future terms, they could show tangible progress and demonstrate how the device was coming together in practice.
Just as important, those prototypes needed to perform under real-world handling. Devices were evaluated by clinicians who often tested them aggressively and under time pressure. Prototypes that stayed intact and behaved as expected allowed feedback to focus on performance and usability rather than avoidable build issues, helping protect both confidence and momentum.
Throughout the engagement, Resolution Medical took an active, hands-on role, helping to problem solve, anticipate needs, and support forward progress as challenges emerged. As Mirizzi noted, “The team does a great job communicating options. If there’s a way to simplify a design, reduce materials, or keep prototyping costs down, they explain that clearly so we can make informed decisions.”
That level of collaboration extended beyond the immediate design work. When compatibility with other technologies became important, Resolution Medical responded quickly to evaluate interfaces and validate assumptions. As VivaCath transitioned into a formal spin-out, Resolution Medical remained engaged and supportive through the operational realities of that change, helping maintain continuity and forward momentum.
When asked directly whether they would recommend Resolution Medical, VivaCath pointed to a difference that matters deeply in medical manufacturing partnerships: Resolution Medical delivered on what they said they could do and showed up as a true partner throughout the process.
“I would absolutely recommend Resolution Medical. There are a lot of design firms that say they can do everything, but Resolution actually delivers on what they say they can do.”
Your Comprehensive Partner
At Resolution Medical, we have a genuine passion for transforming complex medical device ideas into reality. Our team brings deep anatomical understanding and integrated engineering and manufacturing expertise to help you move from concept to commercialization. Whether you’re developing complex delivery systems, active implantable devices, or components for your next innovation, we work closely with you and your team to co-create solutions built for real-world performance.
