The innovative tools that she’s developed do far more than cut tissue. They can transect vascular structures while also using the building blocks of biological structures—such as collagens, elastins and other proteins in the tissue—to refuse these components in a way that creates a seal to prevent bleeding after the transection has occurred. This allows surgeons to quickly reach and mobilize targeted anatomy while reducing the risk of bleeding.
One advanced ultrasonic device that Otrembiak and her team created relies on mechanical energy: Its titanium blade vibrates back and forth extremely quickly—55,000 times per second—generating enough heat from friction to seal the tissue. This device is most commonly used in ear, neck and throat procedures as well as in gynecological and general surgery.
Otrembiak has also worked on advanced bipolar devices, which use electrical energy to heat up tissue while a cutting edge is deployed. These are typically used in laparoscopic surgery, including bariatric, colorectal and gynecological procedures.
Next-generation instruments like these allow surgeons to work more efficiently, quickly and safely, giving them more options to fit the needs of each patient and procedure. “They can choose a device that meets their specific needs for the specific procedures within their specialty,” says Otrembiak.
It can take years to go from coming up with the idea for a new surgical instrument to making sure it holds up against rigorous testing and is ready to be used in operating rooms across the world. That long timeline doesn’t bother Otrembiak. The end result—delivering a product that enhances health and healing—“is always a very significant moment for me,” she says.
Read on to learn how Otrembiak got her start in medtech engineering, the unmet needs that inspire her creativity and the new device she’s in the early stages of innovating.
Q:
Growing up, what were the earliest clues that you would one day be developing medtech tools?
A:
I’ve always been adventurous and curious and wanting to explore the world, which as a kid was my neighborhood in Kentucky. It was a new development where lots of construction was happening, which fascinated me—I wanted to know how things worked.
In school, I loved science classes. I loved asking questions and getting really hands-on, like doing the classic volcano with baking soda and vinegar. I always enjoyed working with my hands, not only from the science perspective but also with art.
Q:
Did a particular person in your life inspire you to go into medtech engineering—like a parent, teacher or mentor?
A:
I was born an engineer, so no one had to convince me to be one. But my parents were instrumental in recognizing this and knowing what to call the thing I already was.
I was lucky enough to have parents who just knew very early on, when I was taking things apart—like my sister’s brand-new sewing machine—and trying to put them back together for fun, “that’s an engineer.” When I was in high school, they were like, “This is what you love to do. These are your skills. Here’s the career path that uses all of those things that you already love doing.”
Q:
What’s a typical workday for you?
A:
No two days have ever been the same! I think that speaks to the nature of engineering, at least in medtech research and development. There’s just so much going on, from taking a project from concept to honing out the design to long-term manufacturing.
Some days, I’m generating evidence about an unmet need in surgery and coming up with new ideas. Or I’m hands-on in the lab doing mechanical testing or testing on tissue. Other days, I’m in meetings, trying to make decisions about a product with lots of different teams. Sometimes I’m at a hospital watching surgeons as they use a new tool in the operating room, answering questions and troubleshooting any issues.
Q:
Do you have a specific area of expertise or type of device you work on?
A:
During my 10 years with Johnson & Johnson, I’ve specialized in bipolar vessel sealers and ultrasonic vessel sealers for laparoscopic procedures. That’s kind of where I grew up, if you will. But I’ve recently transitioned into supporting some of the stapling technology used in general, thoracic, colorectal and bariatric procedures. That’s been really cool and fun to learn about, especially as a mechanical engineer.
I’m currently working on a product for colorectal procedures. Very severe complications can occur during colorectal surgery, and there is still a real need for reducing them. I’m hoping to help with that.
Q:
What about your work makes you proudest?
A:
Seeing a product that I’ve worked on succeed. I want the surgeon and surgical staff to be very happy with it and for everything to go according to plan. My goal is to make devices that get the patient off the table as fast as possible with the surgeon’s utmost confidence. That person has a life to live and a family to go home to, and there’s just nothing like knowing that you aided in that positive outcome.
Q:
What’s one thing you want people to know about your work?
A:
That it takes a long time to launch a product in the medical device space. From the initial conception to the final product launch, it can take three or four years. But there are patients waiting for solutions. Launching these products with utmost confidence that they will improve lives is the number-one goal.
Q:
What are your passions or interests outside of your work?
A:
My wife and I really love traveling. I guess this goes back to my roots and how I love exploring and learning and experiencing new things—including getting lost sometimes in a place that I don’t know.
I also have a lot of artistic hobbies: drawing, painting, crafting and creating things. I recently got into laser cutting and engraving, which I like because it blends both engineering and art. I make custom game pieces and tokens and 3D art that you can hang on the wall. I started an Etsy store to sell all the pieces I make.
Q:
What advice would you give to young people in school or just starting out in the science/tech space?
A:
Be curious! Asking why and how is the fuel for learning, growth and problem-solving, and it’ll take you far in the STEM fields. Things like math and physics can be taught to those willing to learn. But only you can bring that curiosity.
