ISO 13485 | AS9100
DUAL-CERTIFIED QUALITY SYSTEM
DUAL-CERTIFIED QUALITY SYSTEM
Benechill Inc. produces non-invasive cooling technologies designed to increase neurologically intact survival rates. The primary challenge Nectar faced was to streamline RhinoChill’s user interface to provide quick and easy access to important functions and setting adjustments, and to eliminate the possibility that emergency medical personnel could become confused about how to operate the device during a medical emergency.
Background and Challenges
With Nectar’s broad knowledge and deep experience working with recognized leaders in the medical field—including such state-of-the-art technology as the award-winning RhinoChill non-invasive, trans-nasal cooling system for BeneChill, Inc.— the firm undertook the challenge of streamlining the user interface for the RhinoChill system. The interface had to be fast, intuitive, free of any friction points, and require no thinking by emergency medical personnel regarding how to operate the device.
Developing a Highly Accessible, Easy-to-Navigate User Interface
Nectar analyzed all of the relevant information regarding use of the RhinoChill non-invasive, trans-nasal cooling system by EMTs and other emergency medical personnel. The team organized all of the device’s functions—including oxygen level, patient internal temperature, coolant level, and coolant pressure monitoring; controls for increasing, decreasing, or stopping the flow of coolant; and logging capabilities for recording the date, time, and beginning and ending patient temperatures for each use—to minimize the total number of selections.
Darren is an accomplished, dynamic leader who founded Nectar, X-Naut, and BreathDirect. He is committed to improving the world through the synthesis of technology, science, and art. Under Darren’s leadership, Nectar is leveraging the latest advances in cutting-edge technology to transform medical device development and design. As part of his
Stefanie brings over 10 years of experience in regulatory affairs and quality assurance, guiding a wide range of medical devices and pharmaceutical products through complex global requirements. She has successfully managed FDA 483 responses, 510(k) submissions, and audits across U.S., EU, APAC, and LATAM markets. Known for her collaborative and solutions-driven approach, Stefanie helps both startups and established companies navigate evolving regulatory landscapes with creative, compliant strategies.
Bryan Chan is a Senior AI and Software Architect with extensive experience in developing AI-driven medical technologies that are both innovative and compliant with industry standards (ISO 62304). His accomplishments include leading the development of: an AI-powered, contactless remote patient monitoring device with LLM-based voice engagement, a closed-loop insulin pump for Type 2 diabetes using on-body sensors, a motorized smart walker with real-time gait analysis, and an FDA-compliant AI SaMD platform for gastrointestinal disease detection. Bryan excels at defining technical vision, building high-performance teams, and navigating complex regulatory pathways to deliver scalable, market-ready MedTech solutions.
Adam Marten has worked in the aerospace and consumer products industries since 2006 with lead engineering experience in conceptual design, product development, analysis and performance qualification testing. Adam has experience leading a range of technical projects, including multiple structural analyses for military and aerospace applications. He has also worked directly with engineering teams to develop medical devices and laboratory instrumentation.
James is a seasoned professional with over seven years of experience at Nectar, where he brings his expertise in industrial design, user interface, and user experience to the table. With a background in the highly competitive automotive industry, working for heavyweights like Daimler and Tesla, James is a true asset to the Nectar team. He is responsible for ensuring that the company adheres to user-centered design best practices, and he works closely with clients and partners on crucial human factors strategies for FDA submissions and the overall usability engineering process. James’ achievements in this field speak to his exceptional skills and dedication to the work he does.
With over two decades of experience in healthcare innovation, Kerry has been instrumental in transforming patient care and improving patient outcomes across the globe. Her extensive knowledge and expertise in the cardiovascular and cardiothoracic operating room, as well as her experience in emergency medicine, geriatrics, pediatric psychiatry, and main OR, make her a versatile and valuable member of the team. From small hospitals to large teaching institutions, Kerry’s 20 years of experience with patient documentation, including the use of EPIC, Cerner, and Meditech electronic charting systems, have positioned her as a leader in her field. Her recent involvement in helping transition the Providence St. Vincent Medical Center’s Cardiac Surgery program from paper charting to electronic documentation further underscores her commitment to advancing the healthcare industry.
Jonathan is a Human Factors Engineer with a background in psychology and sociology, bringing a unique perspective that bridges human behavior, usability, and inclusive design. Grounded in universal design principles, his work focuses on creating safe, accessible, and intuitive user experiences informed by both qualitative and quantitative research. At Nectar, Jonathan leads the Human Factors team, guiding research and risk management efforts through user testing, field studies, and evidence-based evaluations to ensure that every product decision reflects the real needs of its users.
Jenny is a Human Factors Engineer with a strong foundation in psychology, bringing a research-driven approach to usability, workflow analysis, and user-centered design. She has worked across clinical, consumer, and emerging technology spaces, leading studies that examine cognitive workload, fatigue, task performance, and product interaction to optimize safety and usability. At Nectar, Jenny collaborates with cross-functional teams to translate user needs into actionable design recommendations, supporting risk management, formative evaluations, and usability strategies for regulatory submissions.