Engineering Medical Innovation: Catheter Development Journey
In the rapidly evolving world of minimally invasive medical devices, precision, creativity, and deep technical knowledge are imperative. At the forefront of this innovation at Prevailing Medical—a U.S.-based contract engineering and manufacturing firm—is Joe Duerr, Co-Founder and President, whose extensive experience shapes how cutting-edge catheters are developed and manufactured for the healthcare industry.
A Foundation Built on Experience
Our team brings over 25 years of engineering experience in the medical device market, with a particular emphasis on complex and minimally invasive devices. As expert engineers, our career spans work on some of the industry’s most challenging components—from diagnostic and electrophysiology (EP) catheters to balloon, and steerable devices. Our deep understanding of the unique demands of medical catheter technologies positions Prevailing Medical as a go-to partner for innovation-driven companies seeking to bring advanced devices to market.
Throughout our careers, we have developed a broad range of technical skills that are critical in catheter engineering and production. These include expertise in:
CAD design and prototyping, enabling rapid translation of concepts into functional catheter prototypes.
Automation and tooling technologies, streamlining production and improving efficiency without compromising precision.
Material science and manufacturing processes, such as extrusion, tipping, braiding, bonding, and welding, which are essential for producing reliable, high-performance catheter shafts and assemblies.
Innovating Through Collaboration
At Prevailing Medical, Duerr’s leadership helps bridge the gap between concept and commercialization for medical device developers. Through its ISO 13485-certified facilities—including advanced cleanrooms and precision extrusion capabilities—the company supports the full lifecycle of catheter development, from early design and simulation to prototyping, testing, and regulated manufacturing.
Duerr’s role extends beyond technical oversight. His experience fosters a collaborative approach with clients, emphasizing design-for-manufacturability (DFM) to anticipate production challenges early in the development process, minimize costly redesigns, and accelerate time-to-market for life-changing medical technologies.
Impact on Catheter Technologies
Prevailing Medical has expanded its capabilities across a broad spectrum of sophisticated catheter types, including:
Steerable catheters for complex vascular navigation.
Electrophysiology (EP) mapping and ablation devices critical to cardiac rhythm management.
Balloon catheters used in a variety of interventional procedures.
Delivery systems and sheaths that serve as conduits for other therapeutic tools.
This broad experience reflects Prevailing Medical’s dedication to addressing the nuanced engineering and manufacturing needs of next-generation medical devices—where innovation must work hand-in-hand with regulatory compliance and patient safety.
A Leader in Medical Device Development
Joe Duerr’s leadership at Prevailing Medical exemplifies how seasoned expertise can elevate a contract manufacturer into a trusted partner for product developers. Drawing on decades of hands-on experience in catheter design, development, and manufacturing, Duerr helps position his team—and their clients—to tackle the most demanding challenges in minimally invasive medical technology.
With an eye toward future advancements and a commitment to collaborative engineering, Prevailing Medical continues to play a vital role in shaping the landscape of advanced catheter technologies that improve clinical outcomes and expand possibilities in modern medicine.