AN AYR based surgeon has received over half a million pounds in funding after inventing a revolutionary new medical product.
Dr Murali Subramanian, a general surgeon at Ayr Hospital, received £620,000 of investment after coming up with the concept for a single-use special operating light.
It is estimated that the light will be of benefit during two thirds of hospital procedures and appeal to an annual worldwide market comprising the sale of thirty million devices.
Scottish Health Innovations Ltd (SHIL), a Scottish body supporting innovation in the health service, has taken the initial idea of an LED light integrated into a surgical tool from the concept design stage through to fully-approved product.
The product could be widely available by 2014 with Clear Surgical Ltd – a spin-off company of SHIL – along with Kelvin Capital and the Scottish Co-investment Fund marketing the product after making the £620,000 investment.
Speaking briefly about the product, Dr Subramanian said:
“The introduction of this device could signal a paradigm shift in the way retractors are used in surgery.”
Dr Alison Graham, medical director for NHS Ayrshire and Arran welcomed the development of the light. She said:
“The idea for an illuminated retractor originated in NHS Ayrshire and Arran and we are delighted to be working with Scottish Health Innovations Ltd to develop the idea to a CE approved product.”
“This is another great example of innovation in the NHS and the importance of staff involvement.”
The instrument is designed for use by medical professionals carrying out open cavity surgery and will provide retraction for surgical incision while using small, in-built LED technology to illuminate the part of the body being operated upon.
At present, overhead lighting is often blocked out by medical professionals carrying out an operation, casting a shadow over the area of interest. Clear Surgical’s illuminated retractor directly illuminates the interior cavity of an incision during surgery while the retractor holds open the incision. Ultimately this provides two functions in a single device.
Keith McKellar, CEO of SHIL was delighted with the invention and, after receiving details of the need for an illuminated retractor from Dr Subramanian, explained the importance of innovation within the NHS. He said:
“This is a great example of the NHS working collaboratively with Scottish companies to design and develop solutions to problems faced within the health sector. SHIL are uniquely positioned to allow this type of innovation to drive growth in the Scottish life sciences sector.”
Jim McGuire of Clear Surgical Ltd added:
“This is an exciting opportunity to take an innovative product to market. The confidence I have in the success of this product led me to form the company and take up the position of CEO of Clear Surgical Ltd. This product will be the first in a portfolio of medical devices originating from the NHS in Scotland.”
Original Article: Ayr Advertiser
