Innovations in Medical Technology
The knowledge and technology generated in the Trinity Centre for Bioengineering is of enormous benefit to Irish industry. Below are highlights of our recent medical device innovations.
Buddy Roamer
A North-South collaboration between Moorings Mediquip and The Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, funded by Intertrade Ireland, has led to the rapid development of a novel gait training device.. This was featured in the Irish Times on Monday 9th January 2012. Read full article: Offering stepping stones to local manufacturing
Technology Transfer Showcase
Flexi-cutting sheath
Dr Bruce Murphy, a principal investigator in the Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, has exemplified innovative technology transfer with his unique medical device to clear blockages in arteries, for which he received the Enterprise Ireland ‘One-to-Watch’ award in 2009. Called a 'flexi-cutting sheath', Dr Murphy's device, which contains tiny concealed blades that are exposed by inflating a balloon, is safer and more effective than existing medical devices used to clear blockages in arteries. The invention will help the 500,000 people worldwide that suffer from end-stage renal disease every year. Patients with this disease require dialysis 2-3 times per week, which can result in blockages in their bloodstream. This flexi-cutting sheath can be used to clear these blockages in a safer, more effective way than existing devices. Another use of the device is in the treatment of peripheral arterial disease, which results in around 1,000 people in Ireland every year having a limb amputated because the main artery in their arm or leg gets blocked by hardened plaque which cuts off the blood supply.
Artistent
Artistent is designed to help overcome the issues of stenting peripheral blood vessels. The Artistent design allows a cardiologist to insert several small, unconnected stents through a catheter into a diseased artery in a single go.
The Artistent design arose from research by Dr Daniel Kelly at Trinity College Dublin and the patented technology has just started preclinical trials.