One of Nexus’ newest members, Pd-m, are set to showcase its latest medical innovation to surgeons in rural India, following a collaborative project with academics at the University of Leeds.
The company, which moved to Nexus, the University of Leeds’ innovation hub earlier this year, was commissioned by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT) to convert a medical device concept into an innovative and easy to manufacture product for licensing. Pd-m, joined by a senior team from the university and LTHT, will be presenting the new device – the intra-abdominal retraction platform – which is set to transform keyhole surgery procedures across the world.
The platform, which creates an internal scaffold structure to enable surgeons to reach patients’ organs, which sit behind other body parts and negating the need for gas, was developed by a multidisciplinary team, including academics at the University and surgeons at LTHT.
Pd-m was able to take the initial prototype and create a patented, cost-effective device feasible for manufacture in low and middle income countries, which is also disposable – avoiding the need for expensive sterilisation.
Richard Hall, founder of Pd-m, said: “Turning brilliant thoughts into solutions that will make a real difference to people’s lives is what makes us tick as an innovation agency, and the University of Leeds is absolutely brimming with cutting-edge research and innovative ideas.
“This project is just one example of what can be achieved when industry and academia join forces to make something happen. The lightweight device, will not only enable surgeons to perform gasless keyhole abdominal surgery, but will significantly improve portability for surgeons operating in rural India. It’s incredibly exciting to be at a point where we can present a product and we hope the innovation will support the work of surgeons in many other countries.”
