Discovering medical devices

University engineers who have responded to the needs of surgeons and doctors by producing the latest in medical devices, including a 'surgeon's Swiss Army knife', have been showing their creations to interested manufacturers.

The Swiss Army Knife, an instrument for Hand-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery, also known as the Dundee MultiTool, and an array of instruments which have been developed for the keyhole surgeon pioneer Professor Sir Alfred Cuschieri by the University’s Surgical Technology Group were recently on show at a University event.

Tim Frank, leader of the Surgical Technology group explained: "Professor Cuschieri often makes suggestions to us that a device that does this or that would help him perform more effective surgery so we get our team together to design the tools."

A tool used by the spinners in Dundee jute mills provided the inspiration for the new instrument, which was designed by surgical engineer Duncan Martin. Duncan remembered a type of tool that was used in the mills for intricate work and used it as the basis for his new invention.

Surgical instrument manufacturer Karl Storz have manufactured many of the team's inventions and are now selling them to surgeons all over the world.

Gillian Burch, Marketing Manager at Research & Innovation Services, organised the event. She said: "Discovering Devices is a great opportunity for the manufacturing sector to discover the skills and expertise available in the University. We have joined forces with the local NHS Trust, Medical Devices in Scotland and BioDundee to highlight licensing and other opportunities that are available here."

Professor Sir Alfred Cuschieri spoke at the event, providing his perspective on instrument design. Professor Eric Abel, Professor of Biomedical Engineering, also attended, and explained how better devices can be developed to improve hearing aids. Professor Tom Inns from the School of Design addressed how design can accelerate innovation.

An exhibition of research projects and facilities from NHS Tayside, Scottish Health Innovations, the University's Surface Analysis Unit, Kestrel 3D, Applied Computing and the Surgical Technology Group displayed the latest ideas and designs.

For more information contact Gillian Burch at g.burch@dundee.ac.uk telephone (01382) 344435