Innovation hub member joins forces with university to drive medical innovation in India
One of the newest members of Leeds-based Nexus, Pd-m, will showcase its latest medical innovation to surgeons in rural India, following a collaboration with academics at the University of Leeds.
The company moved to Nexus, the University of Leeds’ innovation hub earlier this year. It was commissioned by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT) to convert a medical device concept into an innovative, easy to manufacture product for licensing.
Pd-m, joined by a senior team from the University and LTHT, will be presenting the device – called an intra-abdominal retraction platform – which is set to transform keyhole surgery procedures across the world.
The platform creates an internal scaffold structure to enable surgeons to reach patients’ organs which sit behind other body parts, negating the need for gas. It was developed by a multidisciplinary team, including academics at the University and surgeons at LTHT.
Pd-m was able to take the 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.
“We have enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the University of Leeds and have worked with some brilliant academic minds, helping them turn their research into commercial successes. We also often draw upon the expertise at the university to support our own projects, so the move to Nexus was a very natural next step for us.
“It allows us to be close to campus and work collaboratively with various departments. Since joining the community, our collaboration manager, Harrison, has made some invaluable introductions and we are excited and proud to be part of such an innovative environment.”
Dr Harrison Evans, collaboration manager at Nexus, said: “True innovation comes from a meeting of minds, with experts working collaboratively to turn bright ideas into solutions that make a real difference in the world.
“Pd-m is behind many fantastic innovations and we’re delighted to see them working with the university and other partners to develop such a life-changing product. This project is a shining example of what academia and industry can achieve when they join forces.”
