Technological advances in medical device instrumentation and systems are changing the face of surgery, be that through increasing sophistication in sensing and intelligence; computer assistance and robotics; or the relentless drive to miniaturise and optimise, making surgery truly minimally-invasive.
Meanwhile, surgical device companies are being pushed to demonstrate higher levels of safety and efficacy against a background of economic and regulatory constraint. This is resulting in more complex product development requirements and is also leading many companies to look for growth in new and untapped markets.
We partner with surgical device and systems companies to tackle complex, technically challenging product developments. With in-house science and technology expertise, we offer an end-to-end service from market analysis through the full development lifecycle and beyond. With more than 25 years experience in the industry, we understand the complex stakeholder, commercial and regulatory environments in which our clients operate. Our aim is to achieve robust, innovative solutions in a responsive timeframe, and to ensure end products achieve a seamless transition to volume production by early integration with your in-house or partner manufacturer.
Operating theatre
Sagentia has worked on a broad range of surgical product developments that include procedure specific surgical devices (single use instruments, implants, wound closures and digital endoscopes), general operating room infrastructure (e.g. high performance surgical lighting, operating tables) through to and capital equipment (robotics, RF electrosurgical generators, imaging systems).
Across each of these areas, there is real pressure on device and equipment manufacturers to innovate and exploit the commercial advantages afforded by leading edge technologies.
Of key importance, we are fully ISO accredited for medical development. Coupled to our links with clinicians, teaching hospitals and academia, this presents a clear point of differentiation over non specialist consultancies.
Recent examples of project work for clients operating in the surgical sector include:
- A multi-award winning, robotic endoscope camera controller for laparoscopic surgical procedures. Sagentia was deeply involved throughout the design and development of the device for a venture funded medical device company. Now with FDA and CE approval, the device has provided a range of benefits to surgeons including better image visualisation and reduced camera shake. It is also contributing to improved surgical efficiency through reduced operating times
- The creation of new portfolio of product opportunities for an international surgical device manufacturer. Our client needed a range of initial product ideas converting into solid product development opportunities. We helped select, visualize and profile shortlisted candidates for product development funding. Concepts were appraised and ranked by surgeons and were evaluated for technical feasibility, IP position, development time and cost. Selected opportunities are now in full product development by Sagentia
- The technology assessment of a new surgical solution for sports medicine and soft tissue injury. We undertook a detailed analysis of the proposed technology, comparing it to existing approaches and likely future developments. This included research among arthoscopic surgeons to determine their needs. Our assessment was able to demonstrate that the surgical solution did not meet our client’s expectations, enabling it to redirect valuable business development time and budget elsewhere