First Joint Venture Medical Device Released By NTU And Insightra Medical Inc.

Main Category: Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Also Included In: Primary Care / General Practice
Article Date: 18 Oct 2007 - 5:00 PDT

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Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and Insightra® Medical of Irvine California first joint venture medical device, Ree-Trakt, is released for sale in the United States. This is the first medical device by NTU that has been developed and patented in accordance with design controls.

Ree-Trakt is the new generation of disposable soft-tissue surgical retractor systems that provides complete retraction flexibility and optimal exposure of view in a variety of surgical procedures. It has been designed for surgeons to gently retract and secure the delicate soft tissue away from the operative site. Apart from making access to surgery easier and efficient, Ree-Trakt is also designed to minimise tissue trauma, optimise retraction force and lower the risk of infection. Ree-Trakt allows the surgeon to perform the procedure with less assistance, in some cases facilitating procedures can even be performed single-handedly.

The conventional surgical retractors are typically bulky and involve metal arms that hold open the surgical wound. The disadvantages of these retractors include causing excessive trauma to delicate wound edges, hindering access and visibility, and the risk of contact electrosurgery burns. Because of the versatility of Ree-Trakt's design, which can be customised and catered to a wide variety of surgical procedures, it is anticipated that Ree-Trakt will eventually be used in dozens of surgical procedures on a global basis.

Ree-Trakt will be commercially launched and marketed by Insightra® Medical, Inc, located in Irvine, California, its collaborating partner. The global market potential for such retractors is estimated at $2.5 billion, for which conservatively Insightra is targeting to capture US $180 million in global sales.

Ree-Trakt is a collaborative development programme by Professors Freddy Boey and Ma Jan, and Mr Erwin Wouterson, of NTU's School of Materials Science & Engineering (MSE), with Insightra Medical's engineering team.

"The commercialisation of Ree-Trakt is a major milestone for NTU, as it represents the first biomedical device to be released for sale in the USA that has been developed and patented by the university. This achievement also further validates our ability to research and develop innovative product that meets real-world needs," says Professor Freddy Boey, Chair of MSE.

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Source: Esther Ang
Nanyang Technological University

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