Good Clinical

Good Clinical has teamed up with Te Titoki Mataora, the MedTech Research Translator, to bring you the Te Titoki Mataora Podcast Series.In this episode meet Professor John Windsor, a Consultant Surgeon, Professor of Surgery, and Director of the Surgical & Translational Research Centre at The University of Auckland. Our conversation focuses on the development of the Limpet drainage device at AperCure Surgical, a research-focused company aiming to commercialise radiological and surgical drain devices.The Limpet device has been designed to overcome the problems that stem from the discomfort and risks that patients face when standard percutaneous drains are used post-surgery. Typically, these drains, secured with stitches to prevent dislodgement, cause discomfort and pain, and if they come loose, it requires another procedure to reinsert them.The Limpet device aims to offer a more secure and comfortable alternative to traditional post-surgical drainage methods. We talk about how the device uses flexible materials that conform to the body, making it easier for patients to lie on and reducing discomfort during recovery.A key innovation is that the device also protects the drain's path, minimising the risk of snagging, kinking, or compression, which can lead to further complications. The product also focuses on making it easier to care for the wound site, thus reducing the risk of infections and improving the overall patient experience during recovery.You can find out more about Professor John Windsor here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-a-windsor-013b9725/Podcast Takeaways:Prof John Windsor has had an extensive career in medicine, surgical practice, academics, and Med Tech. His experience has driven him to focus on improving patient care, particularly addressing issues with surgical procedures and post-operative recovery. He discusses his transition into the field of medical innovation, where his interest in solving real-world clinical problems led to the development of medical devices aimed at improving patient outcomes.We talk about how certain unmet clinical needs, particularly in surgical drainage, prompted the development of the Limpet device. Surgeons noticed the discomfort and complications caused by traditional drainage methods, which led to research and innovation aimed at improving patient care. The Limpet device is undergoing trials in volunteers to ensure that it meets the standards required for later-phase trials and routine clinical use.We chat about the importance of collaboration between surgeons and engineers in the development of medical devices. Surgeons bring practical, real-world clinical knowledge, while engineers provide the technical expertise to design solutions that address the specific challenges faced by patients and healthcare providers.We also discuss the evolution of surgery from open procedures to minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopy. Laparoscopic surgery allows for smaller incisions, faster recovery times, and reduced risks of infection, marking a significant shift in surgical practices.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction02:49 The Journey from Surgery to Research06:10 The Evolution of Surgical Techniques08:54 Translational Research and Clinical Observations12:00 Innovative Approaches to Organ Failure14:50 Developing the AperCure Limpet Device26:33 Clinical Trials and Product Development31:35 Business Considerations in MedTech37:11 Future Directions and Advice for Innovatorsmedtech, surgical research, translational research, innovation, clinical trials, organ failure, bioengineering, medical devices, entrepreneurship, healthcare, surgery, surgical care