L-R: Brian Kolonick, Cleveland Clinic, Ruth McMahon, Enterprise Ireland and Mr. Cyrus Doctor, Clinical Innovation Award 2015 Winner

The winner, Mr. Cyrus Doctor, Trauma and Orthopaedic Registrar and participant in the BioInnovate programme in the National University of Ireland Galway, will work with Cleveland Clinic and Enterprise Ireland to investigate the commercial potential of a device for rapid postoperative closure for patients in a user friendly way.

Extending his congratulations to Mr. Cyrus Doctor, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD said: “I warmly congratulate Mr. Doctor on this award for his innovative device. At the heart of our overall jobs strategy is rebuilding a sustainable economy based on enterprise, exports and innovation. A key part of this is improving our performance in innovation. Ireland's 5 year strategy for Research and Innovation, Science and Technology was launched recently by my Department. This strategy sets out a range of ambitious actions for this sector. This award recognises the pivotal role that clinicians can play in identifying unmet clinical needs that can result in new products for Ireland’s Life sciences companies, resulting in business growth and new jobs. Congratulations to all the finalists for their innovative and forward thinking solutions.”

Current rapid closure methods, such as metal surgical staples can result in postoperative pain, wound infection and patient dissatisfaction from poor cosmetic results. Therefore many surgeons still choose a manual approach of suturing that can take a considerable time at the end of surgery. Mr. Doctor’s simple, inexpensive automated “seamless stitches” solution will provide an enhanced postoperative experience and reduced pain for the patient.

Announcing the winner, Brian Kolonick, General Manager of Cleveland Clinic’s Global Healthcare Innovation Alliance, said: “Once again we are impressed and inspired by the innovative ideas that Enterprise Ireland has presented to us. Mr. Doctor’s novel technology has the potential to improve patient outcomes and cosmetic results from rapid surgical closure, at a cost that is appealing to both patients and providers. Cleveland Clinic Innovations is looking forward to providing Mr. Doctor access to the appropriate clinical experts to assist in validating device design and providing guidance in how to secure adoption by the clinical community.’

The Clinical Innovation Award, now in its 5th year, recognises commercial potential in Ireland’s clinical community and encourages clinicians to engage in the development of new healthcare products and services that will improve patient care, benefiting both the health care system and Ireland’s medical technologies companies.

Mr. Cyrus Doctor will receive a grant of €15,000 and the opportunity to work with Cleveland Clinic and Enterprise Ireland to further develop the commercial potential of this innovative technology, with potential for follow on support through Enterprise Ireland’s Commercialisation Fund.