Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a complicated process of removing large or complex kidney stones and typically carried out by senior surgeons. With the Percutaneous Access to Kidney Assist Device (PAKAD), an innovation developed by the team at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), the surgery is set to become simpler, safer and shorter. The device uses precision engineering mechanisms to align the needle with the target, ensuring higher accuracy and reducing the risk of surgery complications and recovery periods.
ITE first demonstrated the PAKAD prototype at TechInnovation, IPI’s flagship technology-industry brokerage event in 2013. HCMT Holdings Pte Ltd (HCMT) was keen to pursue a joint collaboration to further develop and commercialise the device. Through Invivo Medical Pte Ltd, a start-up funded by HCMT, PAKAD will be commercialised and a licensing agreement was signed between Invivo, ITE, National University Hospital (NUH) and National University of Singapore (NUS) on 29 August 2017. PAKAD is expected to reach the market by Q2 of 2019.
“This is an excellent example of industry-institution partnership to develop innovative and integrated solutions to improve productivity and processes. We are grateful to NUH, NUS and Invivo Medical, to enable ITE to create and patent the PAKAD for safe kidney surgery,” said Ms Low Khah Gek, CEO, ITE.
“The route to commercialising innovation can be a long one. We are delighted that the technology match that stemmed from TechInnovation four years ago has come to fruition and will be available in the market in the near future. The success of this collaboration is underpinned by the unique expertise each partner brings and their shared commitment to bring this innovation to market,” said Dr Sze Tiam Lin, Senior Director, IPI.
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a complex surgical procedure used to remove large or intricate kidney stones. Traditionally, this operation is technically demanding and typically performed only by highly experienced senior surgeons. The process involves precise alignment and access to the kidney, which poses significant risks if not executed accurately. The inherent complexity of PCNL increases the likelihood of surgical complications, prolongs recovery periods for patients, and limits the procedure’s accessibility to only a select group of skilled practitioners. These challenges highlight the need for a solution that can simplify the process, improve surgical accuracy, and reduce the risks and recovery time associated with kidney stone removal.
IPI Singapore facilitated the connection between the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) and HCMT Holdings Pte Ltd at TechInnovation, its flagship technology-industry brokerage event, enabling a joint collaboration to further develop and commercialise the Percutaneous Access to Kidney Assist Device (PAKAD). By providing a platform for technology matching and partnership formation, IPI played a pivotal role in advancing the commercialisation journey of this innovative medical device. The PAKAD, developed by ITE, leverages precision engineering mechanisms to align the surgical needle with the target kidney stone, ensuring higher accuracy during PCNL procedures. This innovation reduces the risk of surgical complications and shortens patient recovery periods. Through Invivo Medical Pte Ltd, a start-up funded by HCMT, the device is being commercialised, with a licensing agreement signed between Invivo, ITE, National University Hospital (NUH), and National University of Singapore (NUS). PAKAD is expected to be available in the market by Q2 of 2019, making safer and more efficient kidney stone removal accessible to more patients.
"This is an excellent example of industry-institution partnership to develop innovative and integrated solutions to improve productivity and processes. We are grateful to NUH, NUS and Invivo Medical, to enable ITE to create and patent the PAKAD for safe kidney surgery."
"The route to commercialising innovation can be a long one. We are delighted that the technology match that stemmed from TechInnovation four years ago has come to fruition and will be available in the market in the near future. The success of this collaboration is underpinned by the unique expertise each partner brings and their shared commitment to bring this innovation to market."
HCMT Holdings Pte Ltd (HCMT) is a healthcare company committed to advancing medical technologies. Through its funded start-up, Invivo Medical Pte Ltd, HCMT collaborates with leading institutions to bring innovative healthcare solutions to market.