Overview

The NIHR Surgical Med Tech Co-op supports the development of medical technologies in the fields of colorectal, vascular, hepatopancreaticobiliary (liver, gall bladder and pancreas) and neuro surgery to improve healthcare and quality of life for patients. Ensuring safe surgery is high on both national and international agendas, with emphasis on reducing post-surgical complications and preventing infections. We are creating a nationwide network of clinicians, engineers, scientists, industry and patients to identify new areas in need of innovation, support research to address these clinical problems, and provide a resource for evaluating new surgical technologies within the NHS, helping them to move into clinical practice. Themes Our colorectal theme – led by Professor David Jayne – covers surgery for colorectal cancer and diverticular disease, more common in elderly patients, and for chronic conditions found in younger patients such as inflammatory bowel disease, benign anorectal conditions and pelvic floor disorders. Our vascular theme – led by Professor Julian Scott – an ageing population and rising levels of obesity and type II diabetes are increasing the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (abdominal aortic aneurysm and lower limb ischaemia). Chronic ill health is also leading to more cases of deep vein thrombosis and the complications that can ensue. Primary and secondary liver cancer forms a large part of our HPB theme, led by Professor Giles Toogood. This theme also covers benign conditions, including gall stone disease and its complications, and the increasing prevalence of pancreatitis due to alcohol abuse. By working with our key stakeholders, the Surgical Med Tech Co-op will address important unmet surgical needs within these themes and provide the expertise and resource needed to translate new technologies into patient benefit.