#363: Bringing a Self-Funded Medical Device to Market

In this insightful episode of the Global Medical Device Podcast, host Etienne Nichols delves into the journey of Dr. Lee Hunter, an orthopedic surgeon and innovator in elbow surgery devices. Dr. Hunter shares his experience from the conception of a simple yet effective surgical device through its development, struggles with initial licensing, and ultimate success in the market. The discussion highlights the importance of perseverance, the impact of regulatory insights, and the significant role of strategic innovation in enhancing patient outcomes.

Key Timestamps:

• [00:45] - Introduction of Dr. Lee Hunter and his medical device journey.
• [05:30] - Challenges and breakthroughs in designing elbow surgery devices.
• [14:20] - The licensing journey and learning from initial failures.
• [22:50] - Insights into the current medical device market and innovations.
• [35:40] - Discussion on the importance of simplicity and efficiency in medical devices.
• [48:15] - Future directions in MedTech and advice for new innovators.

Memorable Quotes:

• "Sometimes the simplest solutions are the hardest to find but the most effective once implemented." - Lee Hunter

Key Takeaways:

1. Innovation in MedTech: Dr. Hunter's journey emphasizes that true innovation often stems from a deep understanding of specific medical needs rather than broad technological applications.
2. Challenges and Resilience: Early failures are often stepping stones to success, highlighting the importance of resilience and adaptability in the medical device industry.
3. Future of MedTech: The potential for simpler, more effective devices that streamline medical procedures and improve outcomes is vast, urging current and future innovators to focus on practical and impactful innovations.

MedTech 101:

In today's episode, terms like "elbow arthroscopy" and "lateral decubitus position" were discussed. Elbow arthroscopy involves a minimally invasive surgical procedure on the elbow using an arthroscope, while lateral decubitus position refers to the patient lying on their side, which is common during such surgeries.

Call to Action:

Did this episode on medical device innovation resonate with you? We would love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Leave us a review on iTunes and share your views on the future of MedTech innovations! For suggestions on future topics, please email us at podcast@greenlight.guru

References:

• Hunter Medical Devices
• Dr. Lee hunter on LinkedIn
• Tennessee Orthopedic Alliance
• Etienne Nichols on LinkedIn

Sponsors:

This episode is brought to you by Greenlight Guru, a leading company in medical device consulting. Their expertise and services align seamlessly with the needs of the MedTech community, helping bring revolutionary devices to the market efficiently. Check out their special offers for podcast listeners today!