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A surgical “sewing machine” for rapid graft quilting and suturing in challenging spaces. Background: Grafts are commonly employed in urologic reconstructive surgery, but anchoring them in less accessible areas -- as in luminal stenosis surgery -- can be difficult. A novel surgical "sewing machine" capable of quilting and suturing in tight spaces was developed to help solve this problem. Technology Overview: The repair of luminal stenosis involves an incision through the stenosed segments and followed by the application of a buccal mucosa graft to serve as protection. A surgical sewing machine was assembled by threading absorbable 4-0 barbed suture through a 20-gauge hollow needle. The result is rapid, one hand suturing for graft quilting, with a running stitch, akin to the way a sewing machine makes a continuous stitch across the hem of a skirt. This suturing device, developed by Upstate Medical University researchers, has been used in posterior urethroplasties, a transvesical bladder neck reconstruction, augmented perineal urethrostomy, and a vaginoplasty revision. In each case, the graft survived and there was no recurrence of disease. Advantages: - Higher rate of graft success with no recurrence of disease
- One handed suturing avoids alternating movements to reposition the needle, and is more efficient
- Can be used in a variety of complex reconstructive surgeries, including those involving radiated tissue, where graft fixation and suturing is challenging
- Future applications in endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery are possible. Intellectual Property Summary: Patent filed, 16/604,858, on Suturing Device And Methods Of Use Thereof   Licensing Potential: Licensing, Development partner, Commercial partner Licensing Status: This technology is available for licensing.  Licensing. ID: 110-2026 https://suny.technologypublisher.com/files/sites/110-2026skin_grafting.jpg  

An adapter that expedites bone surgery by making hand-held retractors self-retaining.  Background: Orthopedic surgeons require unfettered access to exposed bone. That means keeping the skin, subcutaneous fat, tissues, and muscles out of the way with retractors. Currently, there are two common types of retractors for this purpose—self-retaining retractors, which stay open on their own, and hand-held retractors, which need an assistant to hold them. The current disclosure describes an adapter that couples the hand-held retractors to the self-retaining retractor, enabling the hand-held retractors to be self-retaining. This eliminates the need for an assistant and affords the surgeon better exposure to the bone, thereby increasing the efficiency of surgery while reducing cost. Technology Overview:  The device combines the functions of a hand-held retractor, used on soft tissue near the bone, with those of a self-retaining retractor, used on surface levels like skin and subcutaneous fat. The device consists of two sleeves slipped over the arms of the hand-held retractors. The inner surfaces of the sleeves have inverted V-shaped projections to capture the tips of the self-retaining retractor. When the tips are inserted into the projections on the sleeves, the self-retaining retractor secures the hand-held retractors and keeps them open. The adapter can be used with equipment that is readily available in every orthopedic operating room. It will be made of sterilizable metal or durable plastic to guarantee years of use.   https://suny.technologypublisher.com/files/sites/110-20302.jpg Advantages:   

• Increases efficiency of surgery.
• Reduces costs. 

3D biomimetic hydrogel models of the trabecular meshwork of the eye, and a bioengineered system for modelling the conventional outflow tract Background: Models of the trabecular meshwork have largely been 2D up until now, but research has shown that 2D models of the TM behave differently -- sometimes in complete opposition -- to 3D models. A 3D model better approximates the actual anatomy of the human tissue, permits more sophisticated experiments, and provides increased accuracy in data-gathering and therapy production to researchers. This trend applies to other models of the eye as well. Technology Overview: This technology is a 3D biomimetic hydrogel model of the trabecular meshwork (TM) of the eye, located on a microfluidics chip, intended to be used, for example, to study the relation between the mechanotransduction of the YAP/TAZ proteins and stiffening of the TM cells and extracellular matrix. Stiffening of the TM is associated with primary open angle glaucoma, the most common form of glaucoma. Figure 1 - Complete TM-on-a-chip setup Stage of Development: Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 - Analytical and experimental critical function and/or characteristic proof of concept. Bioengineered Human Trabecular Meshwork for Biological Applications This technology is "a system for modeling the conventional outflow tract." Also provided is a method for using the system for screening by contacting the cells with a known or suspected medicament and measuring its effects on the system such as flow of a perfusate. Also provided is a method of making the system by fabricating the porous substrate as a micropatterned scaffold. Figure 2 - An artistic rendering of a bi-layered "artificial TM"  Advantages: These two technologies more accurately approximate human 3D tissue anatomy with focus on the cell-ECM interface, and will permit more sophisticated research, clinically relevant drug screening and therapeutic testing, increased accuracy in data-gathering and drug production. Applications: Organ on a chip market and pharmaceutical testing for the eye. Intellectual Property Summary: Patent application submitted, Provisional 63/059,965 filed 7/31/20 US 16/044,806  Stage of Development: Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 - System/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment. Licensing Potential: Licensing, Commercial partner, Development partner Licensing Status: These technologies from SUNY Upstate Medical University and SUNY Polytechnic Institute respectively are available for licensing. https://suny.technologypublisher.com/files/sites/adobestock_94313718_(1).jpeg  

­A method for improving fluid flow around or through an endoscope using radially oriented projections. Background:
During ureteroscopy, the irrigation fluid used to distend the kidney and make stones easier to extract can also cause problems. It can cause a buildup of pressure in the pelvis, and any bacteria which are present can get pushed up into the kidney with the fluid, placing patients at risk for sepsis and pain.Intrapelvic pressure is directly related to fluid inflow and outflow. Mathematical models examining fluid flow patterns within the pelvis and ureter during ureteroscopy suggest that the diameter of the endoscope is a critical parameter in fluid flow rate. Lower pressure is thought to reduce bleeding and sepsis.
Technology Overview: 
SUNY Upstate Medical University researchers have determined the optimal shape of a ureteroscope for reducing intrapelvic pressure. They found that by offsetting the endoscope to the side of the access sheath, fluid outflow was improved and pressure was reduced. In order to achieve this displacement in a stable way, they added small, radially emanating, collapsible projections either to the inside the ureteral access sheath or to the shaft of the ureteroscope itself. Any endoscope or catheter can be adapted with these projections, including bronchoscopes. https://suny.technologypublisher.com/files/sites/adobestock_337037079_(1).jpegAdvantages: 
 
•    Reduces pressure that can cause infection, injury, and pain.
•    Modifications can be used to adapt any endoscope or catheter. Applications: 
 
•    Reduces pressure buildup during endoscopic procedures.  Intellectual Property Summary:

•    Provisional Filed 63/150,163
Licensing Status:
This technology is available for licensing.