Medilink

A pioneering new technology that offers a quicker, more accurate detection of cervical cancer and a revolutionary range of signs capable of killing superbugs are just two of the pioneering products being showcased this month by Yorkshire Healthcare Technologies companies.

Yorkshire has a reputation for designing and manufacturing some of the worlds most innovative and pioneering Healthcare products and this is reflected in the wide range of medical devices being showcased at MEDICA 2009 – the largest medical technology fair in the world.

Held in Dusseldorf, Germany MEDICA, in its 40th year, is the leading event for healthcare professionals and attracts over 137,000 trade visitors.

Each year Medilink Yorkshire & Humber (Y&H) – the organisation dedicated to the growth of the Healthcare Technologies sector – runs the Yorkshire Pavilion at the show, which this year is being co-sponsored by Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency.

Charlotte Fraser, International Manager at Medilink Y&H, regional sector specialist for UKTI, said: “MEDICA is a fantastic platform for innovation so it is great to see so many regional companies exhibiting their world leading products at the exhibition. Medilink supports the growth of the sector and by supporting Yorkshire companies at major international shows like MEDICA helps ensure the world’s healthcare sector is talking about Yorkshire’s innovation.”

Jim Farmery, Assistant Director for Business at Yorkshire Forward, commented: “Yorkshire and Humber is at the forefront of the UK’s latest advances in healthcare and we have one of the UK’s highest concentrations of medical device companies, from established companies down to smaller university spin-outs.

“That’s why it is fantastic to see the region so well represented at MEDICA 2009. This is testament to the work done by both Yorkshire Forward and MedlinkY& H in promoting Healthcare Technologies in Yorkshire and Humber, and the healthcare companies themselves for striving towards new and innovative developments.”

Some of the product that will be on display include Zilico’s hand-held device that measures the resistivity of cells and detects any changes as they progress from normal through to cancerous. It offers a more accurate detection of cervical cancer in real time; removing several weeks of waiting for a diagnosis.

The next generation in scalp coolers will also be unveiled at the show by Paxman Coolers. It provides cancer patients with the best possible chance of retaining their hair whilst undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

Doncaster based Centurion Europe will be launching their new range of signs that kill 99.99% of superbug bacteria including MRSA. The signs have silver ionisation layer which provides a robust anti-microbial protection that stops bacteria building up on the surface.

From Sheffield, Platts & Nisbett will also be at the event talking to surgeons about their bespoke ‘made to measure’ surgical instrument service. The company manufacture all their products in-house, which means they are able to accommodate unusual requests and produce bespoke instruments if clinicians prefer something different.

A world leading laparoscopic device, which is described as an ‘innovative cost effective solution’ by surgeons worldwide will be on display showcased by Leeds based Surgical Innovations. The Logi™Flex is a flexible laparoscopic device which uses pioneering flex technology to offer surgeons better rigidity during delicate surgical procedures.

Regional companies participating at MEDICA include: Centurion Europe; Brenmoor; Metrc; Paxman Coolers; Platts and Nisbett; Surgical Innovations; Tissuemed; Trio Healthcare; Tomorrow Options and Zilico.