2020 Applicants, Finalists and Projects
Juliet Yznaga/ November 17, 2020/ Uncategorized/ 0 comments
FastTrack
During this application cycle, we were thrilled to receive 20 compelling project applications. Five finalists were chosen to compete during a pitch day to medical device experts, and of those, two new ventures were accepted into the FastTrack program. The 2020 cohort includes a total of 10 physician-led projects for which FastTrack will provide support with market analysis, development of regulatory strategy, engineering design and prototyping, and business strategy to accelerate the translation of their ideas to clinical products. The funding for engineering support for these projects is generously provided by the Pratt School of Engineering, Departments of Neurosurgery and General Surgery, the Duke Heart Center, and MEDx.
Low-Cost Laparoscope, Accepted Project
Dr. Tamara Fitzgerald | Department of General Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery is expensive and demands large infrastructure to maintain the equipment. This project’s goal is to develop a low-cost, reusable laparoscope for use in a low-income country.

Novel Balloon Catheter, Accepted Project
Dr. Rajesh Swaminathan, Dr. Sunil Rao | Department of Cardiology
During percutaneous coronary interventions, balloon slippage is a known complication. This projects aims to develop a device that can circumvent slippage, provide a targeted dilation of the lesion while maintaining a low-profile.

Antimicrobial Patch, Finalist
Dr. Oke Anakwenze | Department of Orthopedic Surgery

Laparoscopic Cleaning Device, Finalist
Dr. Michele O'Shea | Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Targeted Laser Therapy, Finalist
Dr. Jigar Patel, Dr. Wes Ross | Department of Neurosurgery
