With images being the main weapon used to tackle some of the most life-threatening diseases, a new piece of technology is proving to be a powerful tool in the arsenal of surgeons and doctors. The New Economy speaks to Erik Todd, Senior Director of Business Development and Strategy at Stryker Corporation, to find out more.

The New Economy: So let’s get right into it, what is this innovation all about?
Erik Todd: The 1488 High Definition Camera utilises CMOS technology as well as precision optics to provide a world-class surgical image. The camera itself is actually part of a platform including a digital capture device and a light source. Now this solution is designed to provide customers with the ability to see and do more across multiple specialities for endoscopic surgery.

The New Economy: So tell about some of the surgical specialities that really stand to gain from this technology?
Erik Todd: Well, virtually any speciality that’s done endoscopically or, what’s typically referred to as keyhole surgery -through a small incision- can benefit from the technology. Some procedures that are done in general surgery for instance are laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which is the removal of a gallbladder, or an arthroscopy the repair of an anterior cruciate ligament, typically from a sports injury.

The 1488 High Definition Camera utilises CMOS technology as well as precision optics to provide a world-class surgical image

The camera actually comes with nine preset surgical specialities, which maximises both the colour and the light to provide the best image for that specific procedure.

The New Economy: We know the medical marketplace is of course extremely competitive; how do you set your endoscopic camera apart from the rest?
Erik Todd: Besides providing a world-class surgical image, this camera actually was designed with patient safety in mind. The camera is so light sensitive that you can reduce the power settings of the light source, which reduces the risk of patient burns or a fire in the operating room, during, before or, after procedure.

The New Economy: So what can we expect from your company in the future?
Erik Todd: Stryker Corporation itself is dedicated to partnering with our customers, to make healthcare better. Last year alone we invested over 500 million back into R&D to improve the products that are used everyday for our customers. The 1488 represents the continuation of a 25-year legacy of surgical visualisation. Probably some specific examples of innovations that you will see around this camera will include, providing both the surgeon and their staff with more information around the procedure, as well as more clearly delineating anatomy in a specific procedure to improve patient outcomes.

The New Economy: Well exciting changes and improvements coming, Erik thank you so much for joining me today.
Erik Todd: Thank you for having me.