A North East and North Cumbria Innovation Pathway partnership case study
Firstkind Medical developed the GEKO device, which when first brought to market was used in the prevention of Deep Vein Thrombosis. Since then the company have developed the device for use in oedema associated with injury and surgery.
The team at Firstkind Medical were keen to evaluate the device’s effectiveness in reducing the swelling caused by ankle fractures, in order to allow surgeons to operate earlier, thus resulting in a shorter hospital stay for patients and savings to the NHS.
MedConnect North put FirstKind Medical in touch with a trauma and orthopaedic consultant at James Cook University Hospital in South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The concept was reviewed and thorough feedback was provided to the company on how best to run the trial, factors to be considered, background information that was required, costs to be analysed etc.
The collaboration has resulted in an NIHR portfolio pilot study, conducted at James Cook University Hospital, ran by Mr Paul Baker and his research team.
The study will be used to inform the design of a full RCT to generate robust meaningful research to inform national and international practice with widespread adoption of the device.
This was Mr Baker’s first commercial study and the team hit 100% RTT recruiting a total of 20/5 patients.