The miniature endoscope that could help millions recover their hearing
Tympany Medical-Solutions’ device is making noise in the ear, nose and throat sector
Hearing loss affects over 450 million people across the world.[1] For many patients this can be treated by surgical intervention but performing such operations can be invasive and complicated, sometimes carrying a large amount of risk.
A significant barrier to surgery is the equipment available. Large, cumbersome microscopes do not provide optimal assistance for surgeons operating on the intricate detail of the human ear.
But a new endoscope designed specifically to magnify the delicate parts of our ears is helping ear, nose and throat surgeons see more clearly.
Developing an ear endoscope that’s fit for purpose
Dr Liz McGloughlin, the co-founder of start-up Tympany Medical, and her team have developed OtoVU, a miniature endoscope that has been specifically designed for the ear.
For many patients, surgeries are often needed to repair the eardrum or remove benign tumours inside the ear. Using cutting-edge optic and sensor technologies, OtoVU gives surgeons a wide-angle view of the ear, so they can carry out important procedures more efficiently, use less-invasive techniques and deliver improved hearing outcomes. It will also enable many more surgeries to take place in outpatient settings.
While the device is revolutionary, using one is not. Surgeons require only a small amount of training to learn how to use the device, and they can simply apply their long-held surgical skills to carry out delicate procedures.
Network support propelling market launch
After developing the project through EIT Health partner programme BioInnovate Fellowship, a network that brings together healthcare experts, Dr McGloughlin and co-founder Rory O’Callaghan, an industrial and medical device designer, worked with surgeons in Ireland, England and the Mayo Clinic in the US to develop the endoscope.
Tympany Medical was awarded and injection of investment from EIT Health via its Headstart Fund and participated in the YES!Delft accelerator. Support to-date has been invaluable in driving the development of the device forward.
Now, OtoVU is undertaking the regulatory process. After completing this stage, the device is expected to be available to the market in 2022, and to begin changing the lives of people with hearing difficulties globally.
External partner
- Tympany Medical
Partners
CLC/InnoStars: Ireland-UK
Partner classification: Education, Tech Transfer, Clusters, Other NGOs
Partner type: Associate Partner
BioInnovate Ireland is a forum which combines resources to catalyse and lead medical innovation. Its training programme aims to act as a neutral territory where academia, clinicians and industry can collaborate on developing novel medical technologies. The programme is an active partnership between multiple universities (NUI Galway, University of Limerick and University College Cork). It engages with hospitals all over the country, and is supported by Enterprise Ireland, IMDA and multiple industry sponsors.
University of Galway - BioInnovate Ireland
University of Galway - BioInnovate Ireland, Galway, Ireland
Key Activities in Corporate Innovation
Med Tech, Consumer products
Key Activities in Business Creation
Business coaching
Key Activities in Education
Entrepreneurship training
CLC/InnoStars: Belgium-Netherlands
Partner classification: Education, Research, Hospital / University Hospital
Partner type: Associate Partner
The mission of the LUMC is ‘to be an innovator improving both healthcare and population health’. LUMC is a university medical center for research, education and patient care with a high quality profile and a strong scientific orientation. It has a unique research practice, ranging from pure fundamental medical research to applied clinical research. LUMC wants to perform ground-breaking innovation. Researchers, educators and healthcare providers at LUMC work together around 3 societal outreach topics, Oncology, Regenerative Medicine and Population Health. Furthermore 10 themes for innovation are defined Academic Pharma, Neuro Science, Cancer, (auto)Immunity, Cell, Tissue & organ, Cardio-Vascular, Genetics, infection, Life course and prevention and Lifestyle. https://strategie.lumc.nl/en/
Leids Universitair Medisch Centrum
Leids Universitair Medisch Centrum, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, Netherlands
Key Activities in Research and Developement
Life Sciences, Clinical research
Key Activities in Social Innovation
Healthcare provision
Key Activities in Business Creation
Incubation, Technology Transfer
CLC/InnoStars: Belgium-Netherlands
Partner classification: Business
Partner type: Linked/Affiliated Party
YES!Delft is the business incubator of the Technical University Delft, in The Netherlands. We believe in the impact tech companies can have, because they provide a crucial contribution to the innovation of our economy and society. Our programs turn promising ideas and teams into solid startups and grow them to successful companies. YES!Delft provides tech entrepreneurs with guidance and support in their startup journey. With 12+ years of experience we offer entrepreneurs access to mentors, experts, investors and corporate partners who share their know- how, network and experience. We currently have 200+ tech startups in our portfolio, and are accepting new applications for our programs.
Key Activities in Business Creation
Incubation, Business coaching
Key Activities in Education
Entrepreneurship training
World Health Organization, Deafness and hearing loss: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/deafness-and-hearing-loss (accessed February 2020).