Henry Ford Physician and MSU Doctoral Students Develop Innovative Medical Communication Solution

Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences further ignites new synergies in innovation through the creation of LaparAssist Inc., a corporation focused on the development of new medical technologies that significantly increase surgical precision, reduce operating time, and enhance patient care for physicians who specialize in laparoscopic surgery.

“Innovation can never be done in a tunnel,” said Annmarie Vilkins, D.O., Henry Ford Health minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon. “It can never be done singularly because it takes a team.”   

Vilkins envisioned a better way to communicate with and teach student doctors when her hands were literally full during laparoscopic procedures. Enter a group of Michigan State University doctoral students and Henry Ford Innovations, who was instrumental in connecting Vilkins with the students and supporting them all along the way.

“Physicians always have good ideas but no time to do anything with them,” said  Vilkins. “It was really symbiotic that I had these brilliant students to hand my idea to and say, ‘let’s try this.’”

LaparAssist Inc. was founded by Vilkins and four MSU students, including:

• CEO Colin O’Hern, MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine 5th Year Medical Student and Ph.D. Candidate
• Chief Financial Officer Simon Sanchez, MSU College of Engineering Ph.D. Candidate
• Chief Operating and Technical Officer Kay Hadrick, MSU College of Engineering Ph.D. Candidate
• Vice President of Engineering and Prototyping Max Hakun, MSU College of Engineering Ph.D. Candidate

“Working with Dr. Vilkins has been awesome. She is passionate about teaching/training future surgeons which translates to enthusiasm with LaparAssist, motivating the whole team to keep pushing forward,” said Colin O’Hern, LaperAssist CEO. “She has also shown patience with us as we continue to translate the technology into the clinic.”

As an example of the Henry Ford + MSU partnership goal to evolve medical education, the MSU students shadowed clinicians at Henry Ford Hospital and one aspect of the MSU class was to design a device that could improve clinical practice.

“We used the technical engineering skills we have to build out Dr. Vilkin’s idea to fit her needs,” said O’Hern, who plans to become a physician-scientist.

Vilkins’ concept was to somehow use a laser pointer mounted to headgear. She could then use her head and as extra hand to show the trainee exactly where to go by pointing on the monitor they use to see inside the patient. While many safety measures and practices are in place already, this would add another layer of safety by enhancing communication.

“It’s a communication aid to help trainees grow,” explained Vilkins. “The surgeon is always in complete control. This only enhances safety – it allows me to double and triple check the trainee before they do anything. We are always looking for ways to enhance surgical education.”

The laser pointer on the headgear uses Bluetooth technology and is activated by a pedal on the floor. All the surgeon needs to do is press the pedal and point the laser to the spot on the monitor.

“The fact that we knew we had support from Henry Ford Health and Innovations should we choose to commercialize our invention was a real incentive for us to put our best foot forward,” said O’Hern.

Henry Ford Health Innovations followed through with their agreement, and later helped secure a patent for the invention and entered into a licensing agreement with LaparAssist Inc.

“We would not be where we are today if it weren't for Dr. Vilkins’ experiences, ideas, positive spirit, her connection to Henry Ford, and access to other surgeons across the country,” said O’Hern.

Originally published by Henry Ford Health Innovations.