MUSC tech accelerator to commercialize new OR device

The Zucker Institute for Applied Neurosciences, a technology accelerator at the Charleston-based Medical University of South Carolina, said it will commercialize its surgical suction de-clogging tool.

MUSC neurosurgeon Stephen Kalhorn, MD, invented the tool, named VayuClear, to address the problem of vacuum-assisted suction devices clogging during surgeries. These clogs, which occur as often as four to five times an hour, can take one to three minutes to de-clog or replace, but VayuClear is designed to de-clog surgical suctions in one to three seconds using pressurized saline. 

“We commonly see clogged suction lines and suction tips during operations, leading to delays,” Dr. Kalhorn said in a news release. “Delays in surgery are frustrating and mean more time under anesthesia for the patient.”

The technology already has received a U.S. patent, and it’s on track to be FDA-registered and commercially available as early as mid-2022, according to the release.

The accelerator has partnered with South Carolina company Medical Access Partners to commercialize the tool.

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Tamia Sumpter

Tamia is a driven senior undergraduate Bioengineering student currently enrolled at Clemson University. With a strong foundation in her field, she has honed her skills through hands-on experience in research and development at Eli Lilly & Company. During her time in the ADME department, Tamia contributed significantly by working on siRNAs and their applications in finding In Vitro-In Vivo Correlation (IVIVC). Looking ahead, Tamia has set her sights on a promising career in law. She aspires to specialize in Intellectual Property Law, with a particular focus on serving as in-house counsel for leading medical device or pharmaceutical companies. Her enthusiasm for this role is palpable as she prepares to embark on her legal journey! She is also a proud member of the Omicron Phi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., PEER Mentor for Clemson PEER/WiSE, and currently serves as the President of Clemson Bioengineering Organization (CBO). With her unique blend of scientific knowledge and legal interests, Tamia is poised to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare and life sciences industries.