UK manufacturer gets NHS green light to create a ‘limb sterilisation sleeve’

Health Enterprise East (HEE), an NHS innovation hub, has announced the signing of a manufacture and distribution agreement for a novel limb sterilisation sleeve between Derby Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Pentland Medical, a provider of clinical products.

The agreement was facilitated by HEE, which has provided ongoing project support from patent management and prototype development, through to product commercialisation including the sourcing of commercial partners and deal negotiation.

The limb sterilisation sleeve has been developed by consultant hand surgeon at Royal Derby Hospital, Chris Bainbridge, with support from the trust. The device improves the current method of prepping legs and arms for surgery by standardising the sterilisation procedure whist allowing it to take place on the ward. This reduces theatre time and potentially the risk of post-operative infections.

The Limb Sterilisation Sleeve consists of a clear plastic sleeve that can be securely sealed around the limb to be prepped for theatre. The device includes a portal for the controlled application of disinfection fluid and, once skin preparation has been completed, the sleeve can be removed cleanly with the limb now prepped for surgery.

Mr Chris Bainbridge, the device inventor commented: “Limb sterilisation is generally performed in the theatre before surgery where the disinfectant is ‘wiped’ over the area. The volume of disinfectant used on the patient can vary drastically and it is a particularly messy job. In developing the sterilisation sleeve we can better control the procedure, improve theatre efficiency and potentially reduce the infection risk to patients undergoing surgery. We really value the support that HEE has given in bringing this product to market and its help in negotiating the agreement with Pentland.”

Stewart Munro, managing director at Pentland Medical added: “Pentland Medical focuses on providing unique clinical products for healthcare and we look for solutions that not only benefit the patient, but also deliver real cost savings. We look forward to building our working relationship with Derby Hospitals Foundation Trust.”

Robert Donald, senior intellectual property manager at HEE said: “HEE has worked closely with the inventor, Mr Chris Bainbridge and the Trust on this project, providing IP management and product development support. We are delighted that our experience in commercialising NHS innovation helped in brokering the agreement and look forward to seeing the sterilisation sleeve in operation.”