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Advanced Material for Microsurgical Gripping Tools

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Health and Human Services 		Branch:
N/A 		Award ID:
25079 		Program Year/Program:
1994 / SBIR
Agency Tracking Number:
25079 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
Technology Assessment & Transfer, Inc.
133 Defense Highway, Suite 212 Annapolis, MD -
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Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 1994
Title: Advanced Material for Microsurgical Gripping Tools
Agency: HHS
Contract: 1 R43 EY10644-1,
Award Amount: $64,478.00
 

Abstract:

This research will develop and demonstrate a new gripping tool for microsurgery that exhibitssuperior performance and extended life over current state-of-the-art stainless steel microsurgical forceps.Current stainless steel forceps rely on the alignment of gripping teeth to achieve high gripping power andsuffer from short service lives as a result of frictional and corrosive wear associated with microsurgeryitself and autoclave sterilization, respectively. These devices are also exorbitantly expensive andcontribute to the high health care costs for microsurgical procedures. This gripping concept eliminatesthe risk of misalignment and provides consistent, high gripping power. Advanced ceramic materials andefficient fabrication processes will be employed to extend the service life and reduce the manufacturingcosts. Materials will be screened, prototypes fabricated and performance and service life testsperformed. Quantitative improvement over current stainless steel forceps will be documented. Prototypegrippers will be evaluated by an Ophthalmic Surgeon. Phase II of this project will address remainingengineering issues and will extend the Phase I evaluations to clinical trials.

Principal Investigator:

David Palaith
3012618373

Business Contact:

Small Business Information at Submission:

Technology Assessment &
133 Defense Highway, #212 Annapolis, MD 21401

EIN/Tax ID: 521253097
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees: N/A
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No