Medical Technology Innovations at Marshall
Marshall University and the Marshall University Research Corporation collaborate with Intermed Labs and Marshall Health Network to develop advanced technologies that enhance patient outcomes and foster a dynamic ecosystem for health care solutions.
Intermed Labs at Marshall University connects early ideas in medical technology (medtech) generated by Marshall faculty, staff and learners to Intermed Lab’s world-class engineering and entrepreneurial talent.
Collaboration with Marshall Health Network
As an academic health system, Marshall Health Network is built on a foundation of mutual respect and a shared goal of delivering high-quality healthcare services. This partnership focuses on:
- Integrated Health Care Solutions: By integrating Intermed Labs’ innovative solutions into Marshall Health Network’s health care delivery systems, we enhance patient care and operational efficiency.
- Collaborative Care Models: We are developing and implementing collaborative care models that leverage the strengths of both organizations to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care.
- Research and Development: Joint research and development projects aim to bring new medical technologies and treatments from the lab to the clinic, directly benefiting patients.
Together, Marshall University, the Marshall University Research Corporation, Intermed Labs and Marshall Health Network are making significant strides in medical research, education and patient care.
Current Innovations
Since the launch of Intermed Labs @ Marshall in 2023, we’ve discussed over 20 different ideas or problems to solve, reviewed 14 idea submissions and invested in 5 project ideas. As of today, 2 ideas have already been spun-out as companies.
KneedleTM, a groundbreaking new company featuring a novel medical device designed to significantly enhance the detection of infections in knee replacement surgeries. This innovative device was co-invented by Dr. Ali Oliashirazi, Head of Orthopedic Surgery at MHN, Dr. Alisana Shahi, and Intermed Labs.
Kneedle represents a major leap forward in the field of orthopedic surgery, addressing the persistent challenge of false negatives in infection detection post-knee replacement. Current statistics indicate that traditional methods can miss up to 30% of low-grade periprosthetic infections, leading to severe complications and often necessitating further surgical intervention.
Kneedle’s innovative design leverages advanced technology to provide more accurate and timely detection of infections, thereby reducing the likelihood of missed diagnoses and improving patient outcomes. By ensuring that infections are identified and treated promptly, Kneedle aims to decrease the need for additional surgeries and enhance the overall recovery experience for patients undergoing knee replacement procedures.
AirBlockTM , is an oropharyngeal cannula that attaches to a bite guard which facilitates the passage of endoscopes and helps prevent hypoxia during upper endoscopies, enhancing patient safety and procedural efficiency. Airblock was co-invented by Dr. M’hamed Turki, a gastroenterology fellow at Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Dr. Wesam Frandah, and Intermed Labs. During the prototyping and engineering phase, a partnership with West Virginia Junior College (WVJC) was created to support testing on mannequins for further development, and the latest prototype is now approved for Human Clinical Pilot Trial of 20 patients. Due to this innovative device idea, Dr. Turki has also been accepted into XLerator Health, a prestigious NIH-funded health care accelerator based in Louisville, Kentucky to bring the device to market.
Intermed at Marshall News
