Dr Silvana Perretta is a transformative force in the realm of health technology, blending clinical expertise with a passion for groundbreaking innovation. As a renowned upper gastrointestinal surgeon and educator, she has revolutionised the field of minimally invasive surgery, particularly through her work in Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) and flexible robotics. Her contributions to minimally invasive surgery, surgical innovation and education have earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious French National Order of the Legion of Honour.
In this exclusive interview, Dr Perretta delves into the development of Endoflip—a cutting-edge diagnostic tool that has redefined the assessment of oesophagal function. She discusses the challenges of bringing medical devices to market, the transformative potential of advanced diagnostics, and her vision for improving patient outcomes through technology. Dr Perretta also shares her insights on empowering women in MedTech and the importance of collaboration in fostering innovation.
Can you tell me about your involvement in the development of Endoflip or as you call it the ‘smart bougie catheter’?
My involvement in the development of Endoflip was made possible through close collaboration with engineers, extensive lab work and many hours of preclinical studies. The aim was to develop a tool that could provide precise, live data on oesophageal function in real-time, even during surgery. We needed as surgeons a ‘smart bougie catheter,’ capable of continuous measurements of oesophageal distensibility, giving clinicians real-time insights during surgical procedures, where decisions have a direct impact on patient outcomes.
What were the key challenges faced in the testing/development process and how did you overcome them?
One of the main challenges was ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the data provided by the device. Working with engineers and clinicians, we had to refine the algorithms for pressure and volume measurements while ensuring the device was user-friendly in a clinical setting. Extensive testing, collaboration with gastroenterologists and surgeons, and continuous iteration of the design helped overcome these obstacles, leading to a functional and effective device.
Could you explain how Endoflip functions in diagnosing swallowing issues, and how it differs from traditional methods?
Endoflip is unique because it measures oesophageal distensibility in real-time, allowing clinicians to observe how the oesophagus responds to distension. Traditional methods, such as manometry, provide pressure data, but they don’t offer the same level of information about the physical properties of the oesophagus, like its compliance and geometry. Endoflip fills this gap by providing both mechanical and pressure data, making it easier to diagnose motility disorders such as achalasia.
How do you envision Endoflip’s impact on clinical practice across Europe?
With the CE Mark, Endoflip has the potential to standardise and improve the diagnostic process for oesophageal disorders across Europe. It can be seamlessly integrated into both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, providing clinicians with better insights to tailor treatments. I believe it will become an essential tool for gastroenterologists and surgeons, allowing for earlier and more accurate diagnoses, and leading to improved patient outcomes.
How do you believe the device will change the patient experience, especially in terms of earlier diagnosis and treatment of oesophageal disorders?
Endoflip can significantly enhance the patient experience by offering a quicker, less invasive diagnostic process. Traditional diagnostic tools can be uncomfortable, and results may be inconclusive. By providing a more precise assessment, during upper endoscopy Endoflip enables earlier detection of disorders, leading to quicker intervention and more effective treatment strategies.
What message would you like to share with other HealthTech innovators who are also working towards bringing novel medical devices to market?
Bringing new medical devices to market is a challenging but rewarding journey. I was fortunate to collaborate with a team of innovators and scientists. The key is to stay patient-focused—ensure that every decision you make, from design to testing, is aimed at improving the patient experience and outcomes. Also, don’t hesitate to collaborate with others, whether they are engineers, clinicians, or industry experts. Innovation thrives when diverse minds come together with a common goal.