The 2018 MedTech Kerrin Rennie Award has been presented to Boston Scientific’s HeartLogic Heart Failure Diagnostic.
“The MTAA Annual Industry Awards are an opportunity to recognise our members and individuals who have contributed to improving patient outcomes through MedTech," said CEO Ian Burgess.
“This year we received some fantastic entries, so much so the difference between first and second place for the Kerrin Rennie Award was just one point.
“It’s inspiring to be part of the medical technology industry that every day is focused on improving the health and wellbeing of patients.”
There are 67,000 new cases of heart failure diagnosis and management in Australia every year.
HeartLogic is a heart failure diagnostic tool available to patients with certain Boston Scientific implantable cardiac devices and remote monitoring system.
It incorporates sensors into one composite index to detect gradual worsening of heart failure over days or weeks and sends a single actionable web-based alert when the trend goes beyond a clinician-set threshold.
This multi-sensor approach allows physicians to detect early warning signs of worsening heart failure symptoms and adjusting treatment to avoid potential hospitalisations.
“Boston Scientific is incredibly proud and honored to be awarded the prestigious Kerrin Rennie Award," said Paul Braico, vice president and managing director, Australia and New Zealand.
“The HeartLogic Diagnostic tool provides physicians the ability to pivot from reactive heart failure treatment to proactive care with an overall goal of improving patient outcomes and reducing heart failure-related hospitalisations.
“This is a really exciting time at both Boston Scientific and for those working in the heart failure space, and we look forward to the results produced from this innovative technology.”
The other Awards recipients included Gavin Fox-Smith of Johnson & Johnson Medical APAC for 'Outstanding Achievement in MedTech', Yolanda Mallouhi of Edwards Lifesciences and Baxter for Women in MedTech Champion.
Mr Fox-Smith has more than 30 years in the medical technology industry, including 21 at Johnson & Johnson, currently heading the Global Education Solutions division in the Asia Pacific region.
The MTAA launched the Women in MedTech initiative in 2015 in response to the gap of women in leadership positions across the industry.
The Women in MedTech Champion is awarded to an individual or a company in recognition of their contribution to advancing the mission and goals just mentioned.
This year's Women in MedTech Individual Champion was awarded to Yolanda Mallouhi.
Ms Mallouhi has been with Edwards Lifesciences in human resources for over ten years, with the responsibility for identifying, attracting, retaining and building talent.
The Women in MedTech Company Champion was awarded to Baxter Healthcare. Baxter was once again named among the top 100 companies in Australia for gender equality (Australian Government – Employer of Choice for Gender Equality: 2017, 2016, 2015).