Medtronic’s Solitaire Platinum device has been recognised with the Medical Technology Association of Australia's 11th Kerrin Rennie Award.
The Kerrin Rennie Award was established in 2007 to recognise and profile the innovative contribution of medical technology to improving health outcomes.
The Solitaire Platinum restores the flow of blood to the brain by allowing the clot to be removed and withdrawing it from the body.
In Australia, there are almost 1,000 cases of stroke each week, with around 22 per cent of cases resulting in death.
The other Awards recipients included:
- Dr Elisa Mokany from Speedx – Outstanding Achievement in MedTech;
- Emma Cleary from Device Technologies – Women in MedTech Champion; and,
- Johnson & Johnson Medical – Women in MedTech Champion.
The Outstanding Achievement Award is open to individuals who have contributed in a significant way to the development of the medical technology industry through improvement to patient outcomes or excellence in leadership and innovation.
Dr Elisa Mokany is co‐founder and chief technology officer of Australian molecular diagnostics company, SpeeDx an.
"Her effort, talent and dedication has driven continued growth of SpeeDx which now has its sights set on the US market and this end, several clinical trials aimed at obtaining FDA approval have been designed and are about to initiate," said MTAA in a statement.
The MTAA board established 'Women in MedTech' in July 2015 in response to the gap of women in leadership positions across the industry.
MTAA introduced the Women in MedTech Champion award this year. Dr Mokany played a central role in driving the Women in MedTech agenda.
According to MTAA CEO Ian Burgess, “The MTAA Annual Industry Awards is an opportunity to recognise our members and individuals who have contributed to improving patient outcomes through MedTech.
“This year we received 16 fantastic entries, making it a difficult task for the Judges to select finalists and a winner.
“It’s inspiring to be part of the medical technology industry that every day is focused on improving the health and wellbeing of patients.”