MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY INNOVATORS: OSPREY MEDICAL
The Australian medical technologies sector has a reputation for innovation and quality. The Australian
companies in this industry are at the forefront of developing ground-breaking products to improve the
health and well-being of global communities. With significant investment in research and development
and high-value manufacturing – the industry is situated perfectly to take advantage of Australia’s
competitive strengths to export niche products to the global market.
Osprey Medical has developed a device that
protects patients' kidneys during heart procedures.
The device reduces the amount of dye injected into a
patient undergoing x-rays during heart procedures. This
protects the patient's kidneys from the dye's potentially
damaging effects.
Protecting the kidney during heart procedures
Heart procedures have inherent risks. These risks can increase if patients have pre-existing conditions,
such as diabetes. When undergoing heart procedures, dye is injected into patients to allow imaging of
the heart’s vessels under x-ray. During dye injection there is often leakage, known as “reflux”. The dye is
toxic and, in patients with pre-existing compromised kidney function, such as those with kidney disease
or diabetes, the dye can cause significant damage. The resulting condition, called contrast induced
nephropathy, can increase the risk of death.
Osprey Medical's AVERT System is designed to reduce the amount of dye leakage, and therefore the
amount of dye needed for x-rays, while maintaining x-ray visibility and quality. The AVERT System does
this by modifying the pressure profile of a standard injection of dye, allowing for a more focused delivery
of dye.
Benefits of collaboration
Osprey has highlighted two key factors which have contributed to its success.
Collaboration with research institutions and experts:
Osprey’s technology is based on work done at Melbourne’s Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute by Dr
David Kaye. Continuing relationships with the institution and Dr Kaye have enabled the technology to be
improved and refined with ongoing research. Osprey also continues to work with many other leading
Australian cardiologists.
Commercialising with large hospitals and key physicians:
Osprey collaborated with key physicians in nationally recognised centres
of excellence in its early commercial phase. Feedback from physicians
has been positive, with many using AVERT for patients with chronic
kidney disease. This early adopter feedback will enhance Osprey’s
product development efforts for its AVERT technology and also helps
build awareness among the physician community.
Pictured: Osprey's AVERT System.
This case study is based on information from Osprey Medical and was developed with
the assistance of AusBiotech.
For further information visit www.ospreymed.com.