Representing an investment of €840,000 by Enterprise Ireland, and supported by Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT), the recent installation of the Philips Azurion 7 M20 digital fluoroscope to the purpose-built Medical Imaging Suite at GMIT’s Galway campus constitutes an outstanding resource for the medtech industry and academic and clinical researchers, said GMIT.
This fluoroscope is optimised for vascular, non-vascular, cardiovascular and neuro applications and with its high resolution and large field of view, it offers superb image quality to evaluate small details and vessels with clarity.
GMIT’s new Medical Imaging Suite, operated by the MET Gateway, and located in the GMIT iHub, Galway campus. Photo: Neil Warner
Dr Rick Officer, vice-president for research and innovation at GMIT, said: “This facility compliments the MET Gateway’s existing expertise in medical imaging, anatomical modelling and physiological replication. Our state-of-the-art medical testing facility supports the development of next generation medical technologies.
'Not readily available outside of clinical environments'
"It will enable industry, research and academic partners to design, test and demonstrate features of their new technologies on equipment not readily available outside of clinical environments. GMIT has established strong ties with the medtech industry in Ireland and together we aim to provide safer therapies to improve health outcomes for patients”.
The Medical Imaging Suite can also be used for training of clinicians, staff and students in new imaging technologies, the interpretation of medical images and practice techniques as well as the evaluation and demonstration of new and emerging medical technologies. This unique facility is the first of its kind to be located in a research performing organisation in Ireland.
Enterprise Ireland technology gateway programme manager Mark Whelan, said: “I am delighted to see the launch of the new and updated flouroscope facility at the MET Gateway in GMIT.
"This state-of-the-art facility is truly world class and will enable the full range of companies from new startups to the established medical device companies, both locally and nationally to develop new and improved devices at an accelerated rate. It will help keep companies in Ireland at the forefront of the industry.”
The Enterprise Ireland Medical and Engineering Technologies (MET) Gateway is an interdisciplinary applied research centre, dedicated to supporting research, development and innovation activities in the medtech, life sciences and engineering sectors, providing open access for industry to the academic expertise within GMIT, generating solutions for close-to-market needs of companies.
MET technology gateway manager Sharon White, said: “We are delighted to offer such an important and unique resource to our industry partners, providing them with access to state-of-the-art facilities that are right on their doorstep. It will enable us to continue to grow and expand our collaboration with the medtech sector and support them in the development of cutting-edge medical technologies.”
About MET Gateway
GMIT’s MET Gateway is one of 16 industry-focused Enterprise Ireland technology gateways located within Ireland’s technological higher education institutions.
The technology gateway network programme funds interactions between local and national industry and the institutes of technology/technological universities and aims to increase the levels of interaction between the IoTs / TUs and industry in Ireland. The intended outcomes of the programme include:
- More companies engaging in R&D
- Pilot manufacturing capability for new product/process development
- Enhanced technology validation and testing capabilities
- Testbed generation
- Enhanced training potential for key industry staff on emerging technologies
Within the Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateway Network, there are also three sector-specific clusters: Applied IoT, Irish foodtech and Engineering Materials & Design (EMD). These clusters comprise of multiple gateways working together to provide specialist support and expertise.
This virtual launch webinar will take place on Thursday, May 27, at 11am (to 11.45am).
Advance booking essential by noon on May 26.
Register here: https://gmitihubs.clr.events/event/130996:medical-imaging-suite
For further information, please contact Sharon White, MET Gateway Manager at met@gmit.ie or visit metcentre.ie