04 April 2011

The patent for a new gel co-developed by the University of Adelaide, which prevents scarring after sinus surgery, has been sold to the world’s largest medical technology company, Medtronic.

The wound dressing, which improves healing, controls bleeding and prevents adhesions - scars which can form at the surgical site - following sinus surgery, was developed by researchers from the University of Adelaide, University of Otago and Wellington-based Robinson Squidgel.

Medtronic, purchased the patent for the nasal dressing in a deal with the three entities.

World-renowned ENT surgeon Professor PJ Wormald from the University of Adelaide led product development alongside New Zealand colleagues Emeritus Professor Brian Robinson from the University of Otago and his son, ENT surgeon Mr Simon Robinson.

The gel, derived from chitosan polymer extracted from crab shell and squid, has been successfully trialled in sheep and humans over the past four years.
Prof Wormald says the medical gel has important blood clotting abilities and forms a coating over the wound to prevent scarring.

"Currently, up to one third of all people who undergo sinus surgery experience blocked nasal passages afterwards due to scarring and this requires further surgery to correct," Prof Wormald says.

The new gel is expected to benefit millions of patients around the world. Prof Wormald says 18% of the general population suffers from chronic sinusitis, many of whom undergo surgery to correct the problem.