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New ureteric stent insertion device set to reduce strain on healthcare resources
2025_06
Promising new medical device has been developed to offer fast pain relief for patients experiencing acute renal colic; the sudden, intense pain caused by kidney stones. It is designed to allow healthcare professionals to stent in less than 5 minutes without an operating room which frees Australian healthcare resources for other procedures.
The collaboration of MedTech startup Akeeko Medical®, the South Australian node of the Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF-SA), and the Medical Device Partnering Program (MDPP) is transforming healthcare delivery with the development of the Akeeko Stent Inserter (ASI).
Akeeko Medical® is the first to develop an all-in-one ureteric stent insertion device which combines a guidewire, stent pusher, and camera at the tip to transmit images to the clinician’s smartphone. The ASI has been designed for use outside the operating room, enabling healthcare professionals to stent in under 5 minutes, providing rapid pain relief for patients experiencing acute renal colic. Traditionally, treatment for acute renal colic requires general anaesthesia within an operating room. The use of the ASI means reduced hospital admissions and leaves the operating room (OR) available for other procedures.
Dr Joseph Ischia, CEO and Co- Founder of Akeeko Medical®, explains “the ASI incorporates the complete ureteric stent insertion procedure into a single-use device that is small and simple enough to be used outside the OR under local anaesthetic – saving pain, time, and money.”
Critical to the development of the ASI was access to Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF) facilities including advanced 3D printing and mechanical testing equipment during the design refinement, prototyping, and testing phases.
Joseph said that ANFF-SA and MDPP have played a crucial role in optimising the ASI. The team’s “invaluable contributions comprised both technical expertise and practical resources to enhance the device’s design and functionality,” said Joseph. They have “addressed key challenges in the development process, assisting in making the ASI more user-friendly.”
Joseph also shared that the collaboration with and support from MDPP and ANFF-SA have contributed to the company’s significant and fast growth, “Akeeko Medical has streamlined its R&D process, significantly improving prototyping, testing, and overall efficiency in mechanical assembly and optimising the electronics layout to improve device ergonomics and usability.”
The ASI is intended to be accessed and used by healthcare professionals only. Patent pending. It is not yet registered and is on track for launch in 2026.
ANFF-SA is a world-class micro and nanofabrication facility providing open access to cutting-edge equipment housed in state-of-the-art facilities with support from world-leading experts.
MDPP is a national program that provides successful applicants with up to 250 hours of engineering expertise.
If you require support or assistance with your project or research, visit anff-sa.com or contact us on 08 8302 5226