Surgical Innovations Head Goes Extra Mile

21 July 2009

The Manufacturing Director at Leeds-based Surgical Innovations recently went that extra mile to test the quality of his products by receiving emergency treatment for appendicitis with the same laparoscopic instruments his company manufactures.

Senior heads from Surgical Innovations regularly attend surgery to see first hand how surgeons use their products – something which Paul has never experienced before - but now 43 year-old Paul Birtles has taken this to the next level by experiencing first hand the instruments in action.

Ironically Paul’s role is to ensure all Surgical Innovation’s products are designed to the highest standards but little did he know that one day he would be receiving emergency treatment with one of the company’s flagship instruments.

Speaking after the operation Paul, said: “Surgical Innovations have been trying to get me into surgery to see our products in action for 5 years now and the only way they’ve succeeded is through a general anaesthetic!

“I have always had a huge fear of hospitals and in particular operating theatres but having now experienced the instruments from the patient side I am keen to go into theatre and see how the operation is performed.

“We always say that the next person the product may be used on could be a family member, friend or even yourself and that’s certainly poignant in this case.”

After experiencing severe abdominal pains, Paul was rushed to hospital and within a few hours he was receiving emergency treatment for appendicitis. 

Surgeons quickly decided to remove his appendix using laparoscopic surgery - an area which Surgical Innovations specialise in - and to carry out the procedure used Surgical Innovations resposable™ Port access system,  YelloPort™+plus; which is designed and manufactured at Surgical Innovations manufacturing site in Leeds.

The device, which is one of the leading laparoscopic instruments in the country, acts as a channel into the body allowing surgeons to carry out delicate surgery and is one of the products that Paul is in charge of.

It is specially designed to make the procedure as easy as possible for surgeons and ensure minimal scarring for the patient - something which Paul can now personally testify to.

Founded in 1992, Surgical Innovations was the world’s first company to develop flexible but ultimately rigid laparoscopic devices.  Since inception they have gained a worldwide reputation for innovative development of products for use in laparoscopic surgery and have become a leading pioneer in Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS). 
Paul joined the company as Manufacturing Director in 2005 and over the last few years has been instrumental in the realisation of the company’s in-house manufacturing site.
Moving from five small units to one state-of-the-art design and manufacturing site has tripled the size of their head office bringing innovation and manufacturing together under one roof, allowing the company to buck the trend of overseas manufacturing; opting for all their products to be manufactured in Yorkshire.

This year Surgical Innovations has also invested over £1million in the latest cutting edge technologies and has increased their workforce by 25% - significant investments which have led the company to move from strength to strength.
For more information visit www.surginno.com