Two surgery products were created at the startup studio of Tomsk universities. A recent graduate of the master’s degree in chemistry at Tomsk State University, a resident of a startup studio, Mikhail Kovtunov, developed a surgical agent with a hemostatic effect. The testing showed high efficiency of the new product. The second development is a surgical glue capable of fixing tissues and sutures, significantly reducing the risks of complications during and after operations.
– Surgery is always accompanied by a whole range of risks, one of the most likely is the risk of excessive bleeding. This may lead to hemorrhagic shock, – explains Mikhail Kovtunov, a resident of the startup studio of Tomsk universities. – There are special materials that can quickly and effectively stop bleeding, but they are either imported and expensive, or Russian-made, but not effective enough. These facts led to the idea of creating new products.
The fastest way to create technology is to reengineer it. During the year, Mikhail Kovtunov was not only able to develop a Russian analogue in an optimized version, but also received a prototype of a hemostatic material. Chemically modified cellulose was used as a base.
A series of laboratory tests showed that this surgical agent is not only effective for stopping bleeding, but also has an antibacterial effect, which is an additional insurance against postoperative complications. At the same time, the cost of the Russian product is significantly lower than that of its foreign counterpart. In the near future it is planned to obtain a product license.
The second product created for domestic medicine is a prototype of surgical glue. It is based on animal proteins. Such a medical sealing agent serves to close small wounds without suturation, to strengthen sutures and stabilize biological tissues, for example, in cardio- or neurosurgical operations.
– Within two months, we plan to perform functional tests, check our glue for strength, biocompatibility, toxicity, etc., says Mikhail Kovtunov. – Next, we will initiate the registration procedure in Roszdravnadzor to obtain a state certificate confirming its compliance with the established requirements.
It should be added that Mikhail has been engaged in technological entrepreneurship since his student years. As a student of the Faculty of Chemistry of TSU, he has been the winner of specialized competitions more than once, including the Student Startup competition.