US breakthrough for surgical firm

Leeds-based Surgical Innovations shipped out a giant sized pretzel-shaped Scalextric track to help promote its PretzelFlex, which the firm says is the world’s first pretzel-shaped organ and tissue retractor for use in minimally invasive surgery. The company recently received US regulatory approval for the device.

Graham Bowland, chief executive, said Surgical Innovations was the only British company at the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons’ annual meeting. He said the conference offered a platform to engage with international surgeons about the benefits of its Resposable instruments – a combination of reusable and disposable components.

Mr Bowland said: “This concept really triggered a nerve with US surgeons and they are excited about the technologies that we have to offer.”