Minimally Invasive New Technologies Program (MINT)

Minimally Invasive New Technologies Program (MINT)

"Advancing minimally invasive therapeutics through novel device development."

The Minimally Invasive New Technologies (MINT) Program is an innovative collaboration between NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and the Weill Cornell Medical College. Through the MINT program, clinicians and engineers develop technologies that advance minimally invasive surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian and beyond.

This unique program, focused on the development and commercialization of medical devices within the non-profit setting, leverages the creativity and experience of practicing clinicians and industry experts at the forefront of their respective fields, ranging from neurological surgery, interventional neuroradiology, otorhinolaryngology, and colorectal surgery to biomedical engineering, intellectual property, and business development. In a collaborative, thought-provoking environment, specialists converge to develop medical technologies and procedure-based solutions to meet today's most significant clinical challenges.

The MINT Process

A very structured development process guides MINT inventions from concept generation to clinical trials and commercialization. From an idea conceived in the operating room, interventional suite, or MINT board room, the team rigorously evaluates and refines concepts from clinical, engineering, intellectual property, and business strategy perspectives at each phase throughout the process.

Clearly articulated milestones at each process step enable the MINT team to evaluate project progress and the value created at each phase. Scientific and financial advisory boards, comprised of senior investigators and executives from a wide array of fields, review both new and ongoing projects and provide valuable input that guide technical and business development.

Accomplishments to Date

Filed 39 patent applications
Completed in-vivo proof of concept studies in advanced MINT projects
Subject of Harvard Business School case study MINT-ing Innovation at NewYork-Presbyterian

Examples of Current Projects

Endoluminal Surgical Platform (ESP)

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Current endoscopes provide diagnostic and basic therapeutic capabilities widely used in medicine today, however scope instability within the intestine prevents clinicians from using endoscopes as true surgical tools. Dr. Jeffrey Milsom with the MINT team developed a device that functions in conjunction with commercially available endoscopes, enabling clinicians to create an isolated, stable, and manipulatable zone to enhance visualization and therapeutic capability of the scope. This current iteration of ESP is just the beginning this stabilized zone will become a surgical platform supporting new intestinal procedures performed entirely within the channel of the intestine a complete paradigm shift in gastrointestinal surgery.

Spherical Device for Cerebral Aneurysms

Stenting and coiling are two common endovascular treatments for many types of cerebral aneurysms. However, complex aneurysm geometries or aneurysms located at arterial bifurcations are not adequately treated with existing devices and often require open cranial procedures, which carry with them significant patient risks.

Dr. Howard Riina with the MINT team developed a spherical-shaped device that is ideally suited to treat bifurcation aneurysms and other challenging geometries, redirecting blood flow away from the aneurysms to allow healing. Clinicians can deliver, retrieve, and reposition the Sphere endovascularly, providing significant advantages over stenting and coiling for all aneurysm types.

Zone Isolation and Bypass System

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To treat vascular trauma and diseases, the MINT team developed a unique device that isolates a segment of vessel for endovascular repair while maintaining blood flow to the distal arterial bed. The Zone device permits for the first time true endolumenal vessel repair, made possible by a working channel through which clinicians can introduce endovascular tools to the injury site. Zone also functions as a triage device that can be inserted percutaneously to prepare a patient for transport to a center for advanced treatment.