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CSTAR develops global reputation as world-class research and education centre

April 3, 2009

By Lesley Cornelius,

Director, Business Development, Corporate Services and Director, Marketing and Communications

London Economic Development Corporation

London, Ontario, - Through the creation of Canada’s Innovation Strategy launched in 2002, the Government of Canada’s goal is to have Canada identified as one of the world’s most innovative countries. With organizations such as CSTAR in London (Canadian Surgical Technologies & Advanced Robotics), they are doing their part to help the federal government reach its goal.

CSTAR is located at the London Health Sciences Centre, University Hospital

CSTAR is developing a global reputation for its state-of-the-art equipment and expertise in minimally invasive surgery and medical devices. CSTAR supports development and clinical implementation of new and emerging medical device technologies through three core competencies: research, validation and education. The Director of CSTAR, John Parker, likes to explain it as “CSTAR inhabits the space between those who generate new knowledge and those who use it. In this translational research role, CSTAR enables efficient transition of new medical device knowledge and technologies into clinical practice – this is our contribution to patient care.”

Education contributing to CSTAR’s revenue growth

CSTAR is looking forward to the expansion of their facility with the opening of the Kellman Centre in April 2010 which will be Canada’s state-of-the-art surgical skills simulation training centre. It is a 7,500 square foot facility that will support expansion of CSTAR’s current education and training programs. CSTAR develops surgical skills assessment and development programs for health care professional students, working health care professionals and medical device industry partners. CSTAR’s impressive track record in surgical skills education is now attracting these audiences from around the world who seek the guidance and mentorship of London’s internationally acknowledged minimally invasive surgery community. These learner groups are paying customers,” says Parker, “and we provide the very best learning experience possible.”

CSTAR is in high demand

Cardiac surgeons and operating room nurses from the Montreal Heart Institute and Hopital Sacre Coeur in Montreal recently sought the services of CSTAR to develop a customized surgical skills training program for their operating room teams. This program, the first of its kind in Canada, was delivered November 2008 and involved active observation of a live robotic mitral valve repair surgery by the operating room team from Montreal followed by a full day of team-based learning in CSTAR’s simulation learning environment. This procedure is used to treat the narrowing or leakage of the mitral valve which is the “inflow” valve for the left side of the heart. “I believe that our successful visit will lead to future collaborations with Montreal, and has promoted CSTAR's initiatives in both training and education,” stated Dr Kiaii. “The robotic heart surgery program of Dr. Kiaii and his operating room team at London Health Sciences Centre is the most advanced and experienced in Canada. When our heart surgery colleagues in Montreal required additional training, they turned to CSTAR and London for help,” says Parker. “As the rate of medical device technology turn over increases, the demand for this kind of training will increase making CSTAR and London the international destination of choice for this kind of programming.”
In early December 2008, clinicians came from across Canada and around the world from six different countries including Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, the US, Australia and Ethiopia, to review pain management strategies, review new ultrasound technologies, receive hands-on experience in CSTAR’s simulation environment as well as hands-on imaging training using live human subjects. “The ability to have so many world leaders in Ultrasound and pain management at this conference is a testament to the level of education that we must provide our community,” stated Dr Sugantha Ganapathy, the program Chair. “The ability to attract international faculty and participants to London shows the true value of CSTAR’s educational programming,” added Dr. Ganapathy. Dr. Philip Osaigbovo from Abuja-Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria, had these remarks following the conference: “It was a great experience being at the Worlds Best organized update on the use of ultrasound in pain management…..I am looking forward to a great relationship with CSTAR.”

Supporting development of new technologies with leading Medical Device companies

CSTAR is also actively involved in pre-market assessments of new medical devices developed by small-medium-large Medical Device companies. In performing these assessments, CSTAR provides “bench-to-bedside” research services for its medical device industry partners. CSTAR utilizes its state-of-the-art laboratory, technology assessment and education facilities in providing these services. US-based Boston Scientific is the first medical device partner to access these services from CSTAR. Based on the success of this experience, CSTAR is now working closely with the Ivey School of Business of the University of Western Ontario, and Next Strategic Advisors of London, to formulate the best business structure and plan to provide these services on a wider and more diverse scale. “Members of CSTAR’s Industry Roundtable unanimously identified access to complete research services as their number one priority and challenge with respect to new product development,” says Parker. “Based on this feedback, we are creating the first service of its kind in Canada which will facilitate medical device development across Ontario and Canada and farther afield,” he adds.

For more information about CSTAR and their developments, visit them at www.lhsc.on.ca/CSTAR or contact John Parker, Director (john.parker@lhsc.on.ca).