TuCann Medical, a medtech startup that began as Project Mosquito, is dedicated to revolutionizing patient care by addressing a critical and often overlooked issue: cannula-associated blood stream infections (CABSIs). While cannulas are essential medical devices, used in two out of three hospital patients, they pose a significant risk. Annually, 1.8 billion cannulas are used worldwide, and an alarming 11% of them lead to infections, creating a public health problem even greater than breast cancer, prostate cancer, and AIDS combined. 🩺
The core of our innovation lies in developing a new type of cannula that dramatically reduces the risk of infection. The current cannulation process is complex and labor-intensive, requiring healthcare workers to perform up to 15 steps and assemble various components while maintaining a sterile field. This complexity increases the likelihood of human error and, consequently, infection.
Simplifying Cannulation: We've engineered a solution that lessens the number of steps required for insertion, making the procedure faster and more efficient for healthcare professionals.
Reducing Reliance on a Sterile Field: Our cannula's design mitigates the need for a completely sterile field during the procedure, further minimizing the risk of contamination.
Enhancing Patient Safety: By decreasing the chances of infection, our cannula offers a safer experience for patients, protecting them from dangerous bloodstream bacteria.
Lessening Environmental Impact: Our solution also focuses on reducing packaging, aligning with a commitment to sustainability in the medical field.
As one of thirteen companies accepted into the prestigious Medtech Actuator's 15-month accelerator program, we are on a fast track to bring our technology to market. This invaluable support allows us to accelerate our product development, strengthen our team capabilities, and access the investment needed for commercialization. What would typically take us three or more years to achieve, we plan to accomplish in just 15 months.
We are focused on refining our prototype to be robust and effective
The accelerator program will help us navigate the rigorous regulatory process, positioning us for a successful application.
Our ultimate aim is to ensure our life-saving cannula reaches as many healthcare workers and patients as possible, improving outcomes and saving lives on a global scale.
3/4 of all hospitalised patients require a Peripheral Intravenous Catheter (PIVC), known as a 'drip' for treatments. PIVCs are necessary for treating but they can lead to life-altering bloodstream infections with a mortality rate of 25%. These infections are indiscriminate, costing the lives of the young and old alike.
TuCann is a cannula that reduces the risk of cannula associated bloodstream infection, focusing on both protecting the cannula during insertion and maintenance, thereby addressing all controllable sources of infection.
The value this brings to us is directed at each level of healthcare:
A cannula insertion that is more likely to be aseptic, reducing the risk of bloodstream infection. It also results in a faster cannulation experience, minimizing distress
No more hunting around for the cannula trolley, no setting up a sterile field or priming a needleless connector.
A faster patient turnover, and savings from the prevention of PIVC-associated bloodstream infection (PIVC-BSI). Each episode of PIVC-BSI costs hospitals $45,000 USD.
It is estimated that if bloodstream infection rates were reduced by just 1, then 150,158 bed days would be released for alternative uses, allowing an estimated 38,500 additional admissions annually, reducing hospital waiting times and expenditure. Our design is aiming to reduce 25% of all blood stream infections.
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