Public Funding for Bronkhorst (UK) Limited

"We aim to create an innovative device for use in vitreoretinal surgery (operations to treat sight-threatening eye disorders involving the retina, macula, and vitreous fluid). The opportunity is that the mixing and introduction of a gas/air mix during vitreoretinal surgery using current devices is imprecise, subject to human error, and its critical parameters cannot be measured or recorded for audit and risk control. Current practice relies on manual gas/air mixing operations and is subject to human error in terms of accuracy and homogeneity of the % mix, and inaccuracy and instability of pressure when the gas mix is introduced into the eye during the operation. Inaccuracy and inhomogeneity of the gas mix, and inaccuracy and instability of pressure, are potentially dangerous, and may lead to surgical failure or complication, and consequent sight loss. Mistral - our innovative system - will overcome the limitations inherent in current techniques through the use of calibrated, precise, and reliable gas mixing and delivery; it will also support recording of all clinically-relevant parameters, ensuring traceability. The successful outcome of the project will mean safer operations that are quicker and less expensive, and better surgical outcomes."