The Kerrin Rennie Award for Excellence in Medical Technology – Improving Quality of Life was established to recognise and profile the innovative and extraordinary contribution of medical technology to improving health outcomes of Australian patients. The Award was inaugurated in 2007 and is endowed by the Rennie family in memory of Kerrin, a long serving and highly respected member of the Australian medical technology community.
2024 - Annalise Enterprise CT Brain by Annalise.ai
Annalise Enterprise CT Brain is a software-as-a-medical device intended to assist clinicians with the interpretation of non-contrast brain CT studies. The device analyses images within 2-minutes of acquisition and flags high priority studies in the radiologist work-list for rapid assessment. When interpreting studies, the device provides a “second set of eyes” reducing human bias and minimising the risk of misdiagnosis.
2023 - FARAPULSE Pulsed Field Ablation System by Boston Scientific
The FARAPULSE Pulsed Field Ablation (or PFA) System is intended to render targeted cardiac tissue electrically non-conductive to prevent cardiac arrhythmia initiation or maintenance. It is indicated for isolation of pulmonary veins for the treatment of drug-refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (or PAF) in adults with cardiac arrhythmia adult patients up to 75 years of age.
2022 - Smartz® by Smartz Limited
Smartz® is an everyday wellness monitor in the form of a smart diaper. Smartz™ transforms low-cost disposable products into low cost smart and connected devices. The Smartz™ solution addresses a significant unmet need in aged care - the real time, evidence-based management of incontinence for the over 70% of aged care residents who are suffering with the condition. A printed ink sensor is incorporated into the standard manufacturing process of the diaper which then communicates with the cloud via a small reusable pod. The smart diaper notifies the carer when the diaper needs to be changed. It also notifies when the resident has been lying in the one position for too long and when they fall.
Clinical studies have shown considerable productivity improvements with carers no longer needing to check the diaper when it is not ready to be changed. Care staff also reported significant improvement in the skin integrity of the residents as they were no longer left for long periods of time in wet diapers reducing the risk of incontinence associated dermatitis (IAD) and UTIs.
Smartz® has partnered with Henkel AG to distribute its Smart Adult Care solution in Europe and North America. Henkel are a major corporation with over AUD$32bn in annual revenue, employing in excess of 52,000 people globally and are a significant existing supplier to the majority of international hygiene manufacturers. Smartz® is a low cost, connected medical device delivering an improved standard of care to aged care residents and tangible benefits to their carers.
2021 - Canon Medical’s Hi-Def Detector
Canon Medical have introduced the world’s first high-definition (Hi-Def) flat panel detector for use in image-guided endovascular procedures. The Hi-Def panel is available on the Alphenix range of interventional imaging systems and with its 76 micron pixel imaging mode, provides more than twice the spatial resolution of conventional flat panel detectors.
With the highest level of resolution available in the angiography market, the innovative Hi-Def technology allows clinicians to perform minimally invasive procedures with clear images to see fine details, enabling them to prioritise clinical decisions and patient outcomes.
Image-guided intervention is used in modern day minimally invasive treatment of cerebrovascular, cardiovascular, abdominal and oncology diseases. With the increasing complexity of treatment devices such as aneurysm bridging stents, embolization coils and intrasaccular coils used, having sub millimetre sizes with fluoroscopic makers. During intricate deployment of such devices, accurate visualisation of the fine details and anatomical structures within the treatment area are critical.
Now available in 30 x 30cm and 30 x 40cm configurations the Hi-Def panel can be used in interventional cardiology, radiology, neuroradiology and peripheral endovascular procedures.
The ability to magnify the view while increasing inherent spatial resolution with Canon’s innovative Hi-Def technology enhances visualisation during critical aspects of complex endovascular interventions, including cardiac stent placement, gastro-intestinal bleeding embolisation and endovascular leak repairs. The ability to see fine details and anatomical structures also enables interventional devices to be deployed with greater accuracy and confidence.
A recent study from the University of Buffalo in New York demonstrated that the use of Canon’s Hi-Def technology resulted in the average procedure time, average fluoroscopy time and the total number of x-ray pulses and cumulative air kerma being reduced by 8% or more. These results indicate that the enhanced visualisation can reduce the procedure time and overall radiation exposure required to complete procedures.
2020 - TruClear™ Hysteroscopic Tissue Removal System from Medtronic Australia
Medtronic has been awarded the 2020 Kerrin Rennie Award for their TruClear™ Hysteroscopic Tissue Removal System. The TruClear™ system was launched in Australia in 2019 and offers a complete technology platform for the diagnosis and removal of a range of intrauterine abnormalities using pathology-optimised devices.
2019 - The MiniMed 670G by Medtronic
The MiniMed 670G is an insulin pump system which automatically self-adjusts to deliver people living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) precise amounts of insulin when they need it – regardless of whether they are asleep or on the go. The only technology of its type approved in Australia, the insulin pump system intuitively administers insulin as needed and also withholds insulin release when a drop in sugar levels is detected – a long-awaited breakthrough in the Australian diabetes community in their quest to better manage the chronic disease. The system is designed to learn an individual’s insulin needs by measuring the glucose level of people living with T1D every five minutes and to take action to minimise both high and low glucose levels. As a result, the technology requires minimal input providing peace of mind for the users.
Other 2019 nominess include: 3M™ Cavilon™ Advanced Skin Protectant, Baxter PrisMax, Elekta Unity, Smith & Nephew REGENETEN BioInductive Implant, Speedex ResistancePlus® GC, and the Teleflex UroLift® Delivery System
2018 - HeartLogic™ by Boston Scientific
HeartLogic™ is a heart failure diagnostic tool available to patients with Boston Scientific RESONATE ICD and CRTD implantable cardiac devices in combination with the LATITUDE™ Remote Patient Monitoring system. HeartLogic™ incorporates multiple device based physiologic sensors (heart sounds, respiration rate and volume, thoracic impedance, night heart rate and activity) into one composite index to proactively predict worsening of heart failure over days or weeks, and sends a single actionable web based alert to the clinicians. This multi-sensor approach allows physicians to detect early warning signs of worsening heart failure symptoms, giving them time to address the pathophysiological aspects of heart failure, adjust treatment and avoid potential hospitalisations. In the 900 patient MultiSENSE study HeartLogic™ was shown to successfully detect 70% of heart failure events a median of 34 days in advance with less than 2 alerts per patient year, providing physicians with several weeks’ notice to manage patient care without the alert burden.
2017 - Solitaire Platinum™ by Medtronic
The Solitaire Platinum™ revascularisation device is unique, restoring blood flow and retrieving clots from occluded blood vessels in the brain for patients experiencing acute ischaemic stroke due to a large vessel occlusion. The Solitaire device is designed to be delivered through a micro catheter that is inserted into the femoral vein in the groin. The catheter is advanced through the blood vessels into the brain to the location of the clot using intraoperative imaging to guide its path. When in place, the Solitaire Platinum device is then inserted via the catheter to the clot location. The catheter is retracted allowing the Solitaire Platinum device to expand within the clot pressing the clot between the vessel walls. The technology restores the flow of blood to the brain but also allows the cells of the Solitaire Platinum to integrate with the clot allowing the clot to be removed when the Solitaire is withdrawn from the body.
2016 - Stracos 3D RibClip by MediGroup EBI
Stracos 3D RibClips function anatomically as the rib, adapting to the rib’s natural movement. They are used in the stabilisation and fixation of fractures of the chest wall, including single and multiple rib fractures (flail chest), allowing for reconstructive surgical procedures of the chest wall and aiding in the alignment and stabilisation of the rib bone whilst the bone is healing.
2015 joint winner - ExAblate Neuro by MediGroup EBI
Offering neurosurgeons a non-invasive alternative for deep brain procedures such as treating Parkinson’s disease. It offers minimal hospitalisation, no need for implanted hardware or an operating room, making it an economic alternative for hospitals and clinics. The treatment combines two technologies – focused ultrasound and magnetic resonance imagining with real-time feedback.
2015 joint winner - The Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (S-ICD) System by Boston Scientific
Chosen for innovation in monitoring and treating potentially fatal heart rhythms. It is the first subcutaneous ICD to be implanted beneath the skin with no wires touching the heart. It therefor avoids several risks associated with implanting, using and removing these electrodes.
2014 - Reveal LINQ™ by Medtronic Australasia Pty Ltd
A Miniature insertable heart monitor designed to help physicians quickly and accurately diagnose irregular, and potentially lethal, heartbeats. Despite being the world’s smallest ICM (about the size of a paperclip), the LINQ ICM has the same battery life, and more data memory, than other heart monitors. Its cutting edge electronics allow never-before seen miniaturization with extreme levels of efficiency. The LINQ ICM battery is powerful enough to continuously and wirelessly monitor a patient’s heart for up to three years. It sends relevant information to a clinician aiding in accurate diagnosis and determination of a treatment plan, potentially without a patient needing to visit a hospital or clinic, and all within a timely manner. The physician can elect to receive notification via SMS allowing faster response times in emergency situations.
2013 - Sherlock 3CG Tip Confirmation System by Bard Australia Pty Ltd
A minimally invasive technology that, for indicated patients, eliminates the need for chest x-rays following placement of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs). It utilizes real-time magnetic navigation and electrocardiogram (ECG) information to provide accurate visualisation of the PICC as it passes through the patient’s vasculature, as well as providing confirmation regarding the final location of the catheter tip. By eliminating the need for a confirmatory chest x-ray, this technology reduces radiation exposure for patients and shortens the overall procedure time, allowing immediate delivery of therapy or enabling the patient to leave hospital earlier. This reduction in procedure time and the ability to insert a PICC at a patient’s bedside, whilst still ensuring accurate placement of the catheter tip, may in turn allow more patients the option of receiving this type of catheter in place of surgically implanted ports or tunneled catheters.
2012 - Symplicity Renal Denervation by Medtronic Australasia
A minimally invasive, one-time procedure to disrupt the renal nerves and produces a reduction of blood pressure levels. It does not involve a permanent implant or invasive surgery. Hypertension is the number one risk factor for premature death worldwide affecting more than 6 million Australians. Currently used to treat resistant hypertension, the Symplicity system has the potential to aid more than 100 million people worldwide.
2011 - Latitude Heart Failure External Sensor by Boston Scientific
A remote patient management system used to monitor the status of a patient’s implanted cardiac device providing regular device measurements and medical alerts. The addition of weight scales and blood pressure monitors allows for greater monitoring capabilities. Data is wirelessly transmitted from the patient’s home and gives physicians up to date information allowing for early intervention.
2010 - SynCardia by Device Technologies
SynCardia is a temporary total artificial heart enabling patients with end-stage heart disease to survive until a replacement heart becomes available. The device temporarily replaces both failing heart ventricles and heart valves. Its high volume blood flow helps patients recover to become better transplant candidates.
2009 - Cochlear Hybrid System by Cochlear Ltd
The technology of the Hybrid System is based on the cochlear implant and restores hearing to patients with high frequency hearing loss, who are not suitable for cochlear implants or hearing aids.
2008 - Radical-7 Pulse CO-Oximeter by Masimo Corporation
A non-invasive blood monitoring device that removes the need to draw blood to monitor patients.
2007 - DC Bead by Device Technologies
Chemoembolisation or transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE) is used in the treatment of hypervascularised malignant tumours. TACE therapy combines chemotherapy drugs with embolisation. DC Bead is a Drug Delivery Embolisation System capable of loading and eluting the controlled release of high doses of chemotherapeutic agents. The procedure is called Precision TACE (Transarterial Chemoembolisation) and is used in the treatment of:
• Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)
• Colorectal Metastases (mCRC)
DC Bead is CE Marked for loading with doxorubicin (DEBDOX) and irinotecan (DEBIRI).
