Ethics Case Studies in Biodesign

Case 11 - Incremental Development

You have developed an automated vascular anastomosis device for proximal vessel attachment to the aorta in CABG surgery. It allows virtually all doctors to create a very high quality anastomosis with minimal training. It is faster than suturing. It is not yet clear what risks are associated with the device, so the net benefit to the patient is not established. There will certainly be added costs, but eventually, the procedure may shorten the operative time.
You believe this device will be one of a series of “stepping stone technologies“ that will eventually lead to closed chest procedures in the future.

• What need did this device fulfill?
• What factors help you decide if this technology in the best interest of patients as opposed to being marketable to surgeons?
• Does developing stepping stone technologies make sense from a business perspective?
• As a believer in the long term promise of ‘closed chest surgery’ technology as a platform how do you convince doctors to use your initial devices?