Highlights from Project Medtech Episode 220 featuring AbClo’s Dr. João Rezende-Neto

Dr. João Rezende-Neto is the founder and Chief Medical Officer at AbClo, a minimally invasive, pressure regulated, fascial traction device used in the management of open abdomens. Hailing from Brazil and having completed over 10,000 surgeries thus far in his career as a General and Trauma Surgeon (which have all been incredibly documented!), his story is one of dedication, passion, and commitment to being on the cutting edge of care.

Dr. Rezende-Neto recently sat down with Duane Mancini at Project Medtech, a Medtech Industry podcast where guests share stories, advice, pitfalls, trends, and innovations. João joined to discuss more about the beginning of his career, his work on the next generation of life-saving technologies, and lessons learned along the way.

 

Introduction and Background (00:00:01)

  • Dr. João Rezende-Neto introduces himself, his background in Brazil, medical education, and early career as a trauma surgeon.

 

Medical Training and Early Inventions (00:01:24)

 

Brazil’s Healthcare System and Device Innovation (00:03:12)

  • Explains Brazil’s two-tier health system, public trauma care, and the need-driven invention of medical devices.

 

First Invention and Resource Challenges (00:04:38)

  • Details the creation of a tracheostomy device for resource-limited hospitals and the motivation behind further inventions.

 

Medical Training Pathway Clarification (00:05:13)

  • Clarifies the structure of medical training in Brazil and the US, including trauma and ICU fellowships.

 

Role of a Trauma Surgeon (00:06:53)

  • Explains the day-to-day responsibilities of a trauma surgeon, including trauma calls, elective surgeries, and clinics.

 

Academic Surgery and Research Expectations (00:10:14)

  • Discusses the academic surgeon’s role, research requirements, and the integration of device development as research.

 

Impact of Diverse Healthcare Systems on Innovation (00:12:10)

  • Reflects on how working in Brazil, the US, and Canada shaped his approach to medical device innovation.

 

Animal Models and Translational Research (00:14:08)

  • Shares lessons from US research on creating clinically relevant animal models for device development.

 

Entrepreneurial Shift in Canada (00:15:27)

  • Describes the transition to entrepreneurship in Canada, patenting devices, and regulatory requirements.

 

Founding InventoRR MD and Early Challenges (00:16:41)

  • Explains the founding of Inventorr MD, initial research funding struggles, and leveraging clinical experience.

 

Development of the Abdominal Closure Device (AbClo) (00:19:33)

  • Recounts the origin of the abdominal closure device, collaboration with colleagues, and early animal studies.

 

Startup Formation and Product Expansion (00:21:37)

  • Details the formation of the startup, product validation, and expansion to other device ideas.

 

Winning Angels Den and Further Innovations (00:23:00)

  • Mentions winning a medical innovation competition and developing additional devices for trauma care.

 

Clinical Trials and Regulatory Approval (00:26:04)

  • Describes clinical trials for the abdominal closure device, study results, and achieving Health Canada and FDA approval.

 

Building a Business Team (00:30:32)

  • Discusses bringing in business partners, transitioning from clinical to business leadership, and team formation.

 

Licensing, COVID-19, and Taking Back the Product (00:33:34)

  • Narrates licensing the device, challenges during COVID-19, reclaiming the product, and building a sales and training team.

 

Clinician-Business Communication and Trust (00:35:57)

  • Explores the importance of trust and communication between clinical and business teams in medtech startups.

 

Balancing Clinical and Business Perspectives (00:36:38)

  • Explains integrating clinical rigor with business needs, designing research to address both efficacy and cost.

 

Challenges of Physician-Inventor Role (00:41:05)

  • Discusses difficulties in gaining peer recognition, balancing clinical and entrepreneurial demands, and surgeon adoption of new devices.

 

Most Rewarding Aspects of the Job (00:46:15)

  • Shares the fulfillment of seeing devices help patients and receiving positive feedback from colleagues.

 

Podcast Closing (00:47:50)

  • Host wraps up the episode.

Learn more about Dr. João Rezende-Neto in our Part 1 and Part 2 team feature here:

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