Loma Linda University Health partnership with MedDevCo, LLC produces first medical device company (DARRT, LLC) offering first product to the industry: an innovative medical device

The department of Technology Transfer in the Office of Research Affairs, Loma Linda University Health, announced today that its partnership with MedDevCo, LLC (a limited liability company), has resulted in the formation of a new medical device company, DARRT, LLC and the launch of its first product, DARRT.

The product, a laser guided percutaneous access needle, DARRT, is designed to eliminate or minimize radiation exposure to patients, physicians and staff during Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) cases.

Percutaneous access is a commonly used step for treatment of and/or evaluating a variety of disease conditions and pathologies in numerous surgical and clinical procedures. It is also complex and often requires real-time imaging guidance using ultrasound, CT, or fluoroscopy. In surgery, percutaneous pertains to any medical procedure where access to inner organs or other tissue is performed via needle-puncture of the skin, rather than by using an "open" approach wherein inner organs or tissue are exposed.

The initial step in the procedure is to insert a wire for subsequent access into the inner portions of organs, space, viscous or lumen. DARRT helps guide this process, greatly reducing life threatening errors.

MedDevCo LLC’s founder and CEO, Steve Redenbaugh said in a statement “MedDevCo is excited to enter into this leading-edge collaboration with Loma Linda University Medical Center and Dr. Baldwin.  We strongly believe our partnership represents an extremely effective model for future medical device development.”  Founder and COO, Ron Pirucki added “our collective efforts will undoubtedly expedite the product development process and ensure that this important, innovative technology and procedure get to market quickly for the benefit and safety of patients, physicians and supporting medical staff.” 

Eric C. Gosink, PhD and director of Technology Transfer said in a statement, “The goal of Technology Transfer here at Loma Linda University Heath is to bring the innovations and discoveries of our medical research staff to market to help benefit humanity.”

The Loma Linda University Research Affairs’ Technology Transfer manages innovative technology arising from research conducted at Loma Linda University and its affiliates. The Bayh-Dole Act (1980) requires universities to report all inventions arising from federally supported research, and to diligently pursue patent protection and commercialization for new technologies that are commercially promising. Industry-sponsored research and foundation grants may also have requirements for disclosure, as well as expectations regarding licensing of inventions under these research awards.

The innovative medical device, DARRT is a product of medical research and innovative invention by urologist Duane Baldwin, M.D. of Loma Linda University Medical Center. Dr. Baldwin is also a Professor, Urology with Loma Linda University School of Medicine. DARRT, LLC is partially owned by Loma Linda University.