a day ago
Research centre receives 2 patents
Mangaluru: Fr Muller's Research Centre has successfully published its first two patents, marking a significant milestone in its innovation journey. The patents include a low-tech auscultatory device designed to enhance realism in medical simulation scenarios and provide cost-effective training solutions, and a 3D-printed biodegradable multipurpose toe separator developed for dermatological applications.
Dr Ramesh Bhat M, research director at the centre, said that a low-cost innovation in simulation-based auscultation training was developed by Dr Reena Wilma Frank, Pradeep D'Souza, Sandra Saldanha, and Dr Lulu Sherif, faculty members of Father Muller Charitable Institutions. The innovators are from nursing, medical, and simulation backgrounds.
Innovation in derma care
In the field of derma care, the 3D-Printed Biodegradable Multipurpose Toe Separator for Dermatological Applications was applied for patent and published by Dr Ramesh Bhat and his team from Fr Muller Medical College and Srinivas University Institute of Engineering and Technology, Mukka.
The team includes Dr Priya Anusha D'Souza, a dermatologist and former student of Fr Muller Medical College, and Ajay Kaushik Noronha, Assistant Professor, Department of MBA at SUIET, Mukka.
The device maintains an open, ventilated interdigital space, which is critical for faster healing and infection prevention. Anatomically tailored for the Indian population, it offers orthopaedic comfort, durability, and ease of use. This invention helps in managing common yet often chronic foot conditions, particularly in humid climates and at-risk groups such as diabetic patients. "So far, we have used this toe separator on 20 patients with good results," he said.