Pd-m and LORESA’s Partnership Drives Sustainable Surgical Innovation in Africa and Beyond
The collaboration between Pd-m and LORESA began with the design of the RAIS device—a gasless laparoscopic tool developed for low-resource settings. Initially conceptualised at the University of Leeds, Pd-m was instrumental in translating the needs of rural surgeons into a tangible, user-friendly product. LORESA, seeing the potential for widespread impact, licensed the device and worked closely with Pd-m to bring it to the global market.
From Concept to Commercial Success
Over the past five years, the partnership has evolved, focusing on refining the device for commercial readiness. The original RAIS 1.0 model, designed for academic use, needed optimisation for mass production. “We knew Pd-m had the expertise to help us streamline the manufacturing process, reduce costs, and make the device more user-friendly without compromising on quality,” said Maufi.
The success of RAIS 1.0 was most recently showcased at a three-day workshop in Kenya. Six surgeons from six hospitals were trained in gasless laparoscopic surgery, a significant step toward improving surgical care across Africa. This training marks the beginning of a broader rollout.
Sustainability and Innovation at the Core
The collaboration’s impact extends beyond accessibility—it also champions sustainability. Gasless laparoscopy eliminates the need for CO₂, making the procedure greener and more cost-effective, particularly in regions where such resources are scarce. With pd-m’s focus on reducing the size and complexity of the RAIS 2.0 device, the partnership aims to cut manufacturing costs and enhance reusability.
“By simplifying the design and enabling reusability, we’re not just reducing costs—we’re also ensuring that the device can be sterilised and reused with existing equipment in hospitals, cutting down waste and improving sustainability,” said Maufi. This approach aligns with global efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of medical devices, ensuring that LORESA and Pd-m’s innovations contribute to a greener future.
A Future of Global Impact
The partnership between Pd-m and LORESA is just beginning. The success of the Kenya training hub is setting the stage for expansion across Africa and into other low-resource regions worldwide. “This is more than just a device—it’s about empowering surgeons, saving lives, and building sustainable healthcare systems,” said Maufi.
With Pd-m’s expertise in sustainable product design and LORESA’s mission to make minimally invasive surgery more accessible, this collaboration is poised to create a lasting impact.
As the RAIS device continues to evolve and reach more countries, it is clear that the future of surgical care is not only greener but also more globally accessible.
