Medtronic opens 7.7m ‘brainstorming’ centre in Galway

Source: Lorna Siggins, Irish Times, Sep 16 2013

Source: Lorna Siggins, Irish Times

A €7.7 million brainstorming centre to devise new treatments for cardiovascular and cardiac rhythm disease was due to be opened by EU Commissioner for Innovation, Research and Science, Máire Geoghan-Quinn, at Medtronic’s premises in Galway yesterday.

Up to 500 doctors and other medical professionals were expected to spend time in the centre, working with engineers in collaboration, demonstration and hybrid laboratories where surgical procedures can be tried and tested.

Global networking

The centre is also equipped with digital communication technology for “global networking”, along with three-dimensional printing for new ideas and space for training and education.

“The centre was very significant in “positioning Ireland internationally as a centre of excellence for innovation, research and development in the medical technology space.”

IDA, Chief Executive, Barry O’Leary

” The company has similar centres in Japan, China, the US and Switzerland, but this is the first to be located at a major manufacturing centre“, he said.  He then went on to say “It is testimony to the strategic importance of Galway and the level of expertise therein“.

Medtronic’s 2,000-strong workforce in Galway includes some 100 dedicated research and development engineers who will work with cardiac specialists like Dr Faisal Sharif, consultant cardiologist at University Hospital Galway and senior lecturer in regenerative medicine at NUI Galway.

Dr Sharif said the catheterisation/vascular laboratory in the centre includes a virtual operating room where procedures can be carried out on human anatomical models. “The fact that it is a global centre means that it will attract a lot of international experts and speakers,” he said.

“Innovation is the lifeblood of our company and it is through close collaboration with physicians that many of our innovations are developed.”

 Omar Ishrak, Medtronic, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer