SURGIFY'S PROJECT

Surgify’s Halo Surgical Drill through Effective Collaboration

Path makers: Visa Sippola, Shahab Haeri, Jukka Kreander, Junaid Akhtar, Bijan Bayat Mokhtari, Anna Prudan, Soudabeh Bakhtiari, Panu Pesonen, Julia Peltola, Tom Rönnlund, Faisal Javed, Fredrik Jansson, & Nicky Bach

Surgify Halo burr is a surgical tissue selective safety burr designed, developed, and manufactured by Surgify in Otaniemi, Espoo. The surgical round burr (drill) can selectively cut hard tissue, such as bone, while protecting soft tissues from injuries. The product was first clinically used in 2021, and since then, about 500 successful surgeries have been performed without complications. The design was recognized by the “Red Dot Award: Innovative Product 2024”.

Surgify’s journey has been defined by collaboration, starting with a neurosurgeon’s need for a safer surgical tool after a challenging operation. The now CEO, who was a researcher at Helsinki University, connected with an Aalto University researcher (now CTO) whose thesis on machining operations provided a foundation for developing a new drill concept. Together, they designed the “Halo” burr, featuring a protective mechanism that minimizes accidental injuries to soft tissues such as nerves and blood vessels. They were able to leverage resources, facilities, and master’s students from Aalto University, creating a network that supported both technical and academic development. Furthermore, input and experiences from surgeons at HUS, Kuopio, and Turku University Hospitals have been instrumental throughout the development process. For example, surgeons have provided feedback through rigorous prototype testing, shaping the tool to meet clinical needs and helping to refine the product, making it more effective and adaptable in real-world surgical conditions. Despite challenges in convincing hospitals due to complex procurement processes, they were able to leverage surgeons’ testimonials of the benefits of this product over traditional drills. As the project evolved, Surgify expanded its reach by partnering with a Swiss company, integrating the Halo burrinto broader offerings. Additionally, Surgify collaborated further with robotic surgery initiatives, gaining support from the surgical community and university hospitals.

Surgify’s product development process exemplifies the power of meaningful collaborations with both practitioners and academics, and leveraging partner and university resources from the start. Their collaborative approach, combining academic research, clinical feedback, and strategic partnerships, has driven Surgify’s growth and innovation in surgical safety.