MTAA awards achievements in medical technology

The Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) last night held its annual conference dinner as part of the MedTech 2013 conference in Sydney, where the association presented two awards for achievements in medical technology.

The 2013 Kerrin Rennie Award for Excellence in Medical Technology - Improving Quality of Life was awarded to Bard Australia for the Sherlock 3CG Tip Confirmation System (TCS). For indicated patients, the minimally invasive technology eliminates the need for chest X-rays following placement of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs).

The system uses real-time magnetic navigation and electrocardiogram (ECG) information to provide accurate visualisation of the PICC as it passes through the patient’s vasculature, as well as providing confirmation regarding the final location of the catheter tip. By eliminating the need for a confirmatory chest X-ray, it reduces radiation exposure and shortens the overall procedure time.

The MTAA also this year acknowledged an individual’s outstanding achievement to the Australian medical technology industry with the inaugural Outstanding Achievement Award. The award was presented to Jamie Stanistreet, managing director of Medtronic Australasia.

Stanistreet was nominated by his industry peers, who said: “Jamie Stanistreet has committed more than 40 years to improving access to medical technology for all Australians … not only has he viewed and adapted to the significant expansion of the medical technology industry, but has played a critical role in its growth and development on the local and international stage … Jamie is a stalwart of the medical technology industry in Australia.”

Stanistreet joined Medtronic in 1999 following its acquisition of AVE and was appointed managing director in 2001. Prior to joining Medtronic, he worked in senior sales and marketing roles with Bard Australia, 3M and Biospectrum. He has been vice chair of the MTAA board since 2008 and has been an American Chamber of Commerce Governor since 2010.

MTAA Chief Executive Susi Tegen congratulated both winners on their awards.