In Profile: Jim TenBrink, Encoris

Jim TenBrink, Encoris, explains how medical models can benefit medical device firms and the wider medical sector

MPN: Who are you and what do you do?

JT: Encoris is a fast growing medical modelling company located on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan. 

Our company develops and manufactures medical sales demonstration / patient education models and surgical trainers for trade show displays, medical device promotion and medical education.

Encoris is not your off-the-shelf, typical company – we customise product solutions that help medical device companies cut costs, differentiate and enhance the features and benefits of their medical devices.

MPN: What projects have you been focused on recently?

JT: An Italian university, which serves as an incubator for surgical training model ideas, has initiated an agreement with Encoris to develop, manufacture and commercialise surgical training models world-wide.  The first project involves a redesign on a patented ultrasound kidney trainer for PCNL training. 

Given our knowledge of life-like materials and mould-making processes, we are enhancing the model to provide better anatomical and tactile realism, to be more user friendly and have a much longer shelf life. 

The model is a non-biological, re-usable, ultrasound and X-ray compatible and it can be adapted for different kinds of renal presentations - hydronephrotic, staghorn stone, upper or lower caliceal stones, etc. 

The model has already been used and appreciated at the EULIS Masterclass in Milan.

We are also currently working on developing a partnership with a German based company who strictly creates anatomical foam models. 

The company sought Encoris for our quality clear medical models and is considering the opportunity of cataloguing and distributing our clear bone models to its distributors.

MPN: Describe your latest innovation?

JT: We have patented a surgical training model platform designed to revolutionise the way surgeons train on the latest medical devices and surgical procedures. 

Using the latest app technologies and life-like soft tissue materials, the encOR-m.i.s. Surgical SmartTrainer (SST) promises to make significant advancements in orthopedic surgical training, specifically for minimally invasive surgery (MIS). 

Termed ‘OR in a box’, the trainer is all-encompassing, providing x-ray-like illuminated anatomy and built in pathologies offering a hands-on training experience for surgical placement of medical implants. 

Built into the model’s CPU is a customised web app that works in conjunction with computer-driven visual aids, allowing trainees to see full A/P/L visuals of the internal, intricate details of the surgical procedure. 

The proprietary app captures real-time video feed and wirelessly displays the surgical footage onto a password-protected website, viewable on any desktop, iPad, tablet, or smartphone device – a big plus for trade show venues with large crowds or educators who can now provide remote training via the web to distributors and surgeons worldwide.

Utilising the latest app software and visual technologies, coupled with anatomic life-like realism, medical device companies are now able to safely and cost effectively show and practice the latest M.I.S. techniques without the logistical limitations, expense and radiation hazards of conventional cadaveric training.

Another innovation is called FlexClear bones. When it comes to workshop training, the competition offers one-time use foam bones for demonstrating surgical applications of medical implants. 

The foam bones are dusty and brittle.  They’re also solid and completely hide the unique features of the implant the educator is trying to demonstrate.  FlexClear bones, being made out of pliable urethane, are flexible and transparent. 

Using CAD design, pathways for placing the implant can be created and moulded right into the bone anatomy or the client can drill or tap the bone models themselves. 

Either way, FlexClear bones are repeatable and allows the surgeon to have a more realistic, hands-on, visual experience when demonstrating an implant.

MPN What does it mean for the medical sector?

JT: The manufacturing process we use to develop our models is unique to Encoris and has benefited the medical sector well. 

Using CAD and 3D printing saves our medical device clients a lot of time and money; having the ability to create 100% accurate models in real time, has given our customers peace-of-mind that their products and projects will be manufactured correctly and on time.

Working with accurate models brings about a more knowledgeable, safer, more confident surgeon, which ultimately brings greater peace of mind to patients the world over.

In addition, our medical models help better show and demonstrate the features and benefits of a medical device, which empowers our medical device customers with greater confidence to sell and educate surgeons on the latest technologies.

MPN: Plans for the future? 

JT: As Encoris’ products and services continue to grow in popularity, demand for models outside of the orthopaedic market will grow in areas such as general surgery, ultrasound training, gynecology, minimally invasive surgery, dental, and veterinary medicine.  

With the continuing developments of our Surgical Smart Trainer technology, hospitals and medical entities alike will someday have the ability to remotely assess a surgeon’s skill level on a particular surgical procedure and implement necessary corrections in an effort to reduce the chances of medical malpractice. 

We can also see this technology being used for battlefields or any environment where emergency medical/surgical attention is needed.