Stryker designs devices to fight opioid epidemic

^{Medical device company Stryker is hoping to combat America’s opioid epidemic by developing devices with the problem in mind.}

Speaking to US congressman Fred Upton, president of Stryker Instruments Spencer Stiles showed off two devices that have been designed to help deal with the epidemic.

One device, called The Spine Jack, which hasn’t been approved in the US yet, helps treat back pain by targeting the cause, reducing the need for painkiller medication. The tiny device acts like a carjack elevating compression on the spine to correct causes of back pain.

Stiles also demonstrated how the company’s Cactus Smart Sink System can help hospitals easily dispose of unused medication. The system is mounted on hospital ward walls and accepts both liquid and solid forms of medication, including patches. Any medication put into Smart Sink is made into an unrecoverable and unusable form and is securely stored until hospitals dispose of the waste.

Whilst the system has been designed for hospitals to properly dispose of unused medication, it also prevents addicts from improperly accessing medication. The device is fitted with audible alerts so staff know when the unit is being accessed. Also, the fact that it destroys medication means that even if it is broken into, the medication inside is unusable.

Speaking to CW7, Upton emphasised the need for action against the opioid epidemic, saying: “It's important we get these things approved and that they're safe. It's time we realize this is a real and urgent problem that hits every community and every economic strata. We can make a real difference."