Local invention has worldwide market by Tracy Properzi It's just a tiny piece of plastic, but this ingenious device, created by a pair of Rimbey inventors, will soon be saving lives. Measuring only 4 inches in length, the newest proof of concept prototype of B & D Research and Development Incorporated, owned by Rimbey inventors, Bridget Wright and David Coambs be a huge boon to the medical industry. Starting with Wright's initial concept sketched out on a paper napkin, Wright and Coambs, both EMT's, spent months collaborating to create a workable device that would ensure an ill child's security and parents' peace of mind. Though not extremely common, the potential risk of non-intentional infant strangulation by intravenous (IV) tubing caused great concern for Wright. Health Canada echoed this concern in September of 2002 by posting a health bulletin about the risks and how to avoid them. With the Wright and Coambs' new invention in place, instead of wrapping around the infant's trachea, cutting off the air supply, the IV line would detach itself automatically, with only 1 1/4 pounds of pressure, thus saving the child's life and ultimately setting off an alarm to notify care givers. As added precaution, upon accidental disconnection from a patient requiring IV, the ends of the Safety Device for Medical Lines (SDML) would seal immediately, preventing spilled fluid and blood and then forming a sterile channel that could easily be reconnected. "In the case of a heart attack victim whose blood pressure may not be strong enough to restart an IV into the vein, this device could easily save a life,"says Coambs. Coambs figures that there are approximately 150 million IV lines started each year in Canada and the US alone and he would like to see the Safety Device for Medical Lines become mandatory. "It's like someone who invented seatbelts for the first time, it should have been invented 40 years ago." Beyond the obvious life-saving potential lie many practical uses for the SDML. Many patients are forced to roam the halls of the hospital, IV and pole cumbersomely tagging along. With the introduction of the quick breakaway device, the patient can independently and effortlessly disconnect the line, providing ease of mobility to leave the hospital bed to shower or stretch their limbs. Reconnecting to the IV line would simply require a swab of alcohol at either end of the device and quick access to medication or fluid is restored. In the case of required repeated access to an IV site in the skin, which for small children and seniors alike can be an uncomfortable and daunting process, the SDML would ensure that it no longer remain a painful procedure. In Europe, where the use of needles is still common, the device would be altered slightly from its North American counterpart to include a medication port. This would be more economical and time efficient, no longer requiring saline to flush the lines before reattaching the IV. The usage of the SDML lends itself readily as a suitable companion for oxygen tubes, dialysis and urinary catheter applications. Coambs also sees a role for the SDML in fields of dental medicine, plastic surgery and veterinary medicine, "Wherever there is an IV, this device could be put in place." In 2003, Wright and Coambs initially introduced the concept of the IV device to medical suppliers in Anaheim, California at a medical convention. At least six very large manufacturers of intravenous supplies indicated definite interest in the device and suggested that as soon as Wright and Coambs had a prototype in hand to come and see them again. This feat now accomplished, Coambs and Wright hope to license the device to a medical manufacturer such as ICU Medical or B. Braun who currently have wide distribution area and could expedite the process of introducing the life-saving SDML into hospitals. If the pile of paperwork in Coambs' briefcase is any indication, the process from conception to prototype is not a brief journey. Drawings were first sent off to a patent lawyer who filed a patent application on behalf of the two inventors. During the process, much fine tuning was done to the initial conception. The drawings were then sent to a medical plastic manufacturer in Ontario, who was responsible for the creation of the proof of concept prototype that Wright and Coambs will now present to interested parties. "Thankfully, we have an investors' group that is backing the SDML because it takes lots of time and money to pursue lawyers, a patent and a prototype. Since 2003, we have easily invested at least $50,000 of our own money." The hardest part for Coambs and Wright has been the waiting."We've been at it for over three years and even if we were to license the device tomorrow it would probably be at least six months to two years until it becomes readily available," says Coambs. Even thought the initial concept for the SDML was her idea, Wright speaks nonchalantly about her role in its development. "I never would have been able to do it without David. We are very compatible as a team, we keep each other going." Wright also attributes the distance they have come thus far with the invention to a successful eastern Canadian inventor whose experience has helped pave the way. "Sometimes it's not what you know it's who you know. An inventor needs to get a back door entry because most companies won't even look at you. If you have a good idea and are confident with your idea, like I am, don't let time deter you." The Safety Device for Medical Lines should be ready to be pitched to interested medical supply distributers in about six months, the time required to develop a solid marketing plan says Wright. But the owners of B & D Research and Development Incorporated do not intend to wait patiently while the lawyers negotiate licensing contracts . Plans are already underway to commence the arduous process anew for three other ingenious inventions waiting on the shelves.