Year partnered with Savant: 2016
Sector: Med-tech
Application: Video Laryngoscopy
Product: SmartBlade Video Laryngoscope
Market Size: (Local) ZAR 2.3 billion (Global) USD 5 billion
Differentiation: Low-cost, integrated suction/oxygen channel, unique blade curvature & unique smartphone app
Investment Stage: Pre-Seed
Stage: Venture and Grow Locally
Founding Team: Dr. Caroline Corbett, Nicholas Nevin
SmartBlade
SmartBlade is a pioneering medical device company specializing in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of innovative and patented solutions for the global healthcare market. Focused on addressing the challenges of managing difficult airways, SmartBlade has developed a cost-effective, novel, and practical solution that integrates advanced smartphone application technology with video laryngoscopy. This sleek design, driven by cutting-edge biomedical engineering, allows single operators of varying skill levels to efficiently intubate difficult airways. The device offers features such as suctioning a soiled airway and performing apnoeic oxygenation without interrupting intubation attempts.
SmartBlade is committed to increasing access to video laryngoscopy, aiming to provide a simple yet efficient technology to diverse markets. This not only improves patient outcomes but also brings 1st world resources to resource-constrained healthcare environments. The company’s dedication to making video laryngoscopy widely available reflects its belief that this essential technology should be accessible to all clinicians, regardless of their economic setting or skill set. With a focus on simplicity and efficiency, SmartBlade is poised to revolutionize airway management, providing valuable solutions for healthcare professionals worldwide.
Value Proposition
SmartBlade offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional and expensive video laryngoscopes, enhancing accessibility for clinicians across different economic settings and skill levels. By seamlessly integrating smartphone application technology with video laryngoscopy, SmartBlade simplifies the intubation process, enabling single operators to manage difficult airways effectively. The device not only improves patient outcomes but also enhances the capacity of resource-constrained healthcare environments to save lives. SmartBlade’s commitment to increasing access to video laryngoscopy is driven by its belief that this technology should be available to all clinicians, regardless of their economic setting or skill set. Additionally, the smartphone integration opens up opportunities for cutting-edge digital services, including image and video recording for various medical applications.
Team
Dr. Caroline Corbett
Caroline, a Co-Founder of SmartBlade (Pty) Ltd, boasts a wealth of experience and expertise in the field of anaesthesiology. Currently serving as the President of the South African Society of Anaesthesiologists (SASA), she has been a vital part of the organization’s Executive Committee for over three years, contributing significantly to its growth and development. Caroline’s leadership journey includes roles such as Vice President and Council Member within SASA, showcasing her dedication to advancing the standards and practices in anesthesiology.
Nicholas Nevin
Nicholas, the Managing Director and Co-Founder of SmartBlade, leads a team of passionate and dedicated professionals committed to advancing the quality and safety of medicine through innovative technology solutions. With over 20 years of experience as an Emergency Care Practitioner, he brings a profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the field. Nicholas applies his expertise in clinical governance, quality improvement, human error, and emergency medicine to drive the development of products at SmartBlade that not only save lives but also enhance overall performance in medical settings.
