MRDC Encourages Entrepreneurs to License Cutting-Edge Airway Devices (Part 2)

As covered in Part 1, the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (MRDC) is calling on entrepreneurs to help bring forward a new generation of surgical tools aimed at improving airway management. Designed by military medical professionals, these innovations promise to reduce risks during critical procedures and better protect both patients and providers. The Office of Medical Technology Transfer (MTT) is offering licenses for commercial development of these patented devices.

Among the inventions is the J-shaped Endotracheal Suction Stylet for Intubation, or JESSI, developed by Capt. Tyler Scaff, an emergency physician with the 88th Medical Group. Scaff’s device integrates a suction catheter with a traditional breathing tube stylet to maintain visibility during emergency intubation, addressing a major challenge in trauma care. With the support of innovation programs such as AFWERX and the Dayton Entrepreneur Center, Scaff advanced the patent and prototype development, positioning JESSI for licensing to small businesses.

The MTT is also working with Dr. Douglas Ruhl and Dr. Renee Serra of Madigan Army Medical Center, who created a fenestrated suction retractor to improve surgical field visibility and reduce exposure to airborne contaminants. Their design, which uses standard chest tubing attached to a retractor, aims to simplify suctioning during surgery without additional hands or bulky equipment. Applications extend beyond surgery, including emergency medicine and veterinary care.

Both the JESSI and the suction retractor are part of MRDC’s broader Assistive Technology Transfer (AT2) initiative, a structured program that helps transition biomedical technologies from concept to market. To date, AT2 has facilitated the successful licensing of more than 30 products, generating over $26 million in royalties. These funds are reinvested into the program to support new innovations, creating a self-sustaining cycle that rewards inventors and accelerates deployment of critical medical tools.

For inventors like Scaff, MTT’s role is essential. The office provides both technical and logistical support that bridges the gap between concept and commercialization, helping ensure that battlefield-driven ideas can reach healthcare providers worldwide. Interested entrepreneurs can contact MTT to explore licensing opportunities and take part in delivering these life-saving technologies to market.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from a press release issued by the Medical Research and Development Command

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