INTERVIEW BY 
The successful french medtech start-up Surgivisio has been honored several times for its 3D medical imaging. Stéphane Lavallée, founder of Surgivisio and along with 9 other firms, share his health innovation experience.
Patrick Renard (DeviceMed) – Can you explain the genesis of Surgivisio and the solution it brings?
Stéphane Lavallée, CEO in Medical Device companies : Surgivisio developed an exclusive imaging and surgery, as a solution, assisted by computer. This allows to control the medical devices position at the same time as it is done. This method offers promising development in minimal invasive surgery. All of devices are protected by international patents.
This method’s development needed seven years of research performed by experts in imaging, viewing, tomography algorithms, navigation, robotic, medical device and surgical protocols. It’s a real challenge to gather so many skills in a company.
The device, launched this year, receives the Worldwide Innovation Challenge Phase I, II and III. That is one of the reasons why it’s already acclaimed by several international actors, including surgeons, industrials and investors.
Who supported you in the development of this device?
BPIFrance mainly supported us to establish the technical faisability of the project at the beginning. Of course we benefited of the French status entitled “Jeune Entreprise Innovante” and of the government financial assistance “Credit d’Impot Recherche”. We wouldn’t have been here without all BPIFrance support.
Did you have to overcome obstacles to reach the market?
To successfully develop an innovation as Surgivisio it needs to be greatly funded. However it’s a real risk for investors to give money. Convincing them requires patience and perseverance.
France offers very good medtech projects and opportunities for investors.
Unfortunately, there aren’t enough specialised funds in this sector in Europe. The money is quite rare, especially when it comes to large fundraisings. We can’t develop and market a major innovation with just a few million euros. That’s why we turn to the international companies.
Once arrived on the market, the difficulty comes from the lack of innovation purchase helps. Only a real willingness from executives of establishments and surgeons, can lead to a purchase decision. No mechanism is establish on the national level to help the innovative devices’purchases besides the “Forfait innovation” which is a rising one.
It’s easier abroad. Hospital policies include innovative material purchases when serious clinical and economical benefits are certified.
An authentic fund procedure for innovative device purchase would have considerable virtuous effects, for the patient as wall as for the jobs and the economy of the country. There are plenty of fake reasons to back down, it just takes a little courage to move forward.
How do you think MedFIT can answer these needs?
MedFIT can spread the word that steps need to be taken, by developing medtech funds creations and increasing innovating devices purchase support for French hospitals.
Moreover, it’s an opportunity to gather leader actors in the medtech sector and strengthen the existing network. Exchange is always a good way to innovate.
Thank you to Patrick Renard (DeviceMed) for this interview.
