Researchers and developers to present innovative projects during 11th Fresenius Inventors' Fair

Promising innovations from a variety of medical specialties will be on display Nov. 17-19 during the 11th Fresenius Inventors' Fair in conjunction with the Medica international trade fair and congress in Dusseldorf, Germany. The event is the first time the ideas of 22 specially selected researchers, developers and inventors will be shown to a broad audience. The top three entries will be honored with the Fresenius Inventors' Award, which includes prize money totaling €10,000. The winning entries are picked on Medica's opening day by a jury comprised of medical specialists and industry representatives. About 40 doctors, scientists, engineers, technicians and health care professionals are among the entrants this year. The competition covers a broad spectrum of innovations - from a device for detecting contagious diseases in a person's breath to a mobile EKG (electrocardiograph) to submersible training equipment for knee and hip joints. The Fresenius Inventors' Fair is held every two years during the Medica event.

The competition's previous winner is a good example of just how innovative the ideas are at the Fresenius Inventors' Fair: Dr. Nicole Kikillus, an engineer from Karlsruhe, Germany, developed a particularly reliable method for detecting atrial fibrillation, even if no atrial fibrillation occurs during a medical checkup. This enables an early diagnosis and reduces the risk of stroke. The second-place finisher – a fluorescent method to identify and perform a sentinel node biopsy in cancer patients – already is being used in clinics. Other innovations from previous competitions include a special pen for diagnosing and treating neurological illnesses such as Parkinson's disease, a needle that facilitates taking blood samples from newborns, an endoscope for nearly pain-free colonoscopies, a new procedure for manufacturing nitrate monoxide, and a mobile washing station for bedridden patients.

"Many promising medical inventions often go unnoticed, rather than benefitting as many patients as possible," said jury member Martin Hepper. "Fresenius wants to help researchers find companies to further develop or market their ideas. During the Inventor's Fair, they have the opportunity to present their innovations to a broad audience of specialists and industry contacts." As the experience of previous fair participants shows, many researchers have been successful in establishing instrumental liaisons with companies. Last year, Medica had more than 138,000 visitors from Germany and abroad.

The Fresenius Inventors' Fair will be held Nov. 17-19 in Hall 8b during the Medica international trade fair and congress in Dusseldorf, Germany. The award ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 17. Medica runs Nov. 17-20, 2010, from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Saturday until 5 p.m.). Additional information on the Inventors' Fair is available at www.fresenius.com/inventorsfair; and about the MEDICA event at www.medica-tradefair.com.