The Austin Chamber of Commerce and the Central Texas Regional Center of Innovation and Commercialization (CenTex RCIC) announce that the state of Texas has chosen Patton Surgical as the recipient of an award funded through the Texas Emerging Technology Fund (ETF). This company, which has developed an innovative laparoscopic trocar, will receive a $3 million award for the commercialization of its technology.

“In tough economic times, it’s more important than ever that government and industry work together to create high-paying jobs here at home and keep Texas on the cutting edge of technology,” said Jack McDonald, Chairman and CEO of Perficient, Inc. and Chairman of the CenTex RCIC. “We’re pleased to announce this investment in Patton Surgical as another step in our plan to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in Central Texas and build a leading position in the life sciences industry.”

Patton Surgical, a Texas-based medical device company, has developed the safest laparoscopic trocar on the market. Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive approach to surgery of the abdomen that delivers less pain, less scarring and allows for faster patient recovery. Patton Surgical’s PassPort® Double-Shielded Trocar, which has FDA approval, is currently the only trocar that can be used either sharp or blunt to dissect layers of the abdominal wall. Because of the dual-shield protection built right into the device, PassPort trocars are considered breakthrough technology and the safest laparoscopic access device for minimally invasive surgeries, which result in fewer post-surgical complications and shorter hospital stays.

“Our technology establishes new standards for laparoscopic surgery that significantly enhance patient safety by eliminating the risk of injury,” said Ron Baker, President and CEO of Patton Surgical. “This investment from the ETF will help expand commercialization of Patton’s PassPort® Double-Shielded Trocar worldwide, providing patients and surgeons alike the confidence that comes with putting safety first.”

With the award from ETF, Patton Surgical plans to expand nationally and internationally from its current Texas/Southwest U.S. focus. They will also continue new product development and the necessary testing and optimization of their innovative technology.

Patton Surgical has established collaborative research agreements with the University of Texas at Austin’s Department of Biomedical Engineering and the University of Texas Health Science Center Houston. These research programs sponsor capstone design projects that help foster relationships with the academic community, develop breakthrough technology and create intellectual property to commercialize.

Patton Surgical was selected by the CenTex RCIC after an extensive due diligence process based on multiple criteria including a stringent analysis of the market and financial opportunity, technology potential, management team and economic impact to Texas.

The CenTex RCIC is a virtual center that operates out of the Austin Chamber of Commerce and serves as a catalyst for emerging technology research, development, commercialization and start-up incubation. In an effort to keep Texas globally competitive, the CenTex RCIC focuses on integrating technology development and commercialization in a 15-county region.