Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) has become the first in Wales to pilot a groundbreaking technology transforming treatment for patients with complex colorectal polyps (abnormal growths in the colon or rectum.)
The Speedboat Submucosal Dissection (SSD) device, developed by Chepstow-based and Alternative Investment Market listed Creo Medical, offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery, significantly improving patient outcomes and recovery times.
Currently, patients with complex polyps often face multiple procedures or major surgery, which can result in lengthy recovery times and higher risks. The Speedboat device allows clinicians to perform a single, minimally invasive procedure to remove polyps effectively, reducing the need for surgery and enabling faster patient recovery. Introducing this technology addresses a critical gap in treatment services in Wales.
Medtech company Creo is focused on the emerging field of minimally invasive surgical endoscopy for pre-cancer and cancer patients. Its chief executive Craig Gulliford, said: “As a Welsh company, it is exciting that the Aneurin Bevan team are the first in Wales to use our Speedboat for the benefit of its colon cancer patients; the SSD pilot in could enhance patient outcomes, reduce surgical waiting lists, and facilitate the wider adoption of this technique across other health boards in Wales.”
Dr Alka Joshi, clinical lead for the pilot, said: “This pilot is a significant step forward for our patients. By utilising the Speedboat device, we can offer a more efficient, less invasive alternative to traditional surgical methods, improving outcomes and reducing waiting times.”
Since the pilot’s launch before Christmas, three patients have undergone the treatment successfully with no recorded complications. Each procedure was completed in a single session, and all patients were discharged the same day. One patient even resumed normal activities, including Christmas shopping, the very next day.
Backed by the health board’s clinical safety and effectiveness group, the pilot is supported by Creo’s on-site clinical education programme, which reduces clinician training time from years to just months.
Creo said this mentorship model enables ABUHB to embed the procedure at pace while ensuring safety and cost-effectiveness, while creating a potential replicable blueprint for adoption across other health boards in Wales.
Rob Holcombe, finance director and innovation executive lead at ABUHB, said: “We are proud to champion this innovative Welsh technology in ABUHB. The early success of this pilot highlights the board’s commitment to delivering solutions that enhance patient care, reduce pressure on surgical services and demonstrate ABUHB’s approach to adopting medical innovation through ‘value- based health care’ outcome evaluation.”