Eric J. Filion, DC, MSc BME

Surgical Safety Technologies Inc. has announced the integration of kinematic data into its OR Black Box to enhance surgical proficiency assessment. This new feature introduces advanced motion tracking for laparoscopic procedures, providing insights into surgical techniques and performance. Teodor Grantcharov, Founder of SST, said this integration redefines how surgical proficiency is assessed and improved. Filippo Filicori from Northwell Health mentioned that this technology offers a transformative opportunity for surgical education and research globally. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e47k6kgd 📰 Subscribe to the Life AI Weekly Newsletter: https://lnkd.in/eC5-u69w #ai #artificialintelligence #ainews #healthcareai

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2️⃣ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩𝐬 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐚 🔬 The Canadian medtech industry is poised to reach $22 𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐲 2029, yet many startups struggle to scale due to key challenges: 🔸 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐇𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐬 – Long approval processes delay commercialization. 🔸 𝐋𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 – Venture capital for medtech has slowed, making investments scarce. 🔸 𝐋𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐚𝐛 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 – Wet lab facilities are expensive and in short supply. 🔸 𝐒𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐝𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 – Healthcare institutions hesitate to implement new technologies. At 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬, we’ve experienced these challenges firsthand. It’s time for action! 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐚 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 a more 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 startup environment to 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 and 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. What do you think needs to change? Let’s discuss in the comments. ⬇️ 🔗 Read the full article (pages 14 & 19): Canadian Healthcare Technology (CANADA’S MAGAZINE FOR MANAGERS AND USERS OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN HEALTHCARE VOL. 30, NO. 3 APRIL 2025) by Faezeh Shekari and Saeed Zeinali, How Canada could improve its medtech capabilities. Join us in shaping the future of medical technology! Let’s collaborate and innovate together. 💡 Manitoba Innovates Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada / Immigration, Réfugiés et Citoyenneté Canada, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Canadian Institutes of Health Research | Instituts de recherche en santé du Canada Health Canada | Santé Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada | Agence de la santé publique du Canada Iranian Canadian Association of Entrepreneurs (ICAE) Ownr #MedTechStartups #HealthcareInnovation #FundingChallenges #CelerDiagnostics

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Join host Jim Wilson of Lab Occupier for a conversation with Simon Lapointe founder and CEO of EncephalX in Sherbrooke, Quebec. EncephalX is a medical device company focused on helping people recovering from severe head injuries and strokes. Their main invention, the Dynamic Cranioplasty System, aims to turn two dangerous brain surgeries into one by creating a special implant that allows the brain to swell and heal safely without having to leave a piece of the skull out. Simon shares how a college internship took him out of the classroom and directly into operating rooms, where seeing the reality of brain trauma changed his career path. He talks about the patience it took to study the problem for months before ever building a prototype, the challenge of starting a business during the pandemic, and how a "moving" skull piece can save patients from a second high-risk surgery. This episode offers a clear look at how a young engineer is using simple mechanics to solve a massive healthcare problem and get patients home sooner. 💡Full Episode ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gHJhqwQ9 #lifesciences #lifesciencescommunity #NGBi2026 #StartUps #Innovators

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Meet Karlene Haubrich—a registered nurse and entrepreneur driving medtech innovation to improve healthcare delivery 🏥   As one of the first innovators to join the Medtech Innovation Highway Pilot Program (MIHPP), Karlene is accelerating the development of a reusable and low-cost medical device that detects oxygen therapy disconnections, protecting people with respiratory issues while reducing costs for care facilities.    Joining the program, Karlene shares that founders build credibility through access to specialized support typically out of reach at the early stage, enabling meaningful milestones that demonstrate momentum.    We're proud to work with industry partners through the MIHPP and contribute to supporting medtech innovators like Karlene by providing early regulatory guidance and a clear roadmap tailored to their journey.    Recently, Karlene was in Germany for MEDICA, one of the world’s largest medtech conferences, where she joined fellow innovators to showcase the growing momentum of Alberta-based medtech companies. We’re excited to continue supporting Karlene’s journey through MIHP and guide her through the next steps of bringing her innovation closer to market!    Learn more: https://lnkd.in/g7Fn4pJy NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology) Parlee McLaws LLP Christine Reimer Red Deer Polytechnic Launa Aspeslet

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🚨 Meet Canada’s next FemTech rising stars We’re proud to unveil the Top 15 most promising early-stage companies who will be participating in the 2025 FemTech Breakfast Club! 📍Vancouver 🔹STITCH Surgical Models Inc - A portable, reusable, intermediate-fidelity simulator that enables providers to teach, learn, and practice lifesaving surgeries for postpartum hemorrhage. 🔹Granville Biomedical Inc. - Anatomical pelvic health models used in over 24 countries to accurately teach and demonstrate procedures in women’s health. 🔹myStoria - Building the infrastructure for patient-led care, starting with fertility, by equipping patients with the tools, context, and coordination to navigate complex medical decisions with confidence. 🔹CELLECT Laboratories - Developing the first non-insertion, lab-compatible collection device for cervical and gynecological screening. 🔹DOUBL - Using smartphone-based 3D measurement technology to create custom-fitting bras from home—no in-store visits required. 📍Montreal 🔹Olie Éducation - A platform helping parents of children aged 0–12 lead essential, age-appropriate conversations about sexual education at home. 🔹mTatt - Creating medical microtattoos for real-time monitoring of biological markers like NT-proBNP, glucose, hormones, and more. 🔹Totum Tech - Transforming the management of invisible disabilities with Libero, an AI-powered smart glove that proactively prevents Raynaud’s attacks. 🔹Afifa App - A culturally sensitive health and menstrual cycle management app designed for Muslim women, aligning with their religious and cultural values while ensuring privacy. 🔹EarlyReveal - Helping families bond earlier with their baby by enabling fetal sex identification as early as 7 weeks into pregnancy. 📍Toronto 🔹sanoLiving - Canada’s first national, bilingual virtual care platform for midlife women, combining expert clinical care and AI tools to deliver personalized support and prevent chronic illness. 🔹June Health - Delivers simplified, connected virtual care for midlife women’s health through an integrated benefits platform for employers. 🔹Fibra - Supporting women and couples with personalized, stress-free fertility tracking and integrated mental health care. 🔹Maman Biomedical - Developing the world’s first needle-free hormone patch for fertility treatment—same results, fewer risks, no needle trauma. 🔹Reya Health - A digital platform offering personalized contraceptive counselling, family planning, and hormonal symptom tracking and support. #CapInclusive #FemTechBreakfastClub #FBC #PitchCompetition #FemTech Thank you to our sponsors Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, Deloitte, The Scotiabank Women Initiative Scotiabank, and Sun Life as well as our national partners Femtech Canada and Innovation Factory - Merci à nos commanditaires Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, Deloitte, L’initiative Femmes de la Banque Scotia, Sun Life Québec, ainsi qu'à nos partenaires nationaux femtech canada et innovation factory

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Medtech Canada welcomes Contura Orthopedics as a new member! Contura Orthopedics (Canada) Ltd. is the Canadian division of Contura Orthopaedics Ltd., a leading innovator in medical products for orthopaedics, soft tissue augmentation and animal health. Headquartered in London, UK, with advanced manufacturing in Copenhagen, Denmark, Contura is dedicated to developing high-quality, clinically proven solutions that improve mobility and long-term joint health for patients worldwide. Following Health Canada’s approval of Arthrosamid® in 2024, Contura Orthopaedics expanded into Canada in 2025 to support the growing need for innovative solutions in knee osteoarthritis care. Arthrosamid® brings a modern, nonsurgical approach to managing knee OA, offering Canadians an additional option alongside traditional treatments. With osteoarthritis affecting roughly four million Canadians, access to effective and sustainable care remains a significant priority. Today, Arthrosamid® is available in more than 60 clinics across the country, reflecting Contura’s commitment to expanding patient access and supporting healthcare professionals with evidence-based advancements in OA management. “What truly defines Contura Orthopedics (Canada) Ltd. is its people,” says Peter Tomashewski, VP of Commercial Operations. “Our team’s close-knit, collaborative culture, and genuine care for the patients we serve, drives everything we do. Guided by a shared belief in bringing lifechanging innovation to those who need it most, we approach every partnership with purpose, compassion, and a commitment to improving life for Canadians living with chronic joint pain.” As part of the global Contura Group, the Canadian organization continues to build strong clinical partnerships and invest in research-driven innovation to advance patient care across the country and beyond. Building on this momentum, Contura Orthopedics (Canada) Ltd. is excited to officially join Medtech Canada, strengthening their commitment to innovation while learning from industry leaders and contributing to a unified voice in advocacy and healthcare advancement. For more information, visit: https://lnkd.in/eWcrKB-5

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𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗸𝗲, 𝗧𝗕𝗜, 𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗦. PoNS™ by Helius Medical Technologies is now available through HealthPRO Canada’s Innovation Accelerator Program. PoNS™ is a portable, non-invasive neurostimulation therapy that enhances balance and gait when combined with physical rehabilitation. ✅ 69% of stroke patients improved gait  ✅ 28% were no longer at risk of falling   ✅ Home-based therapy, clinically supervised  Now available under Agreement #08235  𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲: bit.ly/4oAN4iD PoNS Therapy #StrokeRecovery #NeuroRehab #FallPrevention #PoNS™ #InnovationAccelerator #HealthcareInnovation #CanadianHealthTech 

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Great opportunity for Canadian MedTech founders. If you’re building a commercial-ready solution for orthopaedic surgeons and looking to break into the U.S. market, this pitch competition with Intellijoint Surgical Inc. CEO Armen Bakirtzian is worth a look. Waterloo Region continues to be a strong hub for MedTech innovation—excited to see the ideas that come forward. Sign up 👉 https://lnkd.in/g8P-kvtt

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Diagnoscan’s IoT connectivity now allows seamless sharing of diagnostics between dental teams. Whether you're in Toronto or a remote clinic in Yukon, patient visuals, decay data, and reports sync instantly. We’ve expanded Diagnoscan's communication system so that no image gets lost, and no insight gets missed. We've listened to your demands and improved your ability to care collectively, without limitations. #Diagnoscan #IoTDentistry #RemoteCare #SmarterSync

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A new robotic technology being tested in Ontario could dramatically improve stroke care for patients in rural and remote parts of Canada, where distance often delays life-saving treatment. At St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, Dr. Vitor Mendes Pereira has been performing brain angiograms remotely using a robot controlled over a fibre-optic internet connection. The procedure allows doctors to diagnose patients without being physically present. “Every minute counts,” Pereira told the CBC. “If I can deploy the robot and treat closest to where the patient is, that can save hours.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/e95uNyav #cdnpoli #RuralRoundup #RuralCanada #RuralLens

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💡 A major milestone for Canadian medtech. Vancouver-based Kardium Inc. has completed its first commercial procedures in the U.S. with the Globe Pulsed Field System, just weeks after securing FDA approval. Performed by Dr. Devi Nair at St. Bernards Medical Center in Arkansas, these inaugural cases mark the start of a new era in atrial fibrillation treatment. The Globe System combines high-density mapping and ablation in a single catheter, enabling more precise, safer, and personalized treatment for patients. With strong clinical results and recent funding of US$250M, Kardium is poised to scale its impact across the U.S. market. Read the full story 👉 https://lnkd.in/gsZAx3CD

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Understanding what constitutes a significant change to a medical device is critical in Canada. Health Canada defines it as any modification that could affect the safety, effectiveness, or clinical performance of a device. Navigating these requirements can be complex, especially with the growing role of innovative technologies such as AI in medical devices. Ensuring compliance requires clear regulatory strategies, thorough documentation, and end-to-end support throughout the device lifecycle. Discover how we can support your device in Canada: https://hubs.ly/Q046NK9_0 Stay informed on global regulatory updates: https://hubs.ly/Q046NLGz0 #HealthCanada #RegulatoryAffairs #MedicalDevices #MedTech #MedTechCanada #MarketAccess #AIinHealthcare #IVD

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🔔 EncephalX just raised $2.25M to advance a dynamic cranioplasty system This Quebec-based medtech EncephalX is developing a dynamic cranial implant to improve healing after brain injury and stroke, backed by a recent $2.25M financing round supported by a Quebec government grant. 📊 What’s notable: – Dynamic support that adapts to brain swelling and pressure – One-step implant instead of the usual two surgeries – Better protection vs rigid skull plates – Faster recovery pathway 🧠 This tackles a key neurosurgery problem: how to protect the brain while it changes during healing. 💡 A strong example of how Quebec is turning neuroscience into real-world medtech innovation!

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Lymph Node Retrieval Just Got Easier We developed the LNL300, a simple but powerful device that helps pathologists recover 100% lymph nodes and tumor deposits from fatty tissue — without changing standard lab protocols. ✅ Already in use in 4 Canadian hospitals ✅ 50% increase in lymph node detection ✅ Compatible with standard embedding/staining workflows Pathologists say it simplifies dissection and improves staging accuracy — especially in colorectal cancer cases. We're now looking to expand into the U.S. and Europe. 💬 Interested in collaboration, clinical trials, or distribution? Let's talk! …more

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One of the most important lessons I’ve learned building startups in the medical device field 🇨🇦 Innovation ecosystems in Canada — including incubators, accelerators, and support programs — offer excellent initial networking and strong theoretical frameworks. But through my own journey in the medical device sector, I’ve consistently seen a common challenge: 👉 When it comes to execution, many programs struggle to provide practical, step-by-step support. 👉 Moving from business plans to regulatory pathways, clinical validation, and real market entry often requires much deeper operational guidance. That gap between theory and execution is where many medical device startups face the hardest obstacles — and where real advisory support becomes critical. In my own work, I’ve learned the value of moving beyond regular meetings and instead focusing on: ✅ Concrete decision-making ✅ Market validation ✅ Regulatory navigation ✅ Fundraising preparation ✅ Execution-focused strategy This is exactly where I focus my advisory work today — helping early-stage medical device founders turn strong ideas into real, scalable businesses. If you’re working in this space and want to discuss how to move from planning into real traction — let’s connect. #MedicalDevice #StartupExecution #FounderLessons #StartupAdvisor #RegulatoryStrategy #MarketValidation #EarlyStageFunding #VentureBuilding

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Come out to HealthTech Forward 2026 on February 25th at Lister Centre and meet Pulmvita. Pulmvita is an Alberta-based innovative medical device company developing a new type of nasal cannula to improve oxygen delivery. Pulmvita has teamed up with ST Innovations to advance an early concept breathing profile sensor solution that enables oxygen delivery to be tailored to each individual’s breathing pattern. This approach has the potential to transform portable oxygen therapy into a more reliable, efficient, and personalized treatment, addressing a critical unmet clinical need for patients requiring long-term oxygen support. https://www.pulmvita.com/

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