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A Hungarian startup is breaking new ground in medical technology with a revolutionary laryngeal mask for anesthesia. Designed to significantly reduce the risk of post-operative infections and complications, the innovation is poised to make a global impact. Backed by a fresh injection of capital, the project is advancing rapidly, offering a safer solution for both patients and healthcare providers, writes Index.
Unlike traditional laryngeal masks that often risk damaging the patient’s airway, this new design is significantly smaller upon insertion and only expands to its final size once correctly positioned. This innovative feature ensures safer ventilation during surgery and minimizes trauma to the airway upon removal. By effectively reducing complications, fewer patients need to be cared for for longer than necessary, saving time and money for the mask user.
It should be stressed that the company that developed the mask is entirely Hungarian, founded and managed in Hungary, and the development team is also Hungarian.
The infrastructure for the medical innovation was provided by Medres Kft., another Hungarian company. Júlia Sohajda, co-founder of Vespucci Partners, a key venture capitalist behind the project, emphasized the importance of partnering with experienced firms like Medres Kft. “They have successfully completed many similar projects, navigating both innovation and the multi-year licensing processes,” Sohajda noted.
Vespucci Partners first invested in the startup, innoMask, during its seed stage in 2020. The move, tripling the company’s valuation, transitioned the project to its Series A funding phase.
Laryngeal masks are widely used globally for anesthesia, but existing designs have significant drawbacks. Traditional devices can tear the throat during placement, leading to painful complications and longer recovery times. The Hungarian innovation addresses this issue head-on, making it a game-changer in the field of surgical airway management.
A laryngeal mask, a medical device that keeps a patient’s airway open during anesthesia or while they are unconscious. Photo: Wikipedia
Beyond product development, the startup is also eyeing the potential for an intellectual property (IP) release. Many medical startups opt to sell their patented technologies to larger distributors rather than undertaking the costly process of direct commercialization.
By backing their innovation with detailed documentation and clinical data, innoMask could become an attractive acquisition target for major players in the medical technology market.
Júlia Sohajda is optimistic about the company’s trajectory. “If all goes well, they will not need another round of investment. The next step will be an exit, likely within two years,” she stated.
By offering a safer, more efficient solution, innoMask is not only elevating the global standards of care but also putting Hungary on the map as a leader in medical technology development. This breakthrough highlights the growing influence of Hungarian startups in the tech space and their ability to compete on the global stage, with solutions that directly improve patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency.
Via Index; Featured image via Pexels