Surgeons produce innovative ideas which are frequently lost in the labyrinth of patents☆

Abstract

Thoracic and cardiovascular surgery are innovative specialties that regularly recruit the latest technological developments into their armoury of devices and equipment. The introduction of new technology is dependant on patents; an important but single component of intellectual property. Patents enable the attribution of rights to concepts, ideas and inventions and this facilitates ownership, subsequent licensing and overall management of innovation and its outcome. It is not just thoracic and cardiovascular surgery, but the healthcare world in general that experiences ongoing technological evolution; so to remain contemporary, it is important that those in positions of responsibility are familiar with the relevant processes. This requires basic medico-legal knowledge and may be entwined with significant financial responsibility. Penetrating clinical, academic and industrial environments, informed awareness of patents also contributes to important leadership skills, encouraging the incorporation of innovation into the professional milieu. We aim to present through this manuscript an overview of these issues in order to promote awareness of patents within thoracic and cardiovascular surgery using a descriptive and practical approach.

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