“Writing is the greatest invention of mankind…”
Carl Sagan
All of us have had a great idea for a new way of doing things. Some of us even think up ideas for new devices or inventions. Only a few have the motivation to design, prototype and test a new device. Almost none have the perseverance to go through the process of making a patent application. Archie Brain is a UK anaesthetist who holds 13 patents for medical inventions. The first 12 were not earth shattering. They included one to assist venepuncture, one to prevent obstruction of anaesthetic trolleys by cables, one to apply a specific amount of cricoid pressure, and even a rotating bed for use in intensive care to prevent bed-sores. The 13th was different. The Laryngeal Mask Airway or LMA is a device seen in virtually every operating theatre. It is highly successful and the real impact comes from its ease of deployment with relatively little training. In emergency care settings, especially outside of hospitals, it has saved countless lives. #ifatfirstyoudontsucceed #letsmakelemonade
Pen Paint and Scalpel 