Entrepreneurship

Researchers redefine hip arthroscopy with breakthrough surgical device

Alexander James Servantez — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 17:44:38 +0000

Researchers redefine hip arthroscopy with breakthrough surgical device Alexander Jame… Wed, 11/12/2025 - 10:44

Alexander Servantez

There’s a new tool in the hands of surgeons making waves through the world of hip arthroscopy.

Jacob Segil, a research professor in the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering at ��ɫ��Ƶ, collaborated with Dr. Omer Mei Dan from the Department of Orthopedics at University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine to create a redesigned surgical instrument called the CAP-LIFT cannula.

The technology, published in the journal Arthroscopy Techniques, completely transforms arthroscopic procedures in the hip region, making them safer and more efficient than ever before. The device was recently launched in October, and within the first few weeks used in over 100 successful surgeries.

“We are very proud of how this technology has already helped surgeons and patients across hip arthroscopy and sports medicine,” said Segil. “It’s being sold nationwide and the feedback we’ve received from all of the different surgeons has been fantastic.”

A surgeon using the CAP-LIFT cannula during a hip arthroscopy procedure.

Hip arthroscopy, a type of minimally invasive joint surgery, has become increasingly popular as of late. According to a study in the Iowa Orthopaedic Journal, the procedure has seen a 600% increase in utilization over the past 15 years due to improved techniques and technology.

Most hip arthroscopy surgeries involve using a cannula—a thin tube that’s inserted into the body from the skin down into the joint. Think of it as a straw that allows a surgeon to position surgical tools and a camera inside the area.

Segil and Mei Dan's slotted cannula design (right) next to a standard circumferential cannula (left).

Existing cannulas allow surgeons to operate inside an otherwise hard-to-reach joint space without the need for large incisions or open surgery. However, Segil says they still leave a lot to be desired when it comes to hip arthroscopy.

“Imagine sticking a chopstick into a straw and trying to manipulate the tissue and joint on the other side. With such limited space, it’s very hard to do,” Segil said. “That’s the constraint on the surgeon, and for the longest time it’s been seen as simply a fact of life. It’s been poor ever since these techniques have been established and our cannula design solves those problems.”

The CAP-LIFT cannula is “slotted,” meaning it’s only about 120 degrees of material instead of a full circumference. This allows a surgeon a wider range of motion to maneuver a tool inside of the tube far easier.

But that’s not the only novelty Segil and his team introduced with their new invention.

Current cannula techniques require a second set of hands holding a stainless steel surgical tool called a “sled” in order to help guide instruments through the tube and maintain access to the joint. According to Segil, this awkward dynamic with another body in the operating room can be time consuming and difficult during a procedure, especially when swapping tools or adjusting within the joint space.

He also says it can be extremely dangerous. Every removal or re-entry of the sled means an increased risk of damaging the tissue, muscle or tendons surrounding the joint, which can cause a great deal of additional swelling or recovery complications.

A close look at the fully equipped CAP-LIFT cannula.

To combat this, the group implemented an anchoring system that combines the cannula and the sled into a single device, granting easy access into the joint without damaging the surrounding tissue or needing any extra hands.

“Picture a straw again. Usually they are held in place by the lid of a cup, but they can still move around. In surgery, this causes issues. It creates a challenge and surgeons wouldn’t be able to get to the joint,” said Segil. “Our cannula device is like a straw that is anchored and fixed at two ends to the top and bottom of the cup. It doesn’t move at all—it’ll make sure that you go all the way to the joint every time and you don’t need a second or third person to help.”

The CAP-LIFT cannula was purchased by major medical device manufacturer Smith and Nephew in 2022. But for Segil and Mei Dan, it’s the device’s impact on patients that gives them a true sense of fulfillment.

“We already know a lot of people who have used it during surgery,” Segil said. “That means there are real people who have benefitted from our technology. It’s amazing to know that our idea is finally out in the world and helping others.”

Research Professor Jacob Segil collaborated with Dr. Omer Mei Dan from the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine to create a redesigned surgical instrument called the CAP-LIFT cannula. The device was recently launched in October, and within the first few weeks used in over 100 successful surgeries.

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Mechanical engineering students shine at the 2025 CSC Finals

Alexander James Servantez — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 19:46:57 +0000

Mechanical engineering students shine at the 2025 CSC Finals Alexander Jame… Thu, 11/06/2025 - 12:46

Mechanical engineering students Jack Mulvaney, Josh Shrewbridge, Hayden Dondlinger, Kai Groudan, Duncan Laird and Gregory Reilly shined at this year's Colorado Sustainable Challenge, receiving nearly $8,500 in awards during the two-week hackathon-style event designed for anyone passionate about solving problems and building a solution to impact sustainability.

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ME researchers and alumni among this year's Lab Venture Challenge winners

Alexander James Servantez — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 20:06:03 +0000

ME researchers and alumni among this year's Lab Venture Challenge winners Alexander Jame… Mon, 10/27/2025 - 14:06

Assistant Professor Longji Cui and ME alum Jafar Makrani (MMechEngr'25) have each won $125,000 in startup funding along with their respective teams as part of this year's Lab Venture Challenge competition. Their startups, Synergia and Agami Zero, specialize in developing cutting-edge technology that offer cost-effective, clean energy solutions.

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ME startup Point Designs announces major prosthetics partnership

Alexander James Servantez — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 17:53:30 +0000

ME startup Point Designs announces major prosthetics partnership Alexander Jame… Fri, 07/18/2025 - 11:53

Nine years ago, a group of researchers from the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering at ��ɫ��Ƶ launched a pioneering medical device startup called Point Designs in an effort to commercialize prosthetic technology.

Today, those same researchers are announcing a new collaboration that can lift the company’s prosthetic innovation and patient care to another level.

Point Designs, a pioneering medical device startup launched by researchers and alumni from the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Boulder-based startup Point Designs has announced that it has entered an agreement of impending acquisition with Hanger, Inc., a leading provider of orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) patient care services and solutions. The company, co-founded by Research Professor Jacob Segil, Associate Research Professor Richard Weir at CU Anschutz, and Rady Mechanical Engineering alums Levin Sliker (MechEngr’10; MS’12; PhD’15) and Stephen Huddle (MechEngr’99; MS’13), says the agreement can have a profound impact on the future of prosthetic design.

“We are very excited about the opportunity to join the Hanger family and to expand our ability to positively impact the lives of those with upper limb loss or limb difference,” said CEO Levin Sliker. “Hanger’s commitment to scientific research and innovation for the betterment of the global O&P community aligns perfectly with our values as a company.”

Founded in 2016, Point Designs integrates advanced engineering with clinical insight to create rugged, ratcheting prostheses that restore function and independence. The company specializes in high strength, 3D-printed titanium prosthetic fingers for people with partial hand amputations.

With expertise in additive manufacturing and mechanical engineering and decades of research experience spanning neural interfaces, myoelectric control algorithms and upper limb prosthetic design, the Point Designs team believes the acquisition will help the two companies develop and expand a comprehensive ecosystem of products, services and care for patients across the globe.

Click here to read the full press release for more details

Point Designs, co-founded by Research Professor Jacob Segil, Associate Research Professor Richard Weir at CU Anschutz, and Rady Mechanical Engineering alums Levin Sliker (MechEngr’10; MS’12; PhD’15) and Stephen Huddle (MechEngr’99; MS’13), is announcing a new collaboration that they believe can have a profound impact on the future of prosthetic design.

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A closer look at Point Design's prosthetic technology in action. (Credit: Point Designs)

Boulder’s Mana Battery is in race to perfect sodium-ion battery technology

Alexander James Servantez — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 18:12:41 +0000

Boulder’s Mana Battery is in race to perfect sodium-ion battery technology Alexander Jame… Mon, 04/07/2025 - 12:12

Associate Professor Chunmei Ban is a co-founder of ��ɫ��Ƶ spinout Mana Battery. The company is at the forefront of a race to provide low-cost batteries with longer lifespans than the market offers today.

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Lego partners with moon rover firm Lunar Outpost for 'future product and surprises'

Alexander James Servantez — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 20:34:32 +0000

Lego partners with moon rover firm Lunar Outpost for 'future product and surprises' Alexander Jame… Tue, 04/01/2025 - 14:34

Colorado-based startup company Lunar Outpost, co-founded by AJ Gemer ((AeroEngr'10; MMechEngr'12; MAeroEngr'16), recently launched the country's first ever robotic rover designed to explore the moon. Now, they look to explore space in a new way, this time in collaboration with LEGO.

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From research to impact: Massimo Ruzzene

Alexander James Servantez — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 15:52:12 +0000

From research to impact: Massimo Ruzzene Alexander Jame… Mon, 03/31/2025 - 09:52

Professor Massimo Ruzzene is the senior vice chancellor for research and innovation. His goal is to foster a campus environment that turns research into real-world impact in areas such as quantum, space, climate and health.

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Sustainable Spinouts: Innovation in Action

Alexander James Servantez — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 17:22:08 +0000

Sustainable Spinouts: Innovation in Action Alexander Jame… Fri, 03/21/2025 - 11:22

��ɫ��Ƶ is a hub for sustainable entrepreneurship. Spinouts such as Associate Professor Greg Rieker's LongPath Technologies, Professor Se-Hee Lee's Solid Power and Associate Professor Chunmei Ban's Mana Battery are just some of the university's latest successful ventures motivated by protecting the environment.

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��ɫ��Ƶ startup Mesa Quantum earns two major grants to improve navigation infrastructure

Alexander James Servantez — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 16:45:19 +0000

��ɫ��Ƶ startup Mesa Quantum earns two major grants to improve navigation infrastructure Alexander Jame… Fri, 03/21/2025 - 10:45

For over 20 years, Associate Research Professor Svenja Knappe has focused on developing miniaturized quantum sensors and systems. Now the technology is helping ��ɫ��Ƶ spinout Mesa Quantum commercialize chip-scale quantum solutions that can transform our navigation infrastructure.

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Colorado-based startup launches rover to explore lunar south pole

Alexander James Servantez — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 17:40:38 +0000

Colorado-based startup launches rover to explore lunar south pole Alexander Jame… Wed, 03/12/2025 - 11:40

AJ Gemer (AeroEngr'10; MMechEngr'12; MAeroEngr'16) is the co-founder and chief technology officer of Colorado-based startup company Lunar Outpost. The team recently launched their new MAPP exploration rover, set to land on Thursday, March 6 at the lunar south pole, one of the most strategically and scientifically significant locations in space.

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