Jacob Segil

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.

Off

Traditional

White

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.

Off

Traditional

White

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

Segil, Afference appears on Freethink's Hard Reset docuseries

Alexander James Servantez — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 23:33:59 +0000

Segil, Afference appears on Freethink's Hard Reset docuseries Alexander Jame… Fri, 01/24/2025 - 16:33

Watch Jacob Segil, CEO of Afference and research professor in the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, showcase a new piece of haptic technology in an episode of Freethink's Hard Reset docuseries that will "redraw the borders of reality."

Off

Traditional

White

Tom's Guide calls Segil, Afference "the future of digital touch"

Alexander James Servantez — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 21:51:52 +0000

Tom's Guide calls Segil, Afference "the future of digital touch" Alexander Jame… Wed, 01/15/2025 - 14:51

Research Professor Jacob Segil is also the CEO of Boulder startup Afference. The company traveled to Las Vegas for this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) to showcase what's being called "the new frontier" of spatial computing: a neural haptic ring that allows users to feel something even when touching nothing.

Off

Traditional

White

Video: Membrane-Powered Prosthetics

Anonymous — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 17:55:35 +0000

Video: Membrane-Powered Prosthetics Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 09/08/2021 - 11:55

Researchers at ��ɫ��Ƶ and CU Anschutz teamed up with the Department of Veterans Affairs to use glucose from our body to power small medical devices. Mechanical engineering Professors John Pellegrino and Jacob Segil are working with the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center to use this innovative approach and provide continuous power to limbs, pacemakers and insulin pumps.

[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_KFb_nhmRc]

Mechanical Engineering professors teamed up with the Department of Veterans Affairs to use glucose from our body to power small medical devices.

Off

Traditional

White