In a recent episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, host Kaylee welcomed Buddy Lyons and Dr. John Cromwell, co-founders of ENTAC Medical, to discuss their groundbreaking work in health tech innovation. ENTAC Medical, co-founded by Lyons, the CEO, and Cromwell, the Chief Medical Officer and CTO, is pioneering predictive healthcare technology through their device, Previs A. This device uses an acoustic biomarker to predict postoperative ileus (POI), a common yet unpredictable condition following surgery where the bowel shuts down.
Buddy Lyons shared the company’s origin story, highlighting the initial challenge of commercializing a niche technology that was ahead of its time. He emphasized the importance of persistence and adaptability, as the company has faced financial challenges, running out of money twice. Despite these hurdles, ENTAC has progressed significantly, developing a device that can predict gastrointestinal impairments and potentially other conditions like asthma and bronchospasms using AI and IoT platforms.
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Dr. Cromwell elaborated on the technology, explaining how they identified a unique acoustic biomarker that signals the likelihood of POI. He noted the device’s high accuracy, with an 87% sensitivity rate and a 95% negative predictive value, significantly outperforming traditional methods of prediction by surgeons. The technology aims to reduce hospital stays and readmissions, offering a substantial cost-saving benefit to healthcare systems.
The conversation also touched on ENTAC Medical’s strategic efforts to bring their device to market. They have developed a risk-free program for hospitals to trial the device, generating valuable data to support broader adoption. The founders expressed gratitude for the support from Iowa’s venture community, which has been instrumental in their journey.
Lyons and Cromwell shared insights into the challenges of med tech entrepreneurship, emphasizing the need for curiosity, flexibility, and the ability to pivot in response to setbacks. They also highlighted the growing innovation ecosystem in Iowa, supported by academic and venture partnerships, which has been crucial to their success.
Overall, the podcast provided a comprehensive overview of ENTAC Medical’s journey, their innovative technology, and the potential impact on healthcare delivery, reflecting a promising future for predictive healthcare solutions.