“I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see.” John Burroughs
Week three of the current session and things continue to accelerate. As you know we have to adjust the current budget FY 09, that ends June 30th, while at the same time considering the 2010 budget adjustments. Rumors abound and until something substantive and verifiable appears I will limit my comments on those areas.
In Commerce and Labor today we heard an update on the Center of Innovation for Biomaterials in Orthopaedic Research, (C.I.B.O.R.). This is the scientific research group at WSU that is lead by Dr. Paul H. Wooley. His credentials include Professor of Biology WSU, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery UKSM-Wichita, Research Specialist at Robert Dole VAMC, and he is one of only a handful of Bio-Geneticians.
In a nut shell this group has been working on the science of using composite materials in the fabrication of medical use instruments and orthopaedic devices. With the recognized composite research at WSU, composite aircraft manufacturing and the medical research facility at KU Med Center in Wichita, there is not a better location within the US that has the expertise in place to develop the devices that have the potential to improve the life of citizens that have had to have hip or knee joint replacement.
The US is on track to have over one million knee replacement surgeries annually by 2010 and the World total will be over 3 million during the same period. As we baby-boomers age and want to relieve pain and regain mobility the surgeries will become more common.
The statistics indicate that excellent pain relief and restoration of function in over 90% of the patients seven years following surgery. Some implants can fail in less than 2 years due to material issues. Patients are receiving implants at a younger age and they are requiring high performance materials. In younger patients, 30% of implants will require revision about 15 years after surgery.
The median age for hip and knee replacement is 56 years. I had a right knee replaced at 54 and the left knee last October at age 59. I understand I will not be able to kneel, jump, play basketball, and I need to avoid any activity that would apply a sudden shock to my knees. My joints are a combination of Titanium and Ceramic, in previous times stainless steel was the metal of choice.
The are several problems with a solid metal replacement parts, one is that the body tissue will not adhere to the surface and the bone if not properly stressed will soon deteriorate. This brings us to the composite option. The light weight, strength and flexibility of this material are among its proven characteristics.
Recent test in lab mice have been quite promising with adherence and compatibility qualities between tissue and implant device. Other medical devices such as operating tables, wheel chairs, leg braces, and surgical instruments are being designed and constructed from the stronger and more flexible composite material.
And to think we were excited to build airplanes out of this stuff! The anticipated impact of the merging of the composite technology includes thousand of jobs, state of the art laboratories, new manufacturing techniques and an economic stimulus for our local industries.
Orthopaedic Device Manufacturers are not currently skilled in composites, and Composite Manufacturers are not fully familiar with orthopaedic devices. The entity that serves to unite these industries stands to revolutionize the orthopaedic device world.
The research skills required to unite composites and orthopaedics are available to multi-disciplined Universities (Kansas has several). Skills required to implement such advances require Device Manufacturers in partnership with leading research Medical Establishments.
Just like so many new and exciting things we have to work together to pull this off. We are currently trying to come to an agreement between WSU, KU and the Bio-Science Authority on how the funding will be provided, which university will provide what service and expertise.
The time frame has been compressed for the decisions and letter of agreements to be finalized. Private industry has a huge stake in this as well and they are willing to participate but it looks like some parochial issues have surfaced.
Dr. Wooley is our keystone in this endeavor, he has the credentials that will insure collaboration between the medical and aviation industry. He is a scientist with a passion for his work and he has the knowledge that will be required to achieve Federal approval of his devises. Oh yea, did I mention the FDA and all the bureaucratic hoops we will have to jump through?
Visits this past week included a student job shadow by Will Johnson from Remington High, local State Farm Bureau Board , Butler Rural Electric Board, City of El Dorado Mayor, Tom McKibban, City Manager Herb Llewellyn and El Dorado Inc Executive Director, Linda Jolly.
I consider it an honor and privilege to be your Representative in Topeka and I want to know what you think. Contact me at 785.296.7655, or John.Grange@house.ks.gov, 1115 Rim Rock Road, El Dorado 67042. Thanks, John.
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