The surgical and health care innovator: patents and marketing guidelines.

Many physicians and health professionals have had ideas for new devices but are reluctant to pursue the idea to production. Some abandon a sound innovation because of unfamiliarity with the intricate processes from concept to final marketing. The subject of surgical or medical innovation is not taught in medical schools or in residency training and few articles have appeared in the medical literature. This presentation is meant to guide the potential inventor from the concept stage through protection measures and the patent process to the final manufacture of a new device. It is hoped that this article will provide the innovator with a sound footing and stimulate him to contribute to medical technology and medical progress. Other disciplines (scientific, academic, and industry) might also be interested in these guidelines on patents and marketing strategies.