Lapovations

Lapovations is a medical device company focused on developing products to improve laparoscopic surgery. The company was founded in 2016 by Jared Greer and Dr. Chris Taylor. The concept for their flagship product originated from Dr. Taylor's frustrations with existing methods for lifting the abdominal wall during surgery, which he shared with Greer, who was working for a medical device manufacturer at the time and pursuing a Master's in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Arkansas. The company itself was formed out of a New Venture Development course at the university.

The company's business is centered on the design, manufacturing, and sale of surgical devices to hospitals and surgical centers. Lapovations generates revenue by selling its products through a network of independent sales representatives and distribution partners across the United States. A key milestone was achieved in January 2021, when Lapovations became registered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and recorded its first U.S. sale of the AbGrab®. The company has secured significant funding, including over $2.5 million in non-dilutive grants from institutions like the National Science Foundation (NSF) and a $1.25 million oversubscribed Series A funding round in January 2023.

Lapovations' primary product is the AbGrab®, a single-use surgical device designed to lift the abdominal wall at the beginning of a laparoscopic procedure. This initial step is critical and can be associated with significant complications. The AbGrab® addresses the limitations of current techniques—manual lifting, which can be unreliable, and towel clips, which are invasive and can cause post-operative pain and bruising. The device utilizes suction, connecting to standard operating room suction sources, to create a firm, non-invasive grip on the abdominal wall. Its features include a flexible neck for articulation and a design that is both lightweight and durable.

Keywords: medical devices, laparoscopic surgery, AbGrab, surgical instruments, minimally invasive surgery, abdominal wall lift, surgical outcomes, medtech, FDA registered, surgical tools, laparoscopy, surgical suction device, healthcare innovation, surgical safety, operating room equipment, Jared Greer, Spencer Jones, University of Arkansas startup, surgical assist device, clinical solutions