Founded by cardiac anesthesiologist and airway expert Dr. James Gayes, OPAD Airway develops the Optimum Patient Adjustment Device, an inflatable patient-positioning device designed to promote first-pass intubation. The company grew from Dr. Gayes’s experience managing thousands of complex airways and focuses on making intubation safer and more consistent, particularly for obese patients, across hospital and non-operating-room anesthesia settings.
Respair, IncBorn from University of Pittsburgh clinical research, Pittsburgh-based Respair develops airway devices for ventilated patients, beginning with RelianceET, a breathing tube designed to replace the conventional inflatable cuff with soft baffles that seal the airway without added pressure. Founded by physicians Carl Snyderman and Garrett Coyan, the company brings surgeons, engineers, and entrepreneurs together to address ventilator-associated complications. Respair completed hundreds of benchtop tests and received a Phase I SBIR award from the NIH while advancing the device toward regulatory submission.PITTSBURGH, PA
D. A. SurgicalFounded by surgical-positioning pioneer Dan Allen, D. A. Surgical develops and manufactures patient positioning and protection devices for operating rooms, with a particular focus on keeping patients stable in steep Trendelenburg and supine positions. Allen’s more than 40 years studying anatomy and participating in over 3,000 procedures led to the boot-style surgical stirrup and the company’s flagship TrenGuard® system, which supports patients at the trapezius muscles without shoulder braces. Its US-based manufacturing and ISO 13485:2016-certified quality system support products used in more than 1 million procedures worldwide.NEWBURY, OH
Xodus Medical IncFounded by Craig and Mark Kaforey, Xodus Medical manufactures medical-device solutions that make surgery safer, with a particular focus on patient positioning and operating-room safety. The New Kensington company introduced its first patient-safety product in 1994 and has since developed more than 1,100 solutions used at over 10,000 sites in more than 55 countries. Xodus also provides private-label manufacturing for major medical suppliers and holds ISO 13485:2016 certification.NEW KENSINGTON, PA
HoverTech InternationalFounded in 1997 by David T. Davis in an Allentown home, HoverTech International makes air-assisted transfer and positioning equipment for safer patient handling and mobility. Its HoverMatt Air Transfer Mattress established the company’s focus on reducing pressure injuries and caregiver strain, while the Etac company now also offers Molift and Etac mobility equipment across healthcare settings. Founder David Davis has supported the development of safe patient-handling standards and holds 18 patents for related devices.ALLENTOWN, PA