GGH professor Dr Sumita Shankar bags design patent for novel device

GUNTUR: An innovative device designed by renowned plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr Sumita Shankar has bagged the patient from the Centre. This is the first device in India to secure the Design Registration Certificate from the Indian patent office.

The innovative medical device, the “Negative Pressure Based Limb Decongestion Sleeve" offers a new approach to treating to treat swelling in limbs, venous congestion, and complex wounds.

Its primary objectives are to reduce swelling through controlled negative pressure, improve blood circulation, and accelerate wound healing. Co-invented by Dr. Krithi Nandoori, Dr. Shankar designed this device as a cost-effective, patient-friendly solution accessible for both rural and urban healthcare settings. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sumita Shankar said that this recognition is not just about design protection—it’s about opening new possibilities in wound care. “Our goal is to provide accessible solutions for patients who need them the most,” said Dr Shankar. The design is protected under the Designs Act, 2000, for 10 years, with the possibility of extension up to 15 years. This grants the inventors exclusive rights to further develop and commercialize the device. The team now plans to expand its reach through clinical validation, academic publications, and collaborations. Dr Sumita Shankar is HoD of plastic surgery department at Govt General Hospital (GGH), Guntur.