Shillong, October 12: The Department of Forensic Medicine at the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) has achieved another significant milestone with the successful patenting of a novel autopsy instrument designed for the exploration and examination of the spinal cord.
The innovative device, developed by Dr. Daunipaia Slong, Additional Professor, and Prof. A. J. Patowary, Head of the Department of Forensic Medicine, has been officially patented by the Patent Office, Government of India.
Dr. Daunipaia explained that during autopsies, examining the spinal cord is often essential to assess trauma or pathological conditions. Traditionally, this examination is conducted through anterior or posterior approaches that involve cutting through the vertebrae—methods that are not only time-consuming but also cause distortion of the spinal architecture.
“The newly developed instrument simplifies this process, allowing for quick and efficient examination of the spinal cord without causing additional deformity to the body,” Dr. Daunipaia stated.
Prof. Nalin Mehta, Director of NEIGRIHMS, lauded the team’s achievement, congratulating the faculty and staff of the Forensic Medicine Department. He remarked that the invention will significantly enhance forensic investigations by streamlining the spinal cord examination process.
“This innovation underscores NEIGRIHMS’ commitment to advancing medical research and contributing to practical solutions in forensic medicine,” Prof. Mehta added.
