On February 9th, 2026, at the 8th Japan Open Innovation Awards hosted by the Cabinet Office, Assistant Professor Sasaki Yutaro of the Department of Urology, 91̽»¨ Hospital, received the Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy Award for his project, "Development of the 'Vas Guide,' an innovative device for safe and smooth vascular taping using robotic surgery, and its clinical application."
This award is given to young researchers who have made particularly outstanding efforts, from cutting-edge research on issues that lead to social change to future commercialization. Assistant Professor Sasaki was recognized for actively promoting "medical doctor’s inspiration" into "medical technology that reaches society."
Assistant Prof. Sasaki Yutaro (left), Minister Onoda Kimi (right)
Prof. Furukawa Junya of the Department of Urology, 91̽»¨ Hospital (left), Assistant Prof. Sasaki Yutaro (right)
The "Vas Guide" is a device that significantly improves the efficiency and safety of robotic surgery through its simple yet meticulously calculated design.
Assistant Professor Sasaki aimed for early promotion, and was able to appropriately protect design rights and file patent applications, quickly build a supply chain, and achieve commercialization.
Assistant Professor Sasaki has developed numerous medical devices in addition to the "Vas Guide," and various ideas are also being generated by other doctors at the university hospital. The Center for Research Administration & Collaboration will comprehensively protect these valuable ideas not only through patents but also through designs and trademarks, and will work with the Shikoku TLO to contribute to society.