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At NYSORA events, the lecture hall and the industry spotlights work hand-in-hand, with the latter offering concise sessions where innovators share practical tools and emerging solutions for clinical use.
During the event, Mark Rabe of Flat Medical, introduced the EpiFaith Smart Syringe – a simple yet transformative upgrade to a technique clinicians have used the same way for nearly a century.
Why EpiFaith Matters: A Modern Solution for a Long-Standing Challenge
Epidural techniques have been foundational in anesthesia for decades, yet the tools have hardly changed.
Glass syringe? 1894.
Plastic syringe? 1956.
Loss-of-resistance technique? 1933.
Very few aspects of medicine still rely on tools from the early 20th century – except this one.
EpiFaith has already been honored with:
- Premier Innovation Award 2025
- Vizient Disruptive Technology Award
- AAPM Innovation Challenge Award
- Contracts with the VA Health System and Department of Defense
For a technology this new, the momentum is exceptional.
What the EpiFaith Smart Syringe Does
The Smart Syringe adds a visual confirmation to the traditional tactile “loss of resistance” technique.
It doesn’t change the procedure – it simply makes it clearer, more consistent, and easier to teach.
How it works
- As the needle advances, clinicians watch a yellow piston indicator.
- When the epidural space is reached, the piston pops.
- Advancement stops immediately.
- Confirmation is instant and objective.
This gives clinicians two sensory inputs instead of one:
– Tactile feedback
– Visual confirmation
The benefits become especially clear during training. Residents and fellows can finally see the moment the space is entered – a major step forward in teaching accuracy and confidence.
Why Clinicians Are Paying Attention
During his talk, Mark Rabe framed change in a simple way:
People change for two reasons – to avoid pain, or to gain something better.
EpiFaith aims to do both.
Potential clinical and operational gains
- Fewer wet taps
- Fewer blood patches (each costing hospitals ~$1,500)
- Shorter epidural placement time
- More consistent results
- Better patient experience
- A strong teaching tool for trainees
In a field where every complication avoided improves patient safety and satisfaction, these improvements matter.
A Highlight of NYSORA’s Industry Spotlights
Mark Rabe’s presentation captured exactly what NYSORA’s industry sessions are designed for:
bringing forward innovations that make clinicians stop and think, “This could actually make a difference.”
EpiFaith blends simplicity with impact – a modern update to one of anesthesia’s most important procedures, delivered through a technology that respects existing workflows while making them better.
Watch the full presentation below to see the device in action and hear the story behind its development.
EpiFaith Smart Syringe – Presented by Mark Rabe, Flat Medical
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