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

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by NYSORA Inc. (@nysora.inc)