Innovation

The year 2020 will be remembered around the world mostly because of the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Everyone has become more aware of the importance of medicine and hospital staffing, and we are not an exception. In this context, we want to tell you about the medical company “ATMOS Medizin Technik” and an activity of its subsidiary in the Russian Federation. Specifically, about an innovation of the company that makes high-quality medical equipment more accessible to hospitals and patients.

“ATMOS Medizin Technik” is a manufacturer of high-tech medical equipment (surgery, ENT, gynecology). For the year 2020, there are about 300 employees in the company all around the world. The largest representative office is located in Russia. Product development and production are based in Germany. “ATMOS” manufactures its products in three price categories, which allow doctors to properly treat patients all over the world. At the same time, it helps patients to get access to medical help despite their social status. The main aim of the company is to prolong the lives of patients, to improve its quality by providing essential medical help, and to reduce costs on it. Thus, we can say that the main activity of the company is targeted at the 3rd SDG of the UN (“Good health and well-being”).

The main innovation of the German company, no matter how strange it sounds, belongs to the Russian subsidiary called “ATMOS Medical LLC”. The essence of innovation is that medical equipment can be sold by separate modules, like "Legos", and each module can be bought and matched with others at any time. Moreover, each such module has a registration certificate, which confirms, that equipment parts are official, compatible with each other, and can be sold within the country. The process of registering these modules with The Russian Ministry of Health is very effort-intensive, time-consuming (about a year), and expensive, but an essential process, because it allows "ATMOS" to sell equipment further to hospitals. The main motivation, which drives and supports the company on this complicated path is the desire to help their customers and business.

More information about the innovation: Each module is independent medical equipment, which perfectly works on its own. A good example of how it functions in practice was given by our interviewee, CEO of the Russian office of "ATMOS Medical LLC", Andrey Sorokin: "For example, let's take a look at how otolaryngologists work. Very often they have a narrow specialization: ear, nose, оncology, vocal cords, etc. ATMOS ENT unit modules allow each of such narrow specialists to "build" an ENT unit for their own purposes, with the help of matching various attachments or parts. In this area, “ATMOS” equipment can be compared to [an] individual tailoring when everything is selected by taking into account your personal characteristics. A standard set from a department store will also suit some people, most of them will, in fact... but not all of them".

Inspiration

The company draws inspiration from the medical research of various doctors. “ATMOS refines, improves, and translates the ideas into equipment”, shared Andrey Sorokin. One of the brightest examples of it is drainage equipment according to the Bülau method. The drainage of lungs was invented by a German doctor, Gotthard Bülau. “Medizin Technik” took the method, refined it and invented one of the best aspirators, which nowadays not only saves lives of seriously ill patients all around the world, “...but also maximizes the respiratory function of a patient, which will be positively reflected in his/her further quality of life.” Russian representatives of “ATMOS Medical LCC” are the only ones in this medical company that brought this innovation into production and officially patented it.

Overall impact

The innovation of Atmos, namely, the modularity of the ENT machine - contributes to the growth of the number of hospitals equipped with the most modern and high-quality medical equipment. The ability to purchase medical equipment in parts allows even small regional clinics with a small budget to have a super-modern German device. In addition, the modular assembly makes it possible to purchase the ENT machine in the configuration required by each specific hospital without buying any extra units. The possibility to purchase new functions over time gives an opportunity to assemble the most modern ENT machines. This is very encouraging for doctors and at the same time more applicable for hospital budgets. As a result, this innovation is a real savior for hospitals and an opportunity to receive high-quality medical care for patients.

The innovation of the Russian “ATMOS” team can be scaled up and applied to other types of medical equipment. The investment of the company in obtaining separate registration certificates on different modules of medical equipment will allow clinics of different levels to be equipped with the latest technologies. In the end, this will make it possible for ordinary residents in many Russian remote communities to use the achievements of modern medicine. This will certainly improve the quality of medical care, which will affect the health of the population. In addition, the outflow of the best specialists from the regions to Moscow will decrease since working with good equipment will allow them to grow professionally.

Business benefit

Now let’s look at the business benefit, which this innovation brings. The most important role in organizing the work of an ENT doctor, reducing their labor intensity and increasing efficiency, is played by the reliable equipment of the office with modern equipment and provision of a sufficient number of instruments for examining a large number of patients.

A distinctive feature of “ATMOS” equipment is its modularity and excellent consistency to the smallest detail (the concept of a workplace for otolaryngologists). Thanks to this innovation, “ATMOS” can gradually develop its presence on the market as a manufacturer. The best proof of the success of this business model is the constantly growing market share and 130 years of history of development and success. “ATMOS Medical LLC” is a Russian subsidiary with 100% foreign capital and has the best business performance and the largest number of awards among other “ATMOS” divisions.

Social and environmental benefit

“ATMOS” has made modern and high-quality equipment available to hospitals of any level. As a result, more patients receive high-quality care. Moreover, the survival rate of patients with lung diseases, patients with an operated lung, or with lung injuries increases.

As for the impact on the environment, “ATMOS” production is located in the resort area of Germany (Lenzkirch in the Black Forest) and does not harm the environment in any way.

“ATMOS Medizin Technik” is a reliable company that provides a high level of salaries not only in Germany but in all divisions around the globe (for instance in China, India, Spain, and other countries). Moreover, the company creates new qualified working places not only in Germany but also for people around the globe. The company also takes care of its employees. There are many training opportunities for employees. “ATMOS Medical LLC” owns a building in the green center of Moscow with recreation areas for the company's employees.

Interview

Andrey Sorokin, CEO