 Todd O’Brien, DPM can now add author to his long list of credentials. Dr. O’Brien works as the area Podiatrist at Health Access Network, often performing surgeries at both Millinocket Regional Hospital and Penobscot Valley Hospital. He was recently published in a new textbook called International Advances in Foot and Ankle Surgery^ which can be found online at Amazon.com.
Dr. O’Brien authored a chapter in this publication entitled “Current Techniques of Toenail Surgery.” His work as an inventor of surgical instrumentation and genuine interest in the field made him a perfect choice to contribute to this textbook.
“The textbook is the first of its kind as it draws on the expertise of noted podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons from across the globe,” explains Dr. O’Brien. “I was humbled and gratified to be included in this international group of thought leaders and rising stars in the field of foot and ankle surgery.”
Over the past couple of years, Dr. O’Brien has been working to refine instrumentation for the most common toenail surgery, partial matricectomy, which removes the ingrown edge of a toenail.
“My idea was to reduce the trauma involved in cutting away the ingrown portion of the nail. Reducing trauma would limit post-operative pain and bleeding for patients,” adds O’Brien.
His invention of the O’Brien NailStat is the culmination of years of research. The new piece combines the best qualities of two commonly used instruments in his line of work, the hemostat and spatula. Todd’s design was first made into a prototype and tested among area patients. Results showed reduced trauma allowing for faster healing after surgery. Dr. O’Brien then presented his invention and encouraging test results to the American Podiatric Medical Association in 2005 and 2007. Todd eventually partnered with an instrument manufacturing company to produce and market his state-of-the-art device.
In his chapter of International Advances in Foot and Ankle Surgery, Todd details his expertise in toenail surgery. The latest techniques and scientific approaches are explained to the readers.
PVH CEO Dave Shannon states, “The community is extremely lucky to have a world-renown surgeon practicing at our facilities. Dr. O’Brien brings an amazing skill set and vision to the area, and it is only fitting he be included with other podiatry leaders and experienced surgeons in this new textbook. Soon, patients all over the world will benefit from his tireless dedication.”
Currently, Dr. O’Brien is working to patent another piece of equipment used in a partial matricectomy. His knowledge, research and vision play an important role in the future of podiatry.
Dr. O’Brien has practiced podiatric medicine and surgery in Lincoln since 1997. He is originally from Massachusetts but has lived in Maine for nearly 15 years. O’Brien completed undergraduate work at Bates College and continued his education at Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago, IL, graduating summa cum laude. He is the founder of O’Brien Medical, LLC which has successfully licensed six surgical products and holds four issued patents. For more information, visit www.obimed.com.
^ Saxena, Amol. International Advances in Foot and Ankle Surgery. 2012 Edition: Springer, December 20, 2011
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