Luton Doctor scoops Macewan medal

Doctor Muhammed Aslam Nasir was presented with the medal by the president of the Difficult Airway Society of UK and Europe (DAS) in recognition of his support given to the society and the speciality of Airway Management.

He developed the i-gel, which is widely used in anaesthesia and resuscitation across the world.

The product is a second generation supraglottic airway device from Intersurgical, it is made from a medical grade thermoplastic elastomer.

The World Airway Management Meeting was the first of its kind held as a joint collaboration with DAS and the Society of Airway Management, USA.

Dr Nasir, of Chaul End Village, said: “It is a wonderful feeling, I am very proud. There are many Doctors who have achieved more than me, I was very surprised to have won.

“I am a Luton boy and this is great news for the town, the product has helped to save many lives across the world.”

The father of four began research for the product in 2002, while he was working at the Luton and Dunstable hospital.

It launched in 2007 and the i-gel now has an established reputation in anaesthesia with three adult and four paediatric sizes in the range.

Dr Nasir added: “I spent many years working hard on the research and developing of the product.

“I had to go part time at the hospital because of the amount of time I needed to spend on the research.

“I sacrificed a lot and spent many weekends working. To achieve this medal is an honour and I feel very humbled.

“I want to thank the Luton and Dunstable hospital for all the moral support they gave me during my time there.”

He resigned from the hospital eight years ago and has been working on the research and development of a new product, v-gel, a veterinary specific supraglottic airway product for anaesthesia and resuscitation.