In 1962, Wilson Greatbatch patented the implantable pacemaker in Buffalo. Today, medical devices manufacturers and suppliers make up half of the life sciences industry in the region. More than 200 medical device companies do business here, among them manufacturers of anesthesia equipment, high-tech fabrics, thrombic-free pumps, imaging tools, ophthalmic instruments, filtration media, and infusion pumps.

Invention disclosures and patent applications have increased by 45% and 42%, respectively, at regional research institutions. The University at Buffalo, for example, provides valuable support to medical device companies through its research centers such as the New York State Center for Engineering Design and Industrial Innovation, the Center for Industrial Effectiveness, and the New York Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences. A sample of Buffalo Niagara medical device companies:

Accelent Endoscopy designs, develops, manufactures, and assembles devices and instruments.
Ethox International provides pharmaceutical and medical device industries with comprehensive sterilization, validation and laboratory services.
Gaymar Industries develops and commercializes pressure ulcer and temperature management solutions.
Greatbatch Medical designs and manufactures critical technologies used in medical devices for the cardiac rhythm management, neuromodulation, vascular access, and orthopaedic markets.
Ivoclar Vivadent provides restorative therapy products, cementation products, metal supported veneering composites, endodontics/core build-ups, clinical accessories/instruments, impression materials, materials for dentures, BPS, and alloys.
SmartPill Corporation is a developer and manufacturer of ingestible, capsule-based medical devices that aid in the diagnosis, definition, and therapeutic intervention of gastrointestinal disorders and diseases.

In Buffalo Niagara, dental equipment and product manufacturers and laboratories make up a $30 million industry. From leading international firms to mid-sized suppliers, these companies grow and succeed in Buffalo Niagara thanks to all of the unique elements the region offers.

Dental laboratories or dental product manufacturers looking to start up or expand in the U.S., will find good company in Buffalo Niagara. Leading international companies in the dental field do business here because of the region’s skilled workforce, partnerships with premier universities, business resources and incentives, and strategic location.

Western New York is home to nearly 30 colleges and universities, including one of the top dental schools in the country, the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. These higher education institutions graduate about 20,000 students per year – 800 with life science degrees and more than 200 with degrees in dental-related fields of study. The Erie Community College School of Dental Hygiene program, for example, graduates one of the top five largest associate dental degree classes in the U.S.

‘‘Buffalo Niagara has some of the most talented people in the dental profession. From marketing to research & development, our workforce has great passion and is committed to making dental professionals successful. Innovation creates opportunity. People create success. Ivoclar Vivadent is focused on developing products that enhance the patient experience, providing them with the best possible care imaginable.’’ - Robert A. Ganley, Chief Executive Officer of Ivoclar Vivadent