Rik Kielman
Chief Executive Officer
Commercial professional with a strong track record in market introductions of surgical implants and 15 years of medical-device go-to-market strategy and execution.
A new approach to colorectal anastomosis
CONNECT. HEAL.AND MOVE ON.
We introduce a new approach to colorectal anastomosis, designed around precise tissue contact and primary wound healing.
Our concept consists of bringing the submucosal layers of the bowel into precise, direct contact. Our goal is to prevent anastomotic leakage, reduce the number of patients who need a temporary diverting stoma and make recovery less burdensome.
Discover Implican
Life, beyond the procedure.The challenge
A reliable connection
is where recovery begins.
After colorectal resection, the bowel must be reconnected and the new anastomosis must heal and regain strength. Anastomotic leakage remains one of the most serious complications of colorectal surgery.
A temporary diverting stoma may reduce the consequences of leakage, but it creates another burden: stoma care, complications, a later reversal procedure and a significant impact on everyday life.
The Implican approach
A different
starting point.
At Implican, we start with the healing interface itself. We have designed the device to bring the collagen-rich submucosal layers into precise, direct contact, creating favorable conditions for primary intestinal wound healing.
How Implican worksOur objective
A better pathback to life.
- 01
Prevent leakage.
Create a sufficiently reliable connection to prevent leakage.
- 02
Fewer stomas.
Reduce the number of patients who need a temporary diverting stoma.
- 03
Reduce the burden.
Fewer complications and procedures, with less impact on patients and healthcare resources.
Development
From preclinical evidence
to in-human use.
The Implican concept has been evaluated preclinically, including histological assessment of the healing process in a porcine model. The technology has progressed to initial in-human use. Further clinical evaluation is ongoing.
Results from the initial human procedures are being published upon completion.
Explore the evidence
Why it matters
Recovery continues
after the operation.
A successful colorectal procedure is about more than the anastomosis. Preventing leakage and reducing stoma formation would mean fewer interventions and reversals, while helping patients preserve independence, body image, relationships, intimacy and everyday life.
CONNECT. HEAL. AND MOVE ON.Precise connection. Favorable conditions for healing. A better path back to life.
About
A different approach tocolorectal recovery.
We founded Implican around one clinical challenge: make the colorectal connection more reliable by improving the conditions for healing.
We developed our technology around precise submucosa-to-submucosa apposition and the biology of primary intestinal wound healing.
Our objective is to prevent leakage, reduce stoma formation and lessen the physical, psychological and economic burden of colorectal surgery.
Sustainability by design
Reducing the environmental burden of surgery.
Healthcare accounts for approximately 5% of global carbon emissions, while around 90% of medical device waste consists of disposable, single-use products or components. The Implican system is being developed with a reusable applicator, reducing the amount of single-use material required for each procedure. Fewer stomas could mean fewer ostomy products, fewer reversal procedures and less use of hospital resources — saving materials and energy while maintaining quality of life.
Our team
Implican brings together medical-device development expertise, clinical leadership and experience in bringing healthcare innovations to patients.
Ivo Kooijman
Chief Technology Officer
Innovation professional focused on operational performance in medical-device production, with 20+ years of product-development experience in regulated environments.
Klaas Havenga
Chief Medical Officer
Head of Gastro-Intestinal Surgery at University Medical Centre Groningen and an experienced colorectal anastomosis surgeon.
Niels van Rheenen
Product & Quality Management
Experienced in regulatory compliance, quality management and certification pathways, with 10+ years in medical-product design and development.
Our advisors
A trusted network of strategists helping Implican turn a strong idea into lasting clinical value.
Bart-Jan Korteling
Product roadmap, regulatory strategy & FDA / MDR submissions
COO at Innocore Pharmaceuticals and former CTO at Regenity and Cordis Cardiovascular.
Meike Bomhof
Market access & reimbursement strategy
Vice President Europe at Avania, with leadership and mentoring experience across EIT Health, Techleap and Biocat Catalonia.
Rogier Receveur
Strategic partnerships & new business development
Technology and innovation advisor; formerly Senior Manager of Innovation and New Business Generation at Medtronic.
Nicole Bouvy, MD
Advisor clinical strategy.
Nicole is head of the Surgery department in LUMC Leiden, is currently president of EAES and non-executive director of cooperative VGZ.
Contact
Implican.
We welcome contact with investors, colorectal surgeons, clinical researchers, healthcare institutions and potential development partners interested in the Implican technology and clinical development programme.
info@implican.nlImplican B.V.
L.J. Zielstraweg 2
9713 GX Groningen, The Netherlands
+31 (0) 6 4604 6067