Innovator Doug Mastel dies at age 67
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
Douglas J. Mastel, founder and CEO of Mastel Precision Surgical Instruments, died unexpectedly March 20. He was 67 years old.
Mastel graduated from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in 1981, obtaining a degree in metallurgical engineering, and was an ambassador for his alma mater. He began his career making diamond-tipped drill bits in Houston.
Mastel launched the company that would become Mastel Precision Surgical Instruments in 1984 in Rapid City, South Dakota. He was motivated to start the company after his brother-in-law, eye surgeon Alan D. Baribeau, MD, asked him to make diamond scalpels for corneal surgery.
Mastel took pride in his American-made products. He developed upward of 50 high-quality surgical instruments, gaining recognition for innovations in the field of ophthalmic surgery.
Mastel Precision Surgical Instruments will continue as a family-run company, according to a statement from the Mastel family and staff.
Read more about
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts