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Established by Martin Ruzicka and Margo Bodley, the company was incorporated in November 1983 as MR Surgical and commenced trading in early 1984. Margo continues to contribute to the company up to the present day, serving both as a Board member and in a Business Development capacity. Margo’s ability to identify and procure products in the early part of their development cycle has assisted the company to produce a rich history of achievement for our manufacturers and customers for more than twenty years.

The goal of the company has always been to provide a focused excellence to key core market segments. From the beginning, Plastic Reconstructive, Cosmetic and Appearance Medicine, Spine, Hand, Orthopaedics, Neurosurgery and General surgery have been areas where we have excelled in identifying opportunities, introducing proprietary technologies and producing significant market growth.

In the early years of 1984-85, MR Surgical represented Dow Corning in Victoria. MR Surgical pioneered liposuction in Australia, having manufactured under licence their proprietary LipidVac Suction Assisted Lipectomy machine, cannulae and pressure garments. Dynek Sutures were also part of the early range.

1986-88 saw the company prosper and soon plans were made to become a national direct entity in both Australia and New Zealand. McGhan implants for breast and facial augmentation plus tissue expanders were added to the portfolio and enhanced our standing in the plastic surgery/cosmetic field. Sutter finger joints, Silmed silicone tubing, Genesis Containers for instrument sterilisation, Surgical Dynamics for automated percutaneous lumbar discectomy,Unilab Surgibone bovine implants for interbody fusions and onlay grafts, and Mitek soft tissue reattachment anchors were all introduced to the market.

By 1989, the international reputation of the company was firmly entrenched and in the period through to 1993, several more technologies were introduced. Many would progress quickly to leading market positions. These included key spinal products such as Acromed spinal systems, Bremer Medical halo traction devices, Koros spinal instruments and Cybertech bracing systems for the spine. Tava Surgical microdrills and disposable blades were also added and the company embarked on its now long term association with Biologics by working with Bioscience –Bionx resorbable implant technology, Norian Bone substitutes, EBI Australia electrical bone growth stimulators. Biomet Orthopaedic systems (NZ only) completed the portfolio.


By the early 90’s MR Surgical had achieved the goal of a being a direct and national sales, marketing and distribution organization across Australia and New Zealand. The company had a proven track record of successfully introducing and gaining significant market share with advanced technologies. It was decided at this time that the company name should be changed to reflect these achievements and focus. In 1991, the company changed its name to Advanced Surgical Technologies P/L (AST), The Australian Service Company.

The pace of new technology introductions did not slow up in the 1990’s. In 1992,an Australian manufacturer of specialized eyewear products, Martin Hogan Pty Ltd, joined forces with AST. In 1994-96, AST added the general surgery segment to its impressive Plastic, Spinal and Biologics business. The General Surgery portfolio consisted of Inamed Corporation with the Gastric Band for morbid obesity, Ultracision laparoscopic tissue cutting device, Richard Allen Medical disposable laparoscopic instruments, Inlet Medical minimally interventional therapy for wound closure and Imagyn disposable device to perform fallasoscopy for infertility. The orthopaedic line was enhanced with the addition of Exogen pulse wave technology and RMS metal finger joint implants, which later became part of Avanta. AST carried the Avanta line until disposing of it in 2002. The Biologics range welcomed Gliatech Adhesion Barrier Gel.

By 1996, the Innovasive range of soft tissue anchors was also added to the orthopaedic range together with Arthrocare sports medicine and coblation technology.

In 1997 the company was acquired by its current owners, Brian Blythe and Ron Evans. Both were well respected Melbourne business identities who brought significant business management experience and financial resources to AST.
They added AST to an impressive list of private companies they had acquired and their leadership, financial strength and strong business acumen was to underpin the future success of AST.

In 2002, AST joined forces with Wright Medical Technologies. This partnership enhanced the existing market position of AST in small joints, extremities and bone substitutes while adding an impressive selection of hip and knee arthroplasty devices. BioMedical Enterprises linked with AST in 2004, adding their unique memory metal staple to the small joint portfolio.

AST has a proud history in the Plastic Surgery, Dermatology and Cosmetic markets. We have recently entered into an agreement with Reliant Technologies to market the exciting Fraxel lasers. The Fraxel has received rave reviews for its unique science of nonablative fractional resurfacing to stimulate natural collagen remodeling. Fraxel can be used to treat acne scars, melasma, surgical scars, periorbital wrinkles and pigmented lesions.