CHICAGO, Nov. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — Invuity, a leading developer of state-of-the-art illuminated surgical technology, today announced that it will introduce a new line of surgical devices that provide surgeons enhanced visibility during spinal surgeries. The products debut at the North American Spine Society’s (NASS) annual meeting taking place this week in Chicago. NASS is the leading meeting for spine surgeons.
The instruments integrate Invuity’s Eigr(TM) (pronounced eye-gr) technology, enhancing visualization by bringing illumination inside the incision. The spinal instruments line features the Eigr Saber(TM), a single-use, low-profile, ergonomic, hand-held illumination device with integrated suction. The Eigr Saber is used for spinal and orthopedic procedures such as cervical and lumbar cases, hip arthroplasty, bone tumor resection and foot and ankle fusions.
“Eigr technology significantly improves the quality of illumination and enables me to better identify and visualize even in and around neural elements of the spine,” said Dr. Michael J. Gratch, an orthopedic surgeon practicing in Abington, Pa. “I believe the technology has helped me be even more precise in my work.”
At least 600,000 Americans have back surgery every year. For spinal procedures, surgeons have a critical need for improved visualization, which enables easy identification of anatomical structures. Spine and orthopedic surgeons say that Eigr technology improves their ability to perform surgery by reducing glare, shadows, heat and physical strain caused by traditional surgical lighting equipment such as headlights or overhead lighting.
“As smaller incisions become standard of care in less invasive and minimally invasive surgeries, visibility into a surgical field is an increasing challenge,” said Alex Vayser, co-founder and chief technology officer of Invuity. “Invuity’s Eigr technology integrates uniform lighting directly into existing surgical devices, which allows for improved visual access to deep areas, small openings and under flaps – right where surgeons tell us they need it the most.”
Invuity has recently introduced a line of Taylor retractor systems. Invuity’s Illuminated Narrow Taylor Retractor is the first entry into the Taylor market to specifically enhance visualization during less invasive posterior lumbar decompressions and discectomy procedures.
Invuity also markets an Illuminated McCulloch Retractor system. Integrated with Eigr technology, the Illuminated McCulloch Retractor is designed to optimize access and visualization for traditional and less invasive approaches to the posterior lumbar spine.
“Invuity is addressing a significant unmet need for surgical visualization solutions,” said Philip Sawyer, chief executive officer of Invuity. “Our work with surgeons, along with our talented team and broad patent portfolio, put us in a strong position to rapidly develop and commercialize new products in response to market demand.”
Last year, Invuity closed $15.6 million Series C funding designed to support the commercial launch of new product introductions and general operating expenses. The funding was led by InterWest Partners and existing investor Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers also participated.
About Invuity
Invuity develops medical devices to dramatically improve visualization in less invasive surgeries where it is difficult to see. The company’s products, which are 510(k) cleared and many of which are CE marked, incorporate its proprietary Eigr illumination technology into advanced access systems for a variety of surgical specialties. The company is headquartered in San Francisco. For more information, visit www.invuity.com
Invuity is a registered trademark and Eigr is a trademark of Invuity, Inc.
SOURCE Invuity
