CHICAGO,
Nov. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — 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™ (pronounced
eye-gr) technology, enhancing visualization by bringing illumination inside the
incision. The spinal instruments line features the Eigr Saber™, 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.
