NASHVILLE, Tenn. & HILLSBOROUGH, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Mar 6, 2013–Pathfinder Technologies, the developer of computer-assisted navigation products, and InnerOptic Technology, the developer of ultrasound-guided navigation products, announced a licensing agreement today that will enable Pathfinder to offer InnerOptic’s technology on its Explorer™ navigation system.
In use at top cancer centers in the US, Pathfinder’s Explorer™ system was designed to improve visualization in liver surgery by offering real-time instrument tracking in relation to 3D anatomical models built from pre-operative MRI or CT scans. InnerOptic’s technology allows real-time, 3D visualization of a surgical instrument’s location in the context of intra-operative ultrasound imaging, the standard imaging modality used in liver surgery today.
By adding InnerOptic’s capabilities, Pathfinder provides the best technology in real-time tracking, in relation to both pre- and intra-operative imaging, offering physicians the most detailed and accurate anatomical information possible at the point of therapeutic delivery. Furthermore, Pathfinder will offer InnerOptic’s electromagnetic navigation modality, which enables more precise tracking of the tip of a non-rigid surgical instrument, such as an ablation needle. In offering both electromagnetic and optical navigation modalities, Pathfinder can offer the most comprehensive navigation system on the market.
Pathfinder CEO Jim Cloar recognized this marriage of technologies as a critical step in offering physicians even greater visualization tools for enhanced outcomes. “Since its inception, our technology has improved safety and outcomes by offering real-time navigation from detailed pre-operative scans,” noted Mr. Cloar. “However, incorporating InnerOptic’s advanced ultrasound and electromagnetic tracking capabilities into our device enables even greater visualization and spatial accuracy. We are thrilled to integrate this technology into our product offering, because we know it will benefit patients.” Similarly, InnerOptic CEO Brian Heaney recognizes the significance of implementing real-time ultrasound tracking into the capabilities of Pathfinder’s Explorer™ device. “We are excited to partner with Pathfinder Technologies to integrate our 3D navigation technology on Explorer™,” said Mr. Heaney. “Combining our products onto one platform provides surgeons with multiple navigation solutions in performing complex liver interventions and, most importantly, enhancing patient outcomes.” Pathfinder Technologies has also officially changed its name from Pathfinder Therapeutics and re-launched its brand and website ( www.pathnav.com ). The purpose of these efforts is to highlight Pathfinder’s plans to be holistically focused on the widespread use of navigation technology and visualization tools for surgical and interventional procedures.
For more information on the integrating between Pathfinder and InnerOptic, contact Jim Cloar at jimc@pathnav.com or Brian Heaney at brian@inneroptic.com.
About Pathfinder Technologies
Pathfinder Technologies offers state-of-the-art computer-assisted navigation and 3D visualization for medical professionals, to enable more accurate and efficient delivery of cancer therapeutics in soft-tissue organs. Pathfinder’s Scout™ visualization software enables precise surgical planning and volumetric analysis for soft-tissue abdominal procedures, allowing physicians to determine the optimal path of therapeutic delivery. Pathfinder’s Explorer™ navigation system is the first medical device cleared by the FDA in the category of intraoperative soft-tissue tracking for open liver procedures. With the ability to track rigid therapeutic delivery instruments to within a few millimeters, Explorer™ offers a greater degree of precision to abdominal resections, ablations, and other procedures. For more information, please visit www.pathnav.com.
About InnerOptic Technology, Inc.
InnerOptic was founded in 2003 to commercialize the patented medical visualization technology developed by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. InnerOptic is revolutionizing image-guided procedures with its InnerOptic’s AIM™, a “GPS” that improves a physician’s ability to accurately perform complex minimally invasive procedures with ultrasound imaging. A privately held company, InnerOptic is headquartered in Hillsborough, NC. For more information, please visit www.inneroptic.com.
