Avantis Medical Systems said the FDA approved its Third Eye Panoramic digital imaging device for colonoscopies.
Avantis said the Third Eye device features 2 laterally positioned cameras that are able to produce a wide-angle image of more than 300°. The device is intended to help physicians to search for pre-cancerous polyps behind folds in the walls of the colon, according to a press release.
Because the Third Eye Panoramic attaches to the outside tip of the colonoscope, it does not need to be removed for the insertion of other instruments, according to the release. The Third Eye Panoramic is
also designed to be use with standard colonoscopes, thereby eliminating the need for physicians to make additional capital investments in their facilities, the company said.
“Now that the Third Eye Panoramic device has been cleared by the FDA for marketing, it will allow other leaders in the field of gastroenterology to provide us with feedback as we develop a resposable version of the device,” vice president for sales & marketing Doug Gielow said in prepared remarks. “At the same time we can finalize our selection of a partner with broad domestic and international commercial distribution that is beyond the reach of a development company.”
In February, Avantis said it brought in $4.8 million of a hoped-for $10.6 million debt round.