Medtronic (NYSE:MDT) said today it launched the next generation version of its SuperDimension lung navigation system software.
The SuperDimension navigation system uses a patients CT scan to generate a 3D virtual bronchial tree which allows operating physicians to map pathways to pulmonary targets during electromagnetic bronchoscopy procedures, the Fridley, Minn.-based company said.
“This minimally invasive device helps physicians prepare for the most appropriate therapy depending on the stage of the cancer. Improving chances to more easily identify patients at an early stage may bring a dramatic change in the societal impact of lung cancer,” EMEA early technology veep Bronwyn Brophy said in a press release.
The use of the SuperDimension system enables minimally invasive approaches to bronchoscopy procedures, the company said. Medtronic acquired the SuperDimension when it merged with Covidien earlier this year.
“These advanced tools and technologies demonstrate Medtronic’s commitment to expanding the specialized lung health products available to pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons. The continuum of care is the healthcare journey a patient takes from diagnosis to recovery. Our goal, across this continuum, is to diagnose earlier, intervene earlier, treat better and help patients recover faster,” early technologies prez Chuck Brynelsen said in prepared remarks.
Last month, Medtronic said it launched a huge, real-world study of the SuperDimension lung device.
The 2-year, 2,500-patient Navigate trial is designed to evaluate the performance of the LungGPS electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy technology the SuperDimension device uses to navigate the lungs. The single-arm, multi-center post-market observational study also aims to measure how often doctors use the system to obtain biopsies from surrounding lymph nodes and place markers to guide future procedures, Medtronic said.
The 1st patient in the trial underwent an ENB procedure at Pulmonary & Critical Care Associates of Baltimore April 16, the company said. Covidien paid roughly $300 million plus possible earnouts to acquire SuperDimension in 2012; Medtronic paid $50 billion for Covidien in January.
