Vycor Medical (OTC:VYCO) said today it launched the VBASMini, a next-generation, smaller version of its ViewSite Surgical Access System, which are designed to provide surgeons access to brain tissue and provide a working channel during procedures.
The newest version of the device was developed to as small as possible, while also being the largest clear device available to fit through a burr hole and provide a large enough channel to be used during neurosurgery, to overcome limitations of working through endoscopic sheaths, the company said.
“Having worked with Vycor during the design stage and viewed the final devices, I believe they will greatly improve endoscopic intra-ventricular work such as the placement of catheters and shunts or gaining access to ventricular tumors. I also believe the minimally invasive profile of these smaller devices will be particularly useful for pediatric ventricular work. As the next generation of neurosurgeons get experienced with the VBAS, they will be able to take advantage of the endoscope, microscope, the new exoscope, and custom made instruments for use with VBASMini, furthering the goal of minimizing the invasiveness of neurosurgery,” VBASMini developer Dr. George Magram said in a press release.
Florida-based Vycor said the smaller size of the device enables a minimally invasive approach to areas where existing retractors are potentially too invasive.
“We believe that the launch of the VBASMini represents an exciting opportunity for Vycor to address under-served neurosurgical needs in the market and is consistent with our stated objective of adding new product extensions to our core VBAS product line. The limitations provided by current alternatives is the reason behind the design and development of the VBASMini. We feel confident that as surgeons try the device and familiarize themselves with it they will see that it offers far greater features than might appear at first sight. Given the VBASMini’s extremely small dimensions and smooth shape, we believe the models represent a significant step forward in minimally invasive retraction and access. We believe the VBASMini will help address an estimated additional 25,000 procedures in the US which were previously un-addressable by Vycor’s existing VBAS product range,” Vycor CEO Peter Zachariou said in prepared remarks.
