New Automated Neuro And Spine Tumor Removal Device Uses No Heat Or Ultrasonic Energy; Operates In Endoscopic & Open Surgical Environments with Reduced Procedure Time
NICO Myriad introduced at AANS to demonstrate rapid debulking and delicate tissue shaving capabilities
San Diego, CA - NICO Neuro and Spine in Indianapolis will introduce its first commercial product at this year's American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) conference. The NICO Myriad is the industry's first tumor removal device to operate in both open and endoscopic or working channel surgical approaches without the use of heat or ultrasonic energy. The disposable device offers improved opportunities for better control and access for tumor resection in the central nervous system.
"The Myriad system is a multi-purpose tool that can perform rapid controlled resection. We have combined a scissor, suction and blunt dissector in one tool," said Jim Pearson, president and CEO of NICO Corporation. "We spent a lot of time gaining insight into what is missing in today's neuro and spine tissue removal technology, what are the challenges and limitations physicians face, what they want in a new device, and what is needed to take this area of neurosurgery to the next level in tumor removal."
The Myriad system uses technology with a 20-year development and product success history now applied to neuro and spine. "We believe the device is an enabler, meaning that it will enable advances in the neuro market in much the same way the endoscope impacted the neurosurgical environment," Pearson said. "The Myriad will help revolutionize the neuro and spine tumor removal market as we know it today."
The Myriad device has been successfully used at several leading institutions in the United States over the past year in its testing phase. Dr. Amin Kassam, chairman, Department of Neurological Surgery, and director, Minimally Invasive endoNeurosurgery Center at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, has used the NICO Myriad in both open and endoscopic cases and said the device has allowed him complete tissue control.
"The Myriad allows access for conventional and endoscopic skull base and neuroendoport procedures. The working portion of the instrument is the size of a pen and its mechanics differentiate it," said Dr. Kassam. "It functions exclusively on mechanical energy without the issues associated with heat dispersion. The movements allow for complete tissue control without the ‘whipping' effect of the debrider type instruments that bring critical neurovascular tissues into the field. It is particularly effective in minimally invasive procedures when tumors are fibrous. This provides an efficient means of dealing with these tumors without having to take the instrument in and out of the field."
Dr. Kassam added that the Myriad mechanics allow him to perform endonasal procedures around the chiasm, hypothalamus and small perforators. "This device has the potential to change neurosurgical procedures and significantly reduce the sometimes tedious hours we spend in the operating room."
The Myriad system is user-controlled through foot pedal operation and allows physicians to easily transition from delicate tissue shaving to rapid tissue debulking during open and endoscopic procedures. Its variable aspiration technology allows for fine tissue removal around and on critical structures, minimizing potential traction on surrounding tissue. The device acquires 1,500 samples per minute, providing for rapid debulking of larger and fibrous tumors, ultimately reducing tissue resection time.
"We have seen many cases that validate the benefits of using the Myriad system," Pearson said. "We know it can significantly reduce tissue resection time and provide the opportunity for increased control. We've had several physicians comment on the Myriad's speed and ability to improve the amount of resection they can accomplish. This makes an enormous impact not just for the physician, but on the time in the operating room and recovery opportunities for the patient."
Every year, more than 200,000 people in the United States and 2 million people worldwide are diagnosed with a brain tumor. They are the leading cause of solid tumor cancer deaths in children under the age of 20, the second leading cause of cancer deaths in male adults ages 20-29, and the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in females ages 20-29.
NICO is a privately-held medical device company holding exclusive worldwide patent rights to the Myriad. For more information about NICO or the NICO Myriad, visit www.niconeuro.com.
SOURCE: NICO Corporation