Arthrex recently secured clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to use the Arthrex NanoScope™ system for pediatric orthopedics and laparoscopy.
The NanoScope operative arthroscopy system uses high-definition, chip-on-tip, image-sensor technology to provide surgeons with a needle-sized, single-use camera system. The system’s portability allows the surgeon to perform minimally invasive arthroscopy in the operating room or as an adjunct to a traditional camera in a treatment room or an office.
This is the first camera device on the market that excels in size, sterility and fluid dynamics specifically catering to pediatric care, according to Senior Product Manager Ryan Kellar.
“A lot of the camera systems and products used for pediatric cases are typically just through standard clearances, so they are larger tools that are also used on adults,” Ryan said. “Most don’t have specific anchors and instrumentation that are truly designed for pediatric care. Ours is the first imaging camera system in pediatrics that provides a minimally invasive option.”
A rule of thumb in orthopedics, and the goal of minimally invasive surgery, is to keep soft-tissue damage to a minimum. “Cartilage damage with an instrument is irreparable,” Ryan said, “making it even more important to protect pediatric patients.”
“We’re focused on Helping Surgeons Treat Their Patients Better®, regardless of age,” said Product Manager Matthew Johnson. “The smaller scope is designed to reduce the risk of damaging cartilage and neurovascular structures upon entry. It also opens up accessory portal entries around various joints.”
Common pediatric cases that may use the NanoScope system include ACL reconstruction, general knee and shoulder arthroscopy, and hernia or diagnostic laparoscopy in the abdomen.
“FDA clearance for use of the NanoScope system in pediatric patients is great news,” said J. Lee Pace, MD (Plano, TX). “It makes perfect sense that a smaller arthroscope is the proper camera for a smaller joint. Thus, the NanoScope system will be of great use for my pediatric patients. The smaller design makes it much easier to navigate their joints while maintaining excellent optics. This will be my routine arthroscope for all my pediatric patients for routine or even more complex cases.”
Ryan and his team also hope this will reassure parents who want the best possible care for their children.
“It’s not just the patient concerned about having their surgery, especially when that patient is a child,” Ryan said. “We will provide samples for surgeons to show pediatric patients and their parents just how small the instruments are — we expect that will alleviate a lot of their concerns by showing the surgery may be less invasive than they assumed.”
Surgeon is a paid consultant of Arthrex Inc.
