News Updates

Sep 18, 2024
First Cancer Illumination™ Procedure Performed Using Arthrex Synergy Vision™ Technology with CYTALUX

Arthrex, in partnership with Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH), is proud to announce the first procedure utilizing the revolutionary Synergy Vision™ imaging system for a Cancer Illumination™ procedure.

This milestone expands upon Arthrex’s legacy of providing exceptional visualization technology to surgeons with the state-of-the art Synergy Vision system now being used in conjunction with CYTALUX®, a targeted-imaging agent designed to “highlight” ovarian and lung cancer in the body. When paired with pafolacianine (CYTALUX), an FDA-approved prescription medication, surgeons can visualize cancerous cells that may have otherwise gone undetected via near-infrared fluorescence imaging.

The Synergy Vision imaging system combines 4K visualization with sophisticated augmented reality features to help surgeons see more than ever before. It offers high dynamic range (HDR), eliminating hot spots and dark areas to provide consistent illumination across the entire screen.

The NanoNeedle Scope is a 1.9 mm chip-on-tip scope that can integrate directly into the Synergy Vision console as either a primary or secondary camera, allowing for simultaneous 4K and Nano visualization on the same screen.

The system supports near-infrared fluorescence 4k imaging at the touch of a button to easily toggle through different visualization modes and colors.

Read NCH’s press release below to learn more about this groundbreaking achievement in minimally invasive surgery and cancer detection.

---

(SOURCE: NAPLES COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NCH Hosts World’s First Procedure Using Arthrex Synergy Vision™ Technology with CYTALUX to Visualize Lung and Ovarian Cancers

Naples, FL., September 13, 2024 — NCH is proud to announce a groundbreaking achievement in the field of minimally invasive surgery by hosting the world’s first procedure utilizing the revolutionary Arthrex Synergy Vision™ imaging system in conjunction with the targeted imaging agent CYTALUX. This pioneering procedure marks a significant advancement in the visualization of lung and ovarian cancers, offering new hope to patients battling these challenging diseases.

The Arthrex, FDA-cleared Synergy Vision system is a state-of-the-art imaging platform that integrates advanced visualization capabilities into minimally invasive surgeries. By utilizing high-definition imaging and real-time fluorescence, the system allows surgeons to distinguish between healthy and cancerous tissues with greater clarity, reducing the likelihood of leaving behind malignant cells. This first-ever Cancer Illumination™ procedure with the Synergy Vision system was performed by NCH Rooney Heart Institute Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Robert Pascotto, MD.

This cutting-edge technology works by enhancing the detection of cancer cells after the administration of CYTALUX, a targeted imaging agent that has been specifically approved by the FDA for use in patients with lung and ovarian cancers. Its mechanism of action involves binding to folate receptors, which are overexpressed on the surface of cancer cells. Once administered, CYTALUX illuminates these cells, making them more visible under the Synergy Vision system’s fluorescence imaging. This technology is particularly beneficial in identifying small or difficult-to-see tumors, which may otherwise be missed during surgery.

Surgical intervention is a common approach to treating lung cancer, with nearly 250,000 new cases diagnosed each year, estimated to result in 125,000 deaths in 2024 alone.1 In a clinical trial, CYTALUX has proven to identify cancerous lesions in the lung that were previously undetected in 19% of patients. An additional cancerous tumor previously undetected prior to surgery was identified in 8% of patients.2

Similarly, near-infrared imaging systems and surgical intervention is proven to detect cases of ovarian cancer sooner than traditional methods, with nearly 20,000 new diagnoses and 13,000 deaths estimated in 2024.3 CYTALUX has proven to detect additional ovarian cancer cases in 27% of patients.4

“Cancer Illumination™ technology with the Arthrex Synergy Vision 4K imaging system is a clinical breakthrough for fluorescence-guided endoscopic cancer surgery,” said Arthrex President and Founder Reinhold Schmieding. “Arthrex is excited to pioneer the future of endoscopic surgery, replicating our more than 40 years of continuous innovation and dedication to our mission of Helping Surgeons Treat Their Patients Better®.”

“NCH is proud to collaborate with Arthrex, a global leader in medical innovation, in making this ground-breaking technology accessible to patients right here in SW Florida,” said Paul Hiltz, President & CEO of NCH.

“This partnership exemplifies our commitment to exceptional quality and reinforces why NCH is the best in the area. By being the first – and in some cases, the only – provider to offer such advanced care, we continue to set the standard for quality healthcare in our region.”

“Arthrex is dedicated to advancing surgical visualization technologies, empowering surgeons to see beyond the surface of the tissue,” said Jeremy Roberts, Arthrex Global Endoscopy Director. “This latest development in Synergy Vision platform is a significant step forward in real-time cancer illumination, allowing surgeons to work with their patients to develop highly informed surgical and treatment plans, resulting in improved patient outcomes.”

For more information, visit synergy.arthrex.com.

References

  1. “Lung Cancer Statistics | How Common Is Lung Cancer?” http://www.cancer.org, www.cancer.org/cancer/types/lung-cancer/about/key-statistics.html#:~:text=About%20234%2C580%20new%20cases%20of. Accessed 25 July 2024.
  2. “CYTALUX for Lung Cancer.” Cytalux, http://cytalux.com/cytalux-for-lung-cancer/. Accessed 25 July 2024.
  3. American Cancer Society. “Ovarian Cancer Statistics | How Common Is Ovarian Cancer.” http://www.cancer.org, 19 Jan. 2024, http://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/ovarian-cancer/about/key-statistics.html. Accessed 25 July 2024.
  4. “CYTALUX for Ovarian Cancer.” Cytalux, cytalux.com/cytalux-for-ovarian-cancer/. Accessed 25 July 2024.

About NCH
NCH (Naples Comprehensive Health) is an Advanced Community Healthcare System™ serving Southwest Florida with premier routine, critical, and specialty care. NCH, a locally governed non-profit, is recognized as one of Healthgrades America’s Top 100 Hospitals which puts it in the top 2% in the nation for clinical excellence, in addition to being named a Top 50 Hospital for Surgical Care. The system is more than just two hospitals (referred to as the NCH Baker Hospital and NCH North Hospital) with a total of 713 beds - NCH is an alliance of over 750 physicians and medical facilities in dozens of locations throughout Southwest Florida and is the region’s only Joint Commission accredited Comprehensive Stroke Center. NCH cardiac care is ranked top-3 in the state by Healthgrades. NCH collaborates with the Hospital for Special Surgery for orthopedics, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital for pediatrics, and ProScan Imaging for radiology services, ensuring top-tier medical care is available in Southwest Florida. With the largest provider network, urgent/immediate care centers, diagnostic facilities, and two hospitals, NCH is always advancing the quality of care near you. For more information, visit www.NCHmd.org.

About Arthrex
Arthrex Inc., headquartered in Naples, Florida, is a global leader in multispecialty, minimally invasive surgical technology, medical research, manufacturing and medical education. Arthrex develops and releases more than 1,000 new products and procedures every year to advance minimally invasive orthopedics, trauma, spine and arthroplasty innovation worldwide and specializes in the latest 4K multi-specialty surgical visualization and OR integration technology solutions. For more information, visit arthrex.com.