One of our greatest success stories, the Visualase technology disrupted the neurosurgery and urology markets with an innovative non-invasive thermal ablation system, recently acquired by Medtronic.

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Phasor Health

Problem

Thermal ablation, or creating tissue necrosis by elevated temperatures, using various energy sources was previously performed without real-time feedback during the heating process, resulting in a “treat and see” type of approach to addressing an intended target. While this approach is feasible and can generally be performed safely in some areas of the body, other targets, such as brain and prostate tissues are in close proximity to critical structures, requiring extreme precision and control of ablation process.

Solution

Biotex founders and engineers created Visualase®, the first integrated feedback-controlled system that utilized advanced cooled laser fiber optics and MRI-based thermal imaging to display temperature maps and estimate of thermal damage as the procedure was performed. The Visualase system was the first system cleared by the FDA to coagulate soft tissue through thermal therapy under MRI guidance in a number of clinical specialties including neurosurgery and urology.

The Approach

The project, conceived and executed at Biotex, involved combining and innovating on a number of existing technologies. Original ideas were patented, and funding initially pursued through a number of Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants from the National Institutes of Health. The technology was spun-out into a separate entity in 2005 and $9.4M in private capital raised to support ultimate FDA-clearance and commercialization. Throughout this period, Biotex continued to perform research, development, and manufacturing services for Visualase, including all quality system, regulatory filings, and product listings with the FDA.

The Acqusition

Visualase commercial activities eventually focused on neurosurgery applications, specifically in epileptic foci and tumor ablation. In 2012, Medtronic invested $3M in Visualase alongside others as part of a Series B fundraise. Having observed the rapid commercial adoption, strong emerging clinical data, and growing revenue streams, Medtronic acquired the company in 2014 for up to $105M. Today the technology is part of the Medronic’s neurosurgery technology offering and continues to gain rapid adoption and find numerous applications for minimally invasive surgical procedures. http://www.medtronic.com/us-en/healthcare-professionals/products/neurological/laser-ablation/visualase.html

  • FOUNDERS Tom, Elliot, Hamish
  • BACKED BY Seedcamp
  • BASED IN Huckletree
  • FOUNDED IN 2015
  • FEATURED IN Techcrunch
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