Invuity Throws Light on Minimal Access Surgery

Invuity, Inc., a surgical photonic company based in San Francisco, California, is launching what it calls a “drop in” light to be used in minimal access surgery. Called the Invuity Waveguide XT System, the new product adds to the company’s photonics-based portfolio.

According to the company release, Invuity’s photonics technology delivers visualization of tissue planes, critical structures and anatomical landmarks. An estimated 30% to 40% of all surgical procedures in the United States are minimal access and the percentage is growing, say company officials. They note that minimal access techniques improve surgical outcomes, minimize risks associated with traditional open surgery, and reduce post-operative recovery and hospitalization time.

The surgeon does have to be able to see what he is doing. Proponents of Invuity’s Waveguide XT System report that it can be strategically placed within the incision to direct and shape the illumination deep into the disc space providing startlingly clear visualization without the risk of thermal tissue damage. Warren F. Neely, M.D., Neurosurgery, Christus Santa Rosa Health System in San Antonio, Texas said, “With this innovative drop-in device, surgeons benefit from superior visualization without altering their standard surgical technique or instrumentation.”

Company officials say the technology projects thermally cool, brilliant light to volumetrically illuminate deep surgical cavities, providing visualization while virtually eliminating shadows, glare and thermal hazards.