Invuity's illuminated breast retractor system helps surgeons to better visualize delicate structures

Oct 24 2011

Invuity, a leading developer of state-of-the-art illuminated surgical technology, today introduced its illuminated breast retractor system at the American College of Surgeons' 97th Annual Clinical Congress in San Francisco.

Designed specifically for breast mastectomies, lumpectomies, sentinel node biopsies and reconstruction procedures, the system integrates the company's proprietary Eigr™ (pronounced eye-gr) illumination technology into an optimized retractor to enable surgeons to improve visualization of anatomic structures during these procedures. The system includes a family of different retractors designed for various surgical approaches, including reconstructive surgeries.

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 2.5 million women in the United States are breast cancer survivors; many chose surgery to remove the cancer. Operating in the breast provides unique challenges for specialists, especially in less invasive surgeries. As breast cancer surgery incisions become smaller, Invuity's illuminated breast retractor system helps surgeons to better visualize delicate structures. Surgeons can use the Invuity breast retractor system whether they are working on a lumpectomy or a mastectomy to enhance visualization and bring illumination inside the incision. The ability to see is critical, particularly in skin and nipple-sparing mastectomies.

"As a breast cancer surgeon for more than 30 years, I have closely followed the advances in surgical techniques with respect to breast conservation surgery," said Dr. Stephen DeSantis, chairman, department of surgery, Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, Calif. "Invuity's Eigr technology enables me to perform advanced breast procedures with remarkable visualization. This is truly an enabling technology that will be greatly appreciated by dedicated breast surgeons and plastic surgeons."

Eigr technology utilizes unique optical structures to control light output to a targeted operative space. By directing light from multiple angles and efficiently managing light across a broad output surface, Eigr virtually eliminates shadows, back reflection, glare and thermal effects such as overheating. Invuity's Eigr breast retractor system is also ergonomically designed so that surgeons have greater comfort and maneuverability.

"Invuity's Eigr breast retractor system is the result of close collaboration with breast cancer surgeons to understand their need to visualize structures better during less invasive procedures," said Philip Sawyer, chief executive officer of Invuity. "As a result, Invuity provides critical tools to aid in these procedures."

Last year, Invuity closed $15.6 million in Series C funding designed to support the commercial launch of multiple new product introductions and general operating expenses. The funding was led by InterWest Partners and current investor Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers also participated.

Invuity works closely with surgeons from leading institutions to determine which surgical procedures can best benefit from improved visualization. The result of this collaborative approach to product development is a suite of products that integrate Eigr technology and address procedures in a variety of surgical specialties including spine, orthopedics, head and neck and oncology.