Indiana University Health First in the State to Acquire Innovative Brain Surgery Technology

Synaptive Medical’s BrightMatter™ technology provides innovative solution for advanced imaging, surgical planning, navigation and robotic visualization

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Synaptive Medical's BrightMatter™ technology (Video: Business Wire)

INDIANAPOLIS--()--Synaptive Medical Inc. announced today that Indiana University Health has acquired the BrightMatter™ technology, making it the first hospital system in Indiana to offer this technology to patients. BrightMatter is a full solution that supports physicians in the diagnosis and intervention of complex brain surgery with advanced imaging, planning, surgical navigation and robotic visualization.

Indiana University Health Methodist Hospital, supported by Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, is home to one of the largest neuroscience programs in the country and will be the location of this innovative technology. IU Health is the only institution in Indiana to achieve national ranking for neurology and neurosurgery by U.S. News and World Report.

“Performing brain surgery can be a risky procedure; optimal outcomes require precise navigation and accurate visualization of exactly where we are in the brain,” said Dr. Mitesh Shah, President of Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery, and Vice Chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery IU School of Medicine. “The challenge in doing such procedures with navigation in delicate tissue is having the confidence that all of the presurgical imaging has no margin of error and a surgeon’s physical working environment is not compromised.”

BrightMatter uses a type of MRI called diffusion tensor imaging, or DTI, to produce an image of the entire brain’s pathways, also known as tracts. This process allows physicians to consider every possible approach. In the operating room, physicians have a 3D view of the patient’s pathways and can navigate around critical structures. A hands-free robotic arm with a camera attached follows the physician’s tools and shows an image of the patient’s anatomy with unprecedented detail. The arm also facilitates a more ergonomically-friendly environment for the physician, collaboration with all providers in the room, and less surgical time without the need to manipulate cumbersome optics.

“Synaptive brings a solution that allows surgeons to evaluate and perform the most critical aspects of complex neurosurgery, from visualization to ergonomics,” said Dr. Shah. “The history of our group was built on a foundation of true collaboration with providers: BrightMatter is a natural fit for this model from the presurgical image acquisition to operating room efficiency. The system allows everyone involved in the operating room to be able to visualize the surgical field with unparalleled field and depth of view.”

Synaptive Medical obtained clearance from the Food and Drug Administration for their navigation system in April 2015 and is working with some of the top neurosurgical programs in the country to further develop and advance its product line.

“It’s a privilege to work with Indiana University Health and learn from some of the top physicians in their field who are focused on translating advanced technology to address some of today’s most pressing clinical and health care delivery challenges,” said Cameron Piron, President of Synaptive Medical. “Rather than focusing on a procedure or surgical implant, we’re developing an entire process for managing complex cases from the surgical plan to the operating room to patient follow-up.”

Synaptive continues to closely collaborate with surgeons around the world to improve workflow solutions and facilitate ideal patient outcomes. By acquiring BrightMatter, future neurosurgeons who train at IU Health will have access to the latest technological advancements and surgical techniques.

“We want to enable the technology for physicians to evolve the standard of care,” said Piron. “Ideal outcomes are possible, but without insight into the process, innovation will remain a promise instead of a reality. Solving the inefficiencies of existing surgical practice is our ultimate challenge and we’re pleased to join with IU Health in pursing this goal.”

About Indiana University Health | Named among the “Best Hospitals in America” by U.S. News & World Report for 18 consecutive years, IU Health is dedicated to providing a unified standard of pre-eminent, patient-centered care. A unique partnership with Indiana University School of Medicine — one of the nation's leading medical schools — gives its highly skilled physicians access to innovative treatments using the latest research and technology. Discover the strength at www.iuhealth.org.

About Synaptive Medical | Synaptive Medical, a Toronto-based medical device company, has a talented team of scientists, engineers, and locally-based customer care specialists specifically committed to developing and supporting surgical technologies and therapies. Their BrightMatter™ solutions provide advanced tools and information to allow surgeons to focus on patient outcomes. From advanced visualization and guidance to their first hands-free surgical scope, Synaptive medical is collaborating with surgeons, hospitals and industry partners to evolve the standard of care for surgical intervention.

Contacts

Media Contact:
Synaptive Medical
Sherrie Van Oss, 404-290-9664
sherrie.vanoss@synaptivemedical.com

Release Summary

INDIANA UNIVERSITY HEALTH FIRST IN THE STATE TO ACQUIRE INNOVATIVE BRAIN SURGERY TECHNOLOGY

Contacts

Media Contact:
Synaptive Medical
Sherrie Van Oss, 404-290-9664
sherrie.vanoss@synaptivemedical.com