By Nick Gilbert
Royal Philips Electronics and Corindus Vascular Robotics declared that they have entered into a distribution agreement to market Corindus' CorPath 200 System in the US.
Having achieved clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the system serves to be the first robotic-assisted system ever that is effective for use in minimally invasive treatment of obstructed coronary arteries in patients affected with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), aka Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI). The distribution agreement’s financial details remain disclosed. Philips possesses a minority share in Corindus Vascular Robotics.
The CorPath 200 System is compatible with all major X-ray fluoroscopy systems like Philips' Allura X-ray equipment. The robotic-assisted system is affordable and compact, convenient for being adopted in standard stents, guidewires, and catheters. Through the distribution agreement, this unique robotic-assisted system can be sold in the U.S. by both the companies, thereby instantly catering to the demand of interventional cardiologists, patients, and staff. This agreement follows the 2011-declared alliance between Philips and Corindus.
X-ray fluoroscopy has been considered as the ideal imaging technology for precise visual tracking of the movement of catheter and other interventional tools while performing minimally invasive treatment of cardiac conditions. As interventional cardiologists conduct several PCI procedures, over time clinical data shows that it can pose health and orthopedic problems. Philip’s extensive portfolio of imaging systems and advanced interventional tools enables clinicians to control X-ray exposure.
Based on robotics, the CorPath 200 System can position stent/balloon catheters and coronary guidewires during PCI procedures. An interventional cardiologist can precisely and efficiently operate this system from a radiation shielded, interventional cockpit.
Source: http://www.philips.com/