
12/23/09
INDIANAPOLIS - Clarian Health's Riley Hospital for Children and Methodist Hospital have each purchased a revolutionary, minimally invasive neurosurgical device that will help pediatric and adult neurosurgeons remove hard-to-reach tumors from the brain and spine. The purchase of The Myriad™ - invented and produced by Indiana-based medical device maker and supplier NICO Corporation - makes Riley the first pediatric hospital in the world and Methodist the first adult hospital in the Midwest to obtain the device.
By acquiring Myriad devices for its nationally-ranked neuroscience program, Clarian further positions itself as a leader in using the newest innovative technologies that can offer improved clinical outcomes for patients and better access to brain and spinal tumors.
The Myriad is the first automated and non-heat producing tumor removal tool that uniquely operates in both open and endoscopic surgical approaches in the central nervous system, which enables Clarian’s neurosurgeons to address a wider spectrum of disease conditions with less trauma to the patient. The device's slender design and malleable tip allows for superior control and precise surgical work that is delivered by the physician through foot pedal operation.
The device also makes it easy for surgeons to move from delicate tissue shaving near or on critical structures like optic nerves and carotid arteries to rapid tissue removal of large, more fibrous tumors without multiple insertions of different devices. This unique ability can shorten operating room times while offering the potential for improved patient outcomes.
Neurosurgeons at Methodist Hospital and Riley Hospital for Children are using the Myriad for minimally invasive tumor access and tumor removal for both adult and pediatric patients.
Riley Hospital for Children’s Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery Jodi L. Smith, PhD, MD, has used the device in a number of pediatric neurosurgical cases. "The Myriad is a safe, easy-to-use, small tumor removal tool that gives me great control in the small spaces I work with in children. A key benefit in this device is that it does not use heat, and this allows for a much safer procedure with less risk to tissue that we do not want to affect in the surgical procedure," says Smith. "Moreover, another great feature of this device is the ability to retrieve aspirated cells/tissues for histopathological evaluation and/or research studies."
Michael Turner, MD, a neurosurgeon with Indianapolis Neurosurgical Group at Methodist Hospital, has used the device on adults and is impressed by the device's ability to control suction and cutting through the working channel of the endoscope - a special feature not currently available by any supplier other than NICO Corporation. "The Myriad is a revolutionary tool for endoscopic neurosurgery that will allow us to do many procedures we currently cannot do safely or do at all," says Turner. "Purchase of this device was essential for us to remain a cutting-edge neurosurgical center."
The Myriad is one of the newest examples of home-grown, technological innovation resulting from collaborations between Indiana-based researchers, physicians, investors, entrepreneurs and venture capitalists. Clarian Health Ventures, the venture-investing arm of Clarian Health, was an early investor in NICO Corporation - specifically attracted to the company's technology because it offers clinical advances that substantially improve today's market options in neurosurgery, ultimately providing improved benefits to patients.
"Being an early investor in NICO Corporation is evidence of our desire to help bring better patient-focused technologies to market," says Kyle Salyers, Managing Director, Clarian Health Ventures. "This is an Indiana technology, driven by Indiana entrepreneurs, supported by Indiana capital, and is being brought to market via Indiana clinical leadership at Clarian. We expect this technology to positively impact the neurosurgical market and significantly improve the surgical options for adults and children with brain and spinal tumors."
Sheila Ogden, RN, administrative director for Clarian Neuroscience, says NICO Corporation is an Indiana-bred innovator bringing national attention to central Indiana's neuroscience community.
"At Clarian, we understand how important it is for Indiana-based organizations to collaborate with local start-up companies who are developing innovative, home-grown technologies that enhance patient care," says Ogden. "Clarian's decision to purchase NICO's Myriad device demonstrates our commitment to establishing a preeminent neuroscience center for patients seeking world-class treatment."
About Clarian Neuroscience - Clarian Neuroscience - which includes Methodist Hospital, Indiana University Hospital and Riley Hospital for Children - is one of the largest and most experienced neuroscience programs in the United States. Clarian Neuroscience links knowledge, compassion and the latest technologies to provide a comprehensive scope of neurological services treating the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles. Recognized nationally for its clinical excellence, its strong emphasis on research and its long-standing partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine - the second largest medical school in the country - Clarian Neuroscience trains world-class clinicians and develops nationally recognized treatment models.
About Clarian Health Ventures - Founded in August 2007, Clarian Health Ventures is a for-profit, wholly-owned subsidiary of Clarian Health. The venture capital fund is designed to make investments that will help facilitate the commercialization of activities within Clarian Health and support external business opportunities that directly benefit Clarian’s mission. Clarian Health Ventures actively seeks investment opportunities that will foster health care innovations and economic development throughout Indiana and the nation. Since its inception, Clarian Health Ventures has made investments in nine start-up companies—five of which are located in Indiana. For more information on Clarian Health Ventures, visit www.clarianhealthventures.com.
About NICO Corporation - Formed in October 2007 and based in Indianapolis, IN, NICO Corporation is dedicated to developing technology for the field of minimally invasive neurosurgery, including skull base and spinal surgery. Their technology and products are designed and developed to positively impact patient's lives, their families, the care giver and the health system provider. For more information, visit www.niconeuro.com.
For more information contact Gene Ford at 317-962-4576.
Content Modified on: 12/23/2009 13:29:11
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