PINPOINT Endoscopic Fluorescence Imaging System

SPY Imaging for Minimally Invasive Surgery

Novadaq's PINPOINT Endoscopic Fluorescence Imaging System combines all of the fluorescence imaging capabilities of SPY Imaging with the HD visible light imaging capabilities of a traditional endoscopic imaging system. PINPOINT can be used as a traditional endoscope and to obtain fluorescence images either on demand or in a simultaneous imaging mode during minimally invasive surgery.

The demand for minimally invasive procedures is rapidly growing as patients enjoy the cosmetic benefits and faster recovery times as a result of the small incision. However, small incisions result in reduced visibility for surgeons, and therefore increase the complexity of procedures and the potential for complications. Based on experiences using the SPY System in open surgery, minimally invasive surgeons anticipate that the use of PINPOINT Imaging may assist surgeons by enabling better visualization of important anatomic structures and providing functional imaging information, thereby resulting in reduced incidences of post-operative complications and lower costs of care.  

Novadaq is currently sponsoring a multi-center, open label, prospective study of up to 150 patients undergoing laparoscopic left colectomies at six leading medical centers throughout North America. The trial, called PILLAR™, Perfusion Assessment in Laparoscopic Left Anterior Resection, is designed to study the clinical impact of visual perfusion assessment using the PINPOINT® Imaging System in assisting surgeons to reduce the incidence of postoperative complications following laparoscopic left colectomy.

Colectomy is indicated for colon cancer, diverticulitis, certain inflammatory and other bowel diseases and has been traditionally performed by means of a standard abdominal incision. Perfusion to tissue can be compromised in colorectal surgeries, which if not detected during the surgery, can lead to tissue necrosis and anastomotic leakage. Recently reported preliminary results of independent studies featuring the use of SPY fluorescence imaging in open colorectal surgery have shown that enabling surgeons to reliably visualize the quality of blood flow and perfusion has resulted in lower post-colon resection leak rates (Pineda et al. 2011. Tech Coloproctol). The PILLAR multi-center study has the potential to demonstrate that the PINPOINT Endoscopic Fluorescence Imaging System also has the potential to provide surgeons performing laparoscopic colectomy with critical information that can similarly reduce leak rates and improve patient outcomes.

Additional details related to the PILLAR trial are posted at www.clinicaltrials.gov.

NOVADAQ®, SPY®, SPY PAQ®, NOVADRAPE®, PINPOINT®, VICTORIA® are registered trademarks of Novadaq Technologies Inc.