SurgiVision MRI-compatible SmartFlow cannula receives FDA clearance

Memphis, TN, April 11, 2011. SurgiVision, Inc., a leader in interventional MRI-guided systems, announced today at the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) annual meeting that its SmartFlow™ neuro ventricular cannula has received FDA clearance. The SmartFlow cannula is an MRI-compatible injection and aspiration cannula for use in the brain. It’s indication for use is injection of Cytarabine or removal of CSF from the ventricles during intracranial procedures. The SmartFlow cannula is not intended for implant, and it is intended for single patient use only.

The SmartFlow cannula is compatible with SurgiVision’s ClearPoint® system. Using the new SmartFlow cannula with the ClearPoint system, neurosurgeons can select a neurological target, navigate the SmartFlow cannula to the target and observe the delivery of the therapeutic agent, all under intra-procedural MRI guidance. Other features of the SmartFlow cannula include a multi-step tip design to help prevent reflux along the cannula shaft.

“The medical community is continuing to find therapeutic agents that hold great promise in treating various CNS disorders, however many of these agents will require precision delivery, direct into a small neuro target,” said Kimble Jenkins, CEO of SurgiVision. “It is our hope that SurgiVision’s expanding range of products in interventional MRI could help fill this need and lead to better therapies for patients.”

About SurgiVision, Inc.

Founded in 1998, SurgiVision, Inc. is a leader in the emerging field of MRI-guided interventions, creating innovative platforms for performing the next generation of minimally invasive surgical procedures in the brain and heart. Utilizing a hospital’s existing MRI suite, SurgiVision’s FDA-cleared ClearPoint® system is designed to enable a range of minimally invasive procedures in the brain. In partnership with Siemens Healthcare, SurgiVision is developing the ClearTrace™ system to enable MRI-guided catheter ablations to treat cardiac arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation. Building on the imaging power of MRI, SurgiVision's interventional platforms strive to improve patient care while reducing procedure costs and times. SurgiVision is also working with Boston Scientific Corporation to incorporate SurgiVision's MRI-safety technologies into Boston Scientific's implantable leads for cardiac and neurological applications.

Released April 11, 2011