Naples, FL., September 13, 2024 NCH is proud to announce a groundbreaking achievement in the field of minimally invasive surgery by hosting the world’s first procedure utilizing the revolutionary Arthrex Synergy Vision™ imaging system in conjunction with the targeted imaging agent CYTALUX. This pioneering procedure marks a significant advancement in the visualization of lung and ovarian cancers, offering new hope to patients battling these challenging diseases.
The Arthrex, FDA-cleared Synergy Vision system is a state-of-the-art imaging platform that integrates advanced visualization capabilities into minimally invasive surgeries. By utilizing high-definition imaging and real-time fluorescence, the system allows surgeons to distinguish between healthy and cancerous tissues with greater clarity, reducing the likelihood of leaving behind malignant cells. This first-ever Cancer Illumination™ procedure with the Synergy Vision system was performed by NCH Rooney Heart Institute Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Robert Pascotto, MD.
This cutting-edge technology works by enhancing the detection of cancer cells after the administration of CYTALUX, a targeted imaging agent that has been specifically approved by the FDA for use in patients with lung and ovarian cancers. Its mechanism of action involves binding to folate receptors, which are overexpressed on the surface of cancer cells. Once administered, CYTALUX illuminates these cells, making them more visible under the Synergy Vision system’s fluorescence imaging. This technology is particularly beneficial in identifying small or difficult-to-see tumors, which may otherwise be missed during surgery.
Surgical intervention is a common approach to treating lung cancer, with nearly 250,000 new cases diagnosed each year, estimated to result in 125,000 deaths in 2024 alone.1 In a clinical trial, CYTALUX has proven to identify cancerous lesions in the lung that were previously undetected in 19% of patients. An additional cancerous tumor previously undetected prior to surgery was identified in 8% of patients.2
Similarly, near-infrared imaging systems and surgical intervention is proven to detect cases of ovarian cancer sooner than traditional methods, with nearly 20,000 new diagnoses and 13,000 deaths estimated in 2024.3 CYTALUX has proven to detect additional ovarian cancer cases in 27% of patients.4
“Cancer Illumination™ technology with the Arthrex Synergy Vision 4K imaging system is a clinical breakthrough for fluorescence-guided endoscopic cancer surgery,” said Arthrex President and Founder Reinhold Schmieding. “Arthrex is excited to pioneer the future of endoscopic surgery, replicating our more than 40 years of continuous innovation and dedication to our mission of Helping Surgeons Treat Their Patients Better®.”
“NCH is proud to collaborate with Arthrex, a global leader in medical innovation, in making this ground-breaking technology accessible to patients right here in SW Florida,” said Paul Hiltz, President & CEO of NCH. “This partnership exemplifies our commitment to exceptional quality and reinforces why NCH is the best in the area. By being the first – and in some cases, the only – provider to offer such advanced care, we continue to set the standard for quality healthcare in our region.”
“Arthrex is dedicated to advancing surgical visualization technologies, empowering surgeons to see beyond the surface of the tissue,” said Jeremy Roberts, Arthrex Global Endoscopy Director. “This latest development in Synergy Vision platform is a significant step forward in real-time cancer illumination, allowing surgeons to work with their patients to develop highly informed surgical and treatment plans, resulting in improved patient outcomes.”
For more information, visit synergy.arthrex.com.
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