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Bram Schermers, Founder, CEO, CTO , Sirius MedicalThanks to the advances in mammography screening, it is possible to diagnose breast cancer at the earliest stages before it becomes palpable. Early detection allows surgeons perform breast conserving surgery, removing only the tumor and leaving the healthy tissue.
When the Sirius Medical Founder, CEO and CTO, Bram Schermers, worked on his thesis at the Netherlands Cancer Institute, he was baffled to find that surgeons relied on wire-guided localization during these surgeries. The method uses a metal wire placed in the patient’s breast prior to surgery to guide the surgeon to the tumor. Invented 70 years ago, wire-guided localization remains the standard of care globally.
The Netherlands Cancer Institute, known globally for its forward-thinking approach, started using radioactive seed localization (RSL). This eliminated the wire and provided surgeons with much better precision. However, the biggest limitation of adopting the radiation-based technology was the radioactivity itself. Although used very actively in the Netherlands, this method received limited acceptance in other countries because of the regulatory strings attached to the application of radioactivity.
Schermers based his innovative approach in Pintuition® on the same principle as RSL (using a tiny seed or marker), but instead of relying on radioactivity, his method uses a grain-sized magnet placed at the tumor site.
During surgery, the surgeon uses a unique probe designed to deliver navigational guidance towards the implanted marker.
“The probe uses a series of extremely sensitive magnetic sensors that function like a GPS system. We know the exact magnetic fingerprint that we are looking for so the system can accurately calculate in real time the exact location, “ Schermers noted.
In recent years, several wire free, first-generation localization technologies have emerged. “These first-generation devices could tell you a millimeter distance at best, but you will have no idea whether that is in front of your probe or next to it since there is no directionality in the system,” says Schermers.
What makes Pintuition, a second-generation technology, unique is its GPSDetect™ software. This software provides directional feedback using audio and visual guidance to locate tumors more easily and accurately. Additionally, the unique TargetLOC™ feature allows users to visualize when the probe is perfectly aligned above the seed.
Another guiding principle in developing the Sirius Pintuition system was ease of use. While sophisticated technology drives the system, the audible sounds, how you see the information on the screen and the way it works for users is exceedingly simple. Both experienced surgeons and new surgeons find the system intuitive to use.
What is very important for us as a company, is developing innovative technology that is affordable and accessible throughout the globe. It’s part of our DNA
Simplicity, precision, and affordability has converted many surgeons who are now using the technology, but Sirius Medical does not plan to stop there.
“I think that one of the challenges that medical device companies face is not how you develop technology, but how you make it affordable to your user base. That is really where Sirius Medical goes the extra mile. We show our customers the value of the technology and the money that can be saved along the patient care pathway “ Schermers says. “What is very important for us as a company, is developing innovative technology that is affordable and accessible throughout the globe. It’s part of our DNA.”
Company
Sirius Medical
Management
Bram Schermers, Founder, CEO, CTO , Sirius Medical
Description
Sirius Pintuition, powered by GPSDetect™, is the only wire-free localization technology that provides navigational guidance in an easy-to-use and intuitive system.
Sirius Medical News
Sirius Medical Announces Major Funding Round To Further Accelerate Sales Growth And New Product Development
Sirius Medical supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month with the launch of the Pintuition® Slim Probe with GPSDetect™ in the U.S.
EINDHOVEN - Sirius Medical, a global leader in surgical marker navigation, proudly stands with the Breast Cancer Awareness Month as it announces the introduction of the Sirius Pintuition Slim Probe with GPSDetect™ to the U.S. market. Recognizing the importance of innovative technology in the fight against breast cancer, this announcement highlights Sirius Medical's commitment to supporting those affected by the disease and advancing care and treatment options.
Crafted to serve as an integral element within the Pintuition Surgical Marker Navigation System, the Slim Probe incorporates a multi-sensor array equipped with exceptionally sensitive sensors. Its unparalleled precision and accuracy in identifying non-palpable tumors empower surgeons to execute meticulous procedures, thereby guaranteeing optimal results for patients. The newly introduced Slim Probe showcases a slender working length of 10 cm, simplifying entry through smaller incisions and affording greater maneuverability for surgical oncoplastic methods, which are pivotal in the effective treatment of breast cancer.
"We take great pride in continuous innovation on the GPSDetect™ Pintuition platform. Because the platform is highly flexible, we can adapt and introduce improvements easily and efficiently," states Bram Schermers, CEO, Sirius Medical. "The new Pintuition Slim Probe is just one example of this. We were able to reduce the tip surface area of the probe by 55%, without it affecting the precision and performance. We are proud to continue our leadership role in oncology surgery and to be honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month."
"I do a lot of oncoplastic breast surgery and often the incisions are far removed from where the tumor is located. I need 100% certainty that I can reliably find the tumor at the exact location," commented Barry Rosen, M.D., breast surgical oncologist, Chicago, IL. "The new Sirius Pintuition Slim probe not only allows me access through a small incision but I also know I will be right on target."
"This new probe with its small tip and long slim working length combined with navigation precision, is the perfect combination for my Hidden Scar™ surgeries," states Allison DiPasquale, M.D., breast surgical oncologist, Dallas, TX.
Crafted to serve as an integral element within the Pintuition Surgical Marker Navigation System, the Slim Probe incorporates a multi-sensor array equipped with exceptionally sensitive sensors. Its unparalleled precision and accuracy in identifying non-palpable tumors empower surgeons to execute meticulous procedures, thereby guaranteeing optimal results for patients. The newly introduced Slim Probe showcases a slender working length of 10 cm, simplifying entry through smaller incisions and affording greater maneuverability for surgical oncoplastic methods, which are pivotal in the effective treatment of breast cancer.
"We take great pride in continuous innovation on the GPSDetect™ Pintuition platform. Because the platform is highly flexible, we can adapt and introduce improvements easily and efficiently," states Bram Schermers, CEO, Sirius Medical. "The new Pintuition Slim Probe is just one example of this. We were able to reduce the tip surface area of the probe by 55%, without it affecting the precision and performance. We are proud to continue our leadership role in oncology surgery and to be honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month."
"I do a lot of oncoplastic breast surgery and often the incisions are far removed from where the tumor is located. I need 100% certainty that I can reliably find the tumor at the exact location," commented Barry Rosen, M.D., breast surgical oncologist, Chicago, IL. "The new Sirius Pintuition Slim probe not only allows me access through a small incision but I also know I will be right on target."
"This new probe with its small tip and long slim working length combined with navigation precision, is the perfect combination for my Hidden Scar™ surgeries," states Allison DiPasquale, M.D., breast surgical oncologist, Dallas, TX.
Sirius' state-of-the-art navigation system Pintuition provides surgeons with real-time distance and directional navigational guidance to locate tumors easily and accurately. With over 100 active centers and more than 5,000 successful Pintuition procedures across Western Europe and the US, the company experienced an unprecedented growth in revenue in 2022, attributable to Pintuition's ease of use, straightforward implementation, and its unmatched precision in locating the target tissue.
"Sirius Medical has done a great job developing and bringing to market the Pintuition technology with a strong commercial start," says Peter Stein, Chief Executive of Norgine Ventures. "Norgine Ventures is excited to support Sirius Medical's leadership and their vision to deliver cost effective solutions in surgery."
"We are excited about the market potential for surgical marker navigation," says Jan Frens van Giessel, partner at Holland Capital. "We believe that the Pintuition technology and its future innovations will significantly improve surgery of non-palpable tumors for patients, physicians and improve the care for cancer patients."
"Having become the fastest growing company in the industry is a clear confirmation of the unique benefits that our technology brings to both patients and physicians," says Bram Schermers, CEO at Sirius Medical. "Supported by this latest funding round I am confident that our highly talented and motivated team will further drive the adoption of Pintuition across the globe."