Imaging pioneer Arun Menawat explains how MR-driven Profound Medical will upend traditional surgery
Jun 7, 2024
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Imaging pioneer Arun Menawat, CEO of Profound Medical, discusses innovative MR-driven therapies in a radiation-free surgery approach. The podcast also covers industry news, including advancements in surgical robotics, AI in surgery, mergers, and imaging technologies in the medical device sector.
Profound Medical utilizes MR imaging and AI for minimally invasive treatments.
Successful clinical trials and patient satisfaction drive hospital adoption of Prostate Disease treatment.
Future plans include expanding incision-free treatments to new medical areas and AI integration for treatment efficiency.
Deep dives
Profound Medical Technology Overview
Profound Medical offers an innovative incision-free treatment for prostate disease, utilizing real-time imaging in conjunction with MR technology. This approach aims to provide a less invasive and more comfortable procedure, allowing patients to go home the same day with minimal recovery time. The technology can be applied in various settings, including imaging centers, ambulatory surgery centers, and hospitals.
Clinical Trials and Data
Profound Medical conducted a pivotal TACT trial with 115 patients, showcasing positive clinical outcomes, such as minimal incontinence and erectile dysfunction post-treatment. The clinical data and patient satisfaction led to strong adoption by over 50 leading hospitals in the US. The company has focused on early adopters, resulting in significant patient interest, with around 1,000 patients treated annually.
Regulatory Approval and Reimbursement
The FDA granted regulatory clearance in August 2019 for Prostate Disease treatment. The company secured CPT codes for reimbursement, which will be effective in January 2025. Currently, patients primarily opt for cash payments to undergo the treatment. Prostate Disease patients show a willingness to pay around $35,000 for the incision-free procedure.
Application of AI in Treatment
Profound Medical integrated AI technologies into their processes to enhance treatment efficiency and accuracy. AI modules assist in contouring treatment designs, reducing surgeon manual effort and time significantly. The AI contouring assistant provides treatment recommendations based on successful patients' data, aiding in quicker decision-making and improving treatment outcomes.
Future Perspectives and Advancements
Profound Medical envisions expanding its incision-free treatment approach to other areas beyond prostate disease, such as uterine pain management and addressing solid organ tumors. The company's pipeline includes further applications of real-time MRI technology for various medical conditions. Continuous innovation and clinical study advancements aim to establish a broader treatment portfolio to revolutionize surgery approaches in the medical field.
Conclusion
Profound Medical's incision-free treatment model using real-time imaging and AI technologies represents a significant advancement in medical procedures, offering patients a less invasive and efficient option for various conditions. With innovative clinical trials, regulatory approvals, and reimbursement strategies, the company aims to broaden its impact in the healthcare industry, paving the way for enhanced surgical approaches and improved patient outcomes.
In this episode of the DeviceTalks Weekly Podcast, Editorial Director Tom Salemi visits with Arun Menawat, CEO and Chairman of Profound Medical, developer of incision-free therapies which combine real-time MR imaging, thermal ultrasound and closed-loop temperature feedback control for the radiation-free ablation of diseased tissue. In the conversation we’ll discuss Menawat’s past successes and his vision for the future of surgery. Go to profoundmedical.com for more information.
Thank you to Profound Medical for sponsoring this episode of the DeviceTalks Weekly podcast.
We’re also thrilled to announce the return of the Newmarker’s Newsmakers! Chris Newmarker returns with a wrap up of the hottest news on MassDevice.com, the medical device industry’s leading news source. This week we’ll cover news from Microbot Medical, Stryker, BD, Edwards and others.
If you want to hear Joe Mullings take on the Karl Storz/Asensus deal go here. https://www.devicetalks.com/can-sovato-health-build-digital-highway-for-remote-robotic-surgery-unpacking-the-storz-asensus-news/
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