TECHNOLOGY

The majority of endovascular procedures takes place after the insertion of a guidewire, and instruments are subsequently deployed over the guidewire. For example, a coronary lesion can be identified using an IVUS deployed over the guidewire. However, once the IVUS (intravascular ultrasound) is exchanged for a device, the clinician cannot return to the same location without incurring several millimeters of average error. This error is critical, especially for aorto-ostial, bifurcation, and other lesions.

The Frond platform patterns markers (“barcodes”) onto the guidewire at known locations; these barcodes can be read with a very small optical sensor. When the sensor is attached to diagnostic (IVUS, OCT) or therapeutic (stents, balloons) devices, the location of the lesion can be noted precisely, and the therapeutic device can be placed at the exact same spot, in real-time, for precision therapy.

Submillimeter accuracy has been demonstrated in animal models, both in the coronary and in the peripheral artery.

This technology applies not only to PCI, but also to peripheral vascular procedures, and may potentially alter interventions for structural heart disease.