Boston Scientific is bolstering its endoscopy pipeline with the acquisition of an in-development tissue retractor from Newark, CA’s LumenR. The system is intended for the endoscopic removal of lesions in the gastrointestinal tract.
The LumenR Tissue Retractor System is designed to enhance endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) procedures by providing improved visualization of lesions and a stable working environment, according to a statement. These procedures are less invasive alternatives to surgical resection to remove precancerous lesions and malignant tumors in the esophagus, stomach or colon.
Endoscopic treatment for colorectal, esophageal and gastric cancers often includes ESD and EMR procedures. Having a tool to facilitate these procedures could be a boon for the more than 137,000 people in the U.S. who will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year.
"We are excited about the potential of the LumenR system to improve visibility and control during ESD and EMR procedures and improve quality of life for patients," said Art Butcher, Boston Scientific senior vice president and president of its endoscopy business, in the statement. "Every year, patients around the world undergo open gastrointestinal surgery that has a profound impact on their lives. By bringing this innovative technology forward, we have an opportunity for more physicians to treat patients successfully through less invasive endoscopic procedures."
Boston Sci will fold the LumenR system into its endoscopy pipeline, developing and evaluating the system ahead of commercialization, according to the statement. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
In September, Boston Scientific agreed to acquire gastrointestinal specialist EndoChoice to the tune of $210 million. Endoscopic imaging tools, diagnostics and infection-control products are among the products Boston Sci expects to integrate into its endoscopy unit. These include EndoChoice’s Fuse Endoscopy System, which affords a 330-degree field of view, allowing clinicians to see nearly twice as much as a traditional endoscope would.