Synaptive's 'GPS for the brain' gets FDA green light

The FDA has given clearance to Synaptive Medical for its neurosurgery surgical navigation device that will help guide brain surgeons during procedures, as well as keep track of surgical tools.

Dubbed the BrightMatter Guide system by the Canadian company, the device provides 3D images of the brain to help guide surgeons during tricky neurological procedures. The images are placed over an anatomical scan, offering a way to visualize the inside of the brain, the company said.

BrightMatter, which is meant to be paired with Synaptive's Vision and Drive systems, also keeps tabs on surgical tools during procedures. The Drive system features a robotic arm that keeps optics and lights at optimal positions during surgery while the Vision element provides surgeons with crisp resolution and a high depth of field, the company said in a press release.

"BrightMatter Guide is a GPS of sorts for the brain, giving surgeons a visual representation of the complex structures and associated tractography of the brain in the operating room, where they need them." Cameron Piron, Synaptive's president, said in a statement. "Combined with our other technologies, Synaptive can streamline the entire procedure, from pre-operative imaging to post-operative evaluation."

Last month, Synaptive acquired Clear Canvas, an imaging informatics company, for an undisclosed price. Toronto-based Clear Canvas boasted a global customer base of about 30,000 healthcare professionals.

- see the release