Expanding into fluorescence image-guided surgery, Bracco Imaging acquires SurgVision

Oct. 18, 2017

SurgVision's targeting solution is expected to provide significant improvements vs. competing modalities.

Diagnostic imaging company Bracco Imaging (Milan, Italy) has acquired SurgVision ('t Harde, Netherlands), a startup focused on developing a real-time fluorescence image-guided surgery platform that pairs a targeted fluorescence agent and a device for efficient tumor visualization during oncology surgical procedures.

As surgery remains the primary curative option for most solid cancers, a predominant challenge for surgeons during these procedures has been the limitations of visual inspection and digital palpation to distinguish tumors from healthy tissue. Fluorescence image-guided surgery represents an innovative intraoperative optical technique aimed at assisting surgeons in distinguishing tumors from surrounding tissue, combining an infrared camera and contrast agent approach.

SurgVision's targeting solution is expected to provide significant improvements vs. competing modalities and products because of the extremely advanced features of its optical camera and very-sensitive targeting performance of its imaging agent.

The investment in SurgVision provides Bracco Imaging with key competencies and technologies strategically adjacent to the company's core business, explains Micol Fornaroli, chief strategy officer at Bracco Imaging. At the same time, he says, the acquisition will accelerate the development of projects currently in scope of the company's research and development efforts.

For more information, please visit www.braccoimaging.com and www.surgvision.com.