Laser endomicroscopy platform garners FDA approval for use in minimally invasive surgery

Mauna Kea Technologies (Paris, France) has received FDA clearance for use of its Cellvizio confocal laser endomicroscopy platform in surgery. Using the platform, surgeons can have a real-time microscopic image of tissue during a surgical procedure to be able to identify cancerous tissue and guide treatment during surgery.

In image-guided cancer surgery, the Celioflex probe can be delivered endoscopically or laparoscopically through a trocar and manipulated in the surgical field with standard laparoscopic handheld instruments. With precise real-time visualization of tissue during surgery, surgeons may be better able to confirm the absence or presence of metastasis that may not be visible using preoperative imaging. Cellvizio also could make it easier to identify the extent of tumor margins and evaluate appropriate responses to treatment. In resection surgery, the platform could enhance the ability to define the safety margin and improved surgical planning. In addition, pathologists could also benefit from improved frozen section sampling by better targeting of malignant lesions.

In October 2015, the company announced a marketing strategy based on development of new partnerships positioned to incorporate Cellvizio into their established platforms, according to Sacha Loiseau, founder and CEO of Mauna Kea Technologies.

Cellvizio is currently being studied in several major clinical studies in surgical treatment of cancer.