APRIL 24, 2009--Lumenis Inc. (Yokneam, Israel and Santa Clara, CA) plans to introduce a Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) training simulator--as well as the PolyScope Disposable Ureteroscope, a new flexible scope with enhanced vision and flexibility--during the American Urological Association's(AUA) annual meeting (April 25-30, Chicago).
According to Lumenis, an abundance of clinical evidence suggests that HoLEP provides superior outcomes and long term durability in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) of all gland sizes--and physicians are increasingly interested in learning the HoLEP procedure. Dr. James Lingeman, Clinical Professor of Urology, Indiana University School of Medicine, stated, "The HoLEP simulator is the future of surgical training. This learning approach allows physicians to practice the procedure and first achieve a standard level of competence before operating live. This new training technology will benefit physicians and patients alike."
HoLEP can be performed using Lumenis' VersaPulse PowerSuite laser with the company's VersaCut Morcellator system. The company designed PowerSuite as a comprehensive clinical solution--a multi-purpose technology for the endoscopic treatment of stones, BPH, tumors and other soft tissue conditions. The PowerSuite system is the first holmium laser cleared by the FDA for treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).
Lumenis will also display its PolyScope Disposable Ureteroscope, and Dr. Markus Bader of the University of Munich will present his initial experience with the device and discuss its utility and impact on clinical practice.
The PolyScope, which is not yet available for sale in the US, provides a flexible scope design incorporating a truly disposable ureteroscope with a reusable 10,000 pixel fiber optic. This concept solves many of the drawbacks encountered with the use of standard flexible scopes, says Lumenis. Because the PolyScope is disposable, it eliminates costly repairs, possible scope contamination and sterilization issues that can be associated with traditional scopes.
"The total cost (purchase price, maintenance and repair) of using reusable flexible ureteroscopes is high and they must be repaired on a regular basis," said Dr. Markus Bader, Attending Physician / Associate Specialist University of Munich Hospital, GroBhadern. "I also like the fact that because it is disposable, the PolyScope is always ready and I do not have to wait for a reusable scope to be sterilized. My patients also like it when I tell them that the scope I will use has never been used on any other patient."
"The PolyScope is not just an important product for the flexible endoscopy market, but also for Lumenis," stated Mr. Lloyd Diamond, General Manager of Lumenis' Surgical Business. "Adding the PolyScope to our product offering creates entirely new market opportunities for Lumenis. The novel concept and design will provide a competitive foothold for Lumenis in this market. There are also tremendous marketing synergies with our current product line as we can now offer a unique delivery system for the use of our laser technology and other instruments that are commonly used in flexible ureteroscopy."
Experienced thought-leading physicians will be at the Lumenis booth to present HoLAP and HoLEP and their own experiences using PowerSuite and PolyScope, including Drs. Mitchell Humphreys, Mayo Clinic-Scottsdale, Surendra Kumar, Oakwood Annapolis Hospital, Markus Bader, LMU University of Munich, and Scott Hubosky, Thomas Jefferson University. Presentations are scheduled throughout the duration of the AUA meeting.
A complete presentation schedule and more information on HoLEP and the simulator is available at the Lumenis site. Further information on the VersaPulse PowerSuite laser is also available. For more on the American Urological Association's annual meeting see the AUA 2009 site.
Posted by Barbara G. Goode, [email protected], for BioOptics World.