Butterfly Network (NYSE:BFLY) and Sientra (NSDQ:SIEN) announced today that they are partnering to aid plastic surgeons in breast implant evaluations.
The partnership allows for Santa Barbara, Calif.-based Sientra’s breast implants to be evaluated longitudinally by plastic surgeons through the use of Butterfly Network’s Butterfly IQ and its Ultrasound-on-Chip technology, according to a news release.
Guilford, Conn.-based Butterfly Network’s Butterfly IQ handheld ultrasound technology is a transducer using semiconductor technology that can perform whole-body imaging using a single handheld probe. The proprietary Ultrasound-on-Chip technology connects to a mobile device and uses AI to deliver advanced imaging.
Through the partnership, plastic surgeons are enabled to offer real-time, in-office diagnostic screening for breast implant patients, removing the time-consuming and costly need for MRI-screening following the FDA’s recent guidance stipulating that ultrasound devices may be used to survey asymptomatic breast implant patients.
Butterfly will be integrated into Sientra’s medical education platform and peer-to-peer network, while board-certified surgeons will be eligible to purchase the ultrasound system directly from both companies.
“At Sientra, patient safety and product quality remain our highest priorities, which is why we entrust our breast implants to only the most qualified surgeons in the industry,” Sientra president & CEO Ron Menezes said in the release. “We are excited to partner with Butterfly Network to build on the long-term clinical and real-world data supporting the safety of our breast implants and equip surgeons with innovative technology to provide superior care to their patients.
“Our partnership with Sientra highlights the unique ability for Butterfly to deliver actionable and diagnostic insights as an advanced assessment tool, allowing for more informed clinical decision making, improving the patient experience,” added Butterfly Network president & CEO Dr. Todd Fruchterman. “The company’s commitment to patient safety mirrors our own and complements our innovative approach to transforming care through technology.
“Butterfly’s mission is to democratize medical imaging by making it accessible to everyone worldwide. With Sientra, we look forward to raising the bar in implant safety and reimagining the quality of care that patients receive.”