The ArthroFree wireless surgical camera system. [Image courtesy of Lazurite]
Minnetronix Medical (St. Paul, Minnesota) has played an important development and manufacturing partner role with Lazurite’s wireless surgical camera system.
It’s been nearly two months since Lazurite (formerly Indago) announced FDA 510(k) clearance of its ArthroFree system. ArthroFree combines proprietary low-heat, high-intensity Meridiem light engine technology with advanced camera, battery and wireless transmission technologies and drop-in compatibility with patient data consoles, surgical displays and endoscopes. The goal is to to improve operating room productivity, patient safety and economic value.
Minnetronix ‘s optics experts optimized the ArthroFree’s image signal processing chain — the signal path an image takes to travel through the system, from an image sensor’s initial capture to on-screen display. The Minnetronix team reduced latency and increased image quality, enabling physicians to see high-quality real-time video from the wireless device, according to Minnetronix.
“We found a technical solution to overcome the assumption that a wireless device can’t perform as well as a traditional wired system,” Minnetronix VP and GM Matt Adams said in a news release posted yesterday. “The ability to move from wired to wireless with the same, or even enhanced, clarity sets a new standard in the industry.”
Lazurite CEO Eugene Malinskiy credited Minnetronix with providing the expertise needed for the ArthroFree system’s commercialization. “Our goal was to be the first wireless surgical camera to receive FDA clearance. The quality of our system and the manufacturability of its design were a result of our partnership with Minnetronix and two major factors in achieving our goal.”
Minnetronix Medical’s optics business has been scoring some successes recently. It played a role in bringing Oculogica’s concussion diagnostic device to market. I also launched a strategic partnership with the optics research organization INO.