Rentschler's startup company improves endoscopy procedures with patented balloon technology
鈥淲e are incredibly pleased to receive FDA 510(k) clearance for the Ancora-SB device, and look forward to seeing the anticipated clinical benefits,鈥 said Dr. Rentschler, Aspero Medical CEO. 鈥淲e believe this novel balloon design will have a significant impact for both caregivers and patients.鈥
Balloon endoscopy has become the standard of care in the drive to diagnose and treat small bowel disease. Unlike the Aspero Medical Pillar balloon, which is characterized by the addition of a proprietary gripping micro-texture, current balloons are smooth and round, making them prone to slippage. Ineffective balloons are estimated to result in significantly increased annual healthcare costs annually due to incomplete or lengthened procedures.
鈥淭he ever-increasing number of patients suffering with small bowel disease requires that we look to develop innovative diagnostic and treatment options, including devices like the Ancora-SB which is designed to enable more efficient small bowel enteroscopy procedures,鈥 said , Chief Medical Officer for Aspero Medical. 鈥淲e look forward to ensuring that the Ancora-SB is available for all cases where the innovative design can make a difference.鈥
Ancora-SB, a next-generation balloon overtube for GI endoscopy procedures, was initially developed in part through grant funding from the State of baby直播app鈥檚 Office of Economic Development and International Trade and through National Institutes of Health (NIH) SBIR grant funding. Aspero Medical is continuing to innovate in GI endoscopy, and plans to expand the Ancora platform as additional products are brought to market in the near future.
鈥淭here are significant limitations with current technology used in gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures, but Aspero has developed an alternative that will potentially improve performance of certain procedures, save time for practitioners and patients, and improve patient outcomes,鈥 said Mike Freeman, Innosphere Ventures general partner. 鈥淲e look forward to continuing to support the company and the ongoing product development efforts.鈥