Cook Medical is claiming a first with the U.S. launch of an endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) needle that can acquire histological samples. The EchoTip® ProCore™ Endobronchial Ultrasound Needle gives physicians the ability to retrieve both cell and tissue samples from lymph nodes or tumors in the pulmonary area.
Background
The EchoTip ProCore EBUS needle is a single-use needle that collects cell and tissue samples in order for a physician to diagnose lung cancer and various mediastinal diseases. The needle can be used for fine-needle biopsy of lesions of submucosal and extramural lesions within or adjacent to the tracheobronchial tree or gastrointestinal tract.
Prior to the availability of the new needle, tissue samples from the pulmonary area could be obtained only by surgical methods. Minimally invasive procedures could obtain cell samples only through fine needle aspiration. The EchoTip ProCore EBUS needle is designed with a core-trap technology that allows physicians to collect tissue samples through a minimally invasive procedure.
Company comments
“Cook’s ProCore technology has already proven itself in the GI endoscopic ultrasound space,” said Barry Slowey, global leader of Cook Medical’s Endoscopy division. “We are so pleased that physicians can now use the same technology in the pulmonary area, and we hope that this technology will aid in quick and accurate diagnosis for patients.”
Source: Cook Medical, Business Wire
published: February 12, 2014 in: Cook, General Surgery, Launches / Withdrawals, Thoracic/Respiratory