Laparoscopic surgery firm releases enhanced visualization device

Laparoscopic surgery company Minimally Invasive Devices has released a new version of its visualization device that removes debris from the tip of a laparoscope.

The new product, the FloShield PLUS, features a novel cleaning agent that allows for cleaning of the end of a laparoscope without removing it from a patient’s abdominal cavity, according to a statement from Columbus-based Minimally Invasive Devices (MID).

The device also uses patented airflow technology to defog and deflect debris from a laparoscope’s tip. MID obtained U.S. regulatory clearance for the original FloShield device in 2008.

The company has already begun a limited release of the new FloShield PLUS, and expects a full-market release in the first quarter of 2012.

In testing of the new device, any required lens cleanings were performed within the abdominal cavity without removing the laparoscope from the patient in the first 19 test cases, according to MID.

Last year, MID signed a U.S. distribution deal with San Diego-based CareFusion for the FloShield.

The device received European regulatory clearance earlier this year.