US deal for Cardiff spinout

Alesi Surgical has struck an exclusive deal with Olympus to distribute the company’s Ultravision surgical smoke control system in the United States.

Alesi – which began as a Cardiff University life sciences spin-out – developed Ultravision to remove surgical smoke – a byproduct of tissue treated with electrical surgical devices for cutting, cautery and other uses.

Ultravision, which suppresses the aerosolisation of surgical smoke and mist, is already cleared for use in laparoscopic and open surgery in the US. The deal has been welcomed by the Development Bank of Wales.

Two US states have passed laws mandating that hospitals install local exhaust ventilation systems in procedure rooms to control smoke and reduce the risk of staff exposure, with other state legislation pending.

"Ultravision is the only technology that rapidly and continuously clears the smoke from the visual field without requiring CO2 exchange and filtration. It is the only product that provides maximum view with minimum carbon dioxide exposure," said Dominic Griffiths, chief executve of Alesi Surgical.

"Given the immense resources and expertise of Olympus, this exciting partnership will greatly accelerate the ability of US hospitals to access Ultravision and provide its benefits to staff and patients."

Olympus is a leading global manufacturer of optical and digital precision technology. Ross "Rusty" Segan, chief medical officer for Olympus Corporation, added: "Using an effective surgical smoke management device is essential to minimizing the risk of exposure for surgical teams in the operating room.

"Healthcare professionals are rightly concerned about risks posed by bioaerosols, especially during the pandemic.  However, we must find safe ways to continue performing surgical procedures using minimally invasive techniques because of the significant clinical benefits this type of surgery offers patients. With its unique and highly characterized mode of action, Ultravision offers an innovative means to control bioaerosols during laparoscopic surgery."

Philip Barnes, investment executive at the Development Bank of Wales, said: “We're excited by this latest development for Alesi, this is a significant branch into international markets, with clear benefits for the health and medical sectors. We look forward to supporting them as they continue to grow."