SurgeWest AUA 2023 Buzz Report

SurgeWest AUA 2023 has undeniably set the stage for a new era in urological care, where the fusion of medical brilliance and cutting-edge technology promises brighter outcomes and improved quality of life for patients everywhere. The synergy between medical expertise and technological innovation was palpable, paving the way for a future where urological conditions are met with unparalleled precision, compassion, and efficacy. Below, we highlight our top takeaways from the SurgeWest AUA 2023 show and the trailblazing companies who are making a difference today in MedTech.

Bladder Control Neuromodulation Technologies

Valencia Technologies

Urge Urinary Incontinence is the most common type of bladder control problem in younger and middle-aged women. Valencia Technologies’ coin-sized neurostimulator,eCoin, is placed under the skin near the ankle during a consistent, minimally invasive procedure using only local anesthetic offering drug free relief for those suffering from UUI.

Neuspera Medical Inc.

The Neuspera Implantable Sacral Neuromodulation (SNM) System is comprised of a minimally-invasive implant and convenient external wearable. These are designed to provide relief from the life-limiting symptoms of Urinary Urgency Incontinence. The Neuspera system’s leadless micro-implant and ability to wirelessly power at depth enable a less invasive and more versatile platform for neurostimulation therapy.

Pre & Post Biopsy Genomic Testing

Exosome Diagnostics

Exosome Diagnostics has remained at the forefront of the genomic research field by developing the world’s first liquid biopsy tests using exosomes. The ExoDx Prostate Test is a standalone, exosome-based prostate cancer test delivering a unique data point to help guide the prostate biopsy decision. It is a simple urine test that leverages the power of exosomes to detect disease earlier in the progression of prostate cancer.

Decipher by Veracyte

Decipher Prostate is a genomic classifier that stratifies patients by risk of prostate cancer progression. Physicians use Decipher to help determine which patients may be safe for less intensive treatment approaches and who may need additional or more intensive treatment.

Myriad Genetics

Myriad Genetics develops and offers genetic tests that help assess the risk of developing disease or disease progression and guide treatment decisions across medical specialties where genetic insights can significantly improve patient care and lower healthcare costs. Prolaris is a prognostic, tumor-based biomarker test that looks at cell cycle proliferation genes (CCP) to determine the tumor’s true behavior. Combining tumor aggressiveness with clinical and pathological features, Prolaris eliminates the guesswork and clarifies cancer risk.

Stones & BPH Laser Technology

KARL STORZ

KARL STORZ has extensive experience offering the right solutions for urological procedures, combining proven telescopes and instruments with specially coordinated devices. A new thulium fiber laser (TFL) has been recently developed as a novel surgical tool with multiple applications in urology. The technology, MultiLASE TFL, offers improved precision in dusting, reduced stone retropulsion, higher liquid water absorption coefficient, and shallower tissue penetration depth, expanding possibilities in endourology treatments.

Calyxo, Inc.

Calyxo’s CVAC Aspiration System is the first steerable irrigation and aspiration kidney stone removal device. It is an innovative technology that uses irrigation and aspiration to remove kidney stone pieces post-laser lithotripsy. The goal is to achieve a surgically stone-free outcome.

Innovative MRI/Ultrasound Imaging

Promaxo

Promaxo is redefining the standard of care by improving the quality and speed of patient diagnosis and interventions. The Promaxo System utilizes fast RF pulses without causing any peripheral nerve stimulation or tissue heating, due to low main field and a focused imaging region. It’s single-sided, portable, fast, safe and convenient.

Focal One ExactVu Turkiye

ExactVu, distributed by Focal One, is a micro-ultrasound system for targeted biopsies for prostate cancer. It is the world’s first system supporting both high-resolution and conventional transducers- which enables unmatched resolution and visualization of the prostate and the surrounding anatomy. The ExactVu system is located in the urologist’s usual procedure room, with the entire workflow controlled by the urologist. Being ultrasound based, it’s easy to learn and a fast procedure, which benefits both the patient and physician.

PROCEPT BioRobotics

PROCEPT BioRobotics has a unique Aquablation Therapy that is the first and only image guided, heat free robotic therapy for BPH. Combining cystoscopic visualization with ultrasound imaging provides the surgeon with a multidimensional view of the prostate, enabling personalized treatment planning, tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy. The heat-free waterjet technology ablates prostate tissue in a precise, targeted, and controlled fashion. Their therapy is able to provide safe and durable outcomes, independent of prostate size and shape or surgeon experience.

Clinical Laserthermia Systems AB (CLSB)

Focal laser ablation provides a minimally invasive treatment that targets and destroys only specific parts of glands, organs, or other tissue needing treatment, while preserving the surrounding and remaining tissue. Focal therapy using laser ablation is a growing treatment option for patients with prostate cancer. CLS’ TRANBERG Thermal Therapy System is used to provide laser focal therapy of localized prostate cancer. The procedure is minimally invasive and can be performed at a urology clinic or radiology department with minimal side effects.

BK Medical

bkMedical provides next-generation active imaging for guiding surgical urology procedures. Their flagship imaging system for surgical urology, bkActiv, employs advanced algorithms that automatically optimize image clarity, providing enhanced detail and penetration, spatial resolution, and near-field image quality.

KOELIS

KOELIS Trinity delivers real-time 3D MRI/ultrasound fusion to improve prostate biopsy accuracy and cancer detection rates. The system employs their proprietary Organ Based Tracking (OBT) technology that tracks the prostate, not the probe. OBT automatically compensates for patient and prostate movement with no need for an additional technician to manually realign imagery. The result is exceptionally accurate fusion biopsy as precise as 2.3 mm.

Additional Urological Technology Advancements

Laborie

Laborie is committed to developing innovative tools, including the industry’s leading urodynamics equipment, designed to provide patient-centered care. The Optilume® urethral drug-coated balloon was developed in response to severe patient and physician dissatisfaction with current stricture solutions. The technology combines mechanical dilation for immediate symptomatic relief with local drug delivery to maintain urethral patency.

UroViu Corporation

UroViu’s portable, sterile, single-use platform, Uro-GHD, boasts improved effectiveness with a unique deflectable and rotatable tip, maneuverability combined with superior optics, and HD sensor that offers easy access and visualization of the entire bladder. Physician tested for male cystoscopy, anatomy is no longer a barrier.

Coloplast

Coloplast develops products and services that make life easier for people with intimate healthcare needs. Urinary tract infection risks are a significant challenge for people who use intermittent catheters to empty their bladder. Luja, the first and only male catheter featuring 80+ micro-holes, aims to address important UTI risk factors linked to intermittent catheterisation.