Surgical Robotics Technology
Q’Apel Medical, Inc. has announced that the United States Patent & Trademark Office has granted the company U.S. Patent No. 11,123,522 covering important features of its differentiated dual-mode catheter designs. The SelectFlex™ variable stiffness technology provides unparalleled tracking and support in neurovascular access cases. Comprised of two operational modes, tracking mode and support mode allows physicians to switch between modes on-demand in a clinical case. By injecting 0.2cc of saline, and the technology goes into track mode, becoming soft and flexible for tracking into distal neurovasculature. By applying vacuum, the technology transitions into support mode, maintaining its shape and resists bending.
Jeff Krolik, CTO at Q’Apel Medical said: “SelectFlex™ technology is an important innovation for Q’Apel Medical because it allows us to make catheters that have a mix of trackability and support that is unparalleled in the industry. We can transition from very soft and flexible to highly supportive device on the fly during the case, and it is easily controlled by the user. We look forward to continue differentiating our products through the application of SelectFlex™ technology.”
King Nelson, CEO at Q’Apel Medical said: “Our ability to identify unmet clinical needs and build cutting-edge solutions in a timely manner is what differentiates us from our contemporaries. The SelectFlex™ technology plays a huge role in our success and is foundational in our product pipeline.”
Q’Apel Medical has other pending patent applications and plans to acquire CE Certification and expand into Europe later this year. Q’Apel Medical products are currently being utilized in over 200 hospital systems nationwide.
Source: Q’Apel Medical.
