Lishan Aklog, M.D., Chairman and CEO of PAVmed, said "We are excited to report that CarpX performed very well in this important pre-clinical study. The device consistently cut the ligament from the inside out, replicating the anatomic result of traditional, invasive carpal tunnel surgery, but without the need for a surgical incision."
"In accordance with PAVmed’s proven business model, we are now aggressively proceeding towards completion of commercial design, validation/verification testing and FDA submission with clearance and commercialization targeted for 2017. We estimate the market opportunity for CarpX to be over $1 billion based on the current rate of surgical procedures," Dr. Aklog concluded.
Dr. Brian deGuzman, Chief Medical Officer of PAVmed, stated "Carpal Tunnel Syndrome affects millions of people and is one of the most common and economically burdensome occupational injuries in the nation. Its incidence is expected to further grow as a result of aggressive thumb typing and smartphone use." 1,2
"Most patients choose to avoid or delay treatment until symptoms become debilitating because they are concerned about the pain, scarring and recovery time associated with the traditional invasive surgical approach. As a completely percutaneous device, we believe CarpX will expand the market by lowering the threshold for patients to pursue treatment," Dr. deGuzman added.
The symptoms of CTS result from compression of the median nerve by an inflamed or scarred Transverse Carpal Ligament (TCL) located near the wrist.
In traditional, invasive carpal tunnel surgery, the physician cuts the TCL working through an open surgical incision in the hand, with or without the help of an endoscope. Approximately 600,000 patients undergo this procedure each year in the U.S.3
CarpX consists of a balloon catheter with integrated bipolar radiofrequency cutting electrodes, which is introduced into the carpal tunnel percutaneously over a guidewire, without an open surgical incision.
Once its position is confirmed by ultrasound, the balloon is inflated, stretching the TCL over the electrodes and pushing the median nerve and other structures safely away. A brief burst of radiofrequency energy cuts the ligament, relieving the compression of the median nerve.
"As a dramatically less-invasive percutaneous treatment option, CarpX has the potential to reduce pain and recovery time and to be more cost-effective by shortening procedural times and shifting care from the operating room to less costly treatment settings," Dr. deGuzman added. "We expect to be able to provide patients and their physicians with this exciting new solution in 2017."
CarpX was tested in 14 human cadaver arms. In one group, the device was positioned within the carpal tunnel, after exposing the TCL, to directly observe the cutting of the ligament. In a second group, the device was inserted percutaneously under ultrasound guidance.
The device reliably and effectively cut the ligament, cleanly and without charring or collateral injury, in under 1.5 seconds. The full data from the study will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
