Galway medical device developer Crospon has been recognised with the 2009 European Gastroenterology Technology Implementation of the Year Award by Frost & Sullivan.
The Award is in recognition of Crospon’s successful implementation of the impedance planimetry technique for its EndoFLIP (endoscopic functional lumen imaging probe) imaging system.
Crospon has designed the EndoFLIP tool to provide a more physiologically relevant diagnostic test for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The EndoFLIP system also assists surgeons in the assessment of the degree of surgical tightening of the top of the stomach (sphincter region) during surgery.
Chronic GERD is a prevalent disorder reaching epidemic proportions worldwide that manifests itself as severe heartburn caused by the stomach acid refluxing up into the oesophagus.
“In cases of failure of GERD symptom control with targeted drugs, patients may be referred for minimally invasive surgical techniques as a remedy,” explained Frost & Sullivan global research manager, Prasanna Vadhana Kannan.
“However, the presently available arsenal of diagnostic tools are less effective in assessing the dysfunction of the valve, which gives rise to an urgent need for a clinically acceptable imaging platform that provides the most relevant information to diagnose GERD.
“Crospon has remarkably addressed this critical need for a diagnostic platform targeting GERD by creating an integrated solution, called EndoFLIP, that facilitates real-time imaging of the lower oesophageal sphincter in less than 10 minutes”, Kannan added.
In January, Crospon announced that its EndoFLIP system had received CE Mark certification from the NSAI (National Standards Authority of Ireland), the Irish notified body, in accordance with the European Medical Device Directive.
CE Mark certification represented an important step in the company’s development, and ensures Crospon remains on schedule to release the EndoFLIP system into the European market by the end of the first half of 2009.
“We are in a critical phase of our development, having recently established a US operation as we prepare for market entry,” said John O’Dea (pictured), CEO Crospon.
“International recognition of the calibre of Frost & Sullivan is a significant boost for Crospon and our EndoFLIP system,” O’Dea added.
By John Kennedy
Pictured: John O’Dea, CEO, Crospon
