- The company's unique Vas Zeppelin catheter-based microsurgery technology platform combines the strengths of various treatment approaches while minimizing associated risks

MOUNTAIN VIEW, California, June 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Based on its recent analysis of the pulmonary disease treatment market, Frost & Sullivan recognizes Sanovas, Inc. with the 2012 North American Frost & Sullivan Award for New Product Innovation. Sanovas's pioneering Vas Zeppelin microsurgery technology platform represents a major leap forward in the tools available to diagnose and treat lung cancer and other airway obstructions.

The increasing incidence of pulmonary disease has already reached epidemic proportions. Due to the lack of effective treatment and curative solutions, the vast majority of treatment costs go toward palliative care services that provide no chance of recovery and minimal quality-of-life enhancement for patients. The lack of effective options for this highly under-served patient population underscores the need for novel and innovative approaches.

"Given the unique anatomical structure of the lungs, most existing treatment options including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation come with major trade-offs," says Venkat Rajan, Frost & Sullivan's industry manager for advanced medical technologies. "Sanovas is developing tools that are re-imagining what is possible in a disease where major advances in care over the past decade have been nominal."

The Vas Zeppelin catheter-based microsurgery platform is a feat in medical device convergence unlike any other. Typically, a convergent medical device indicates a two-in-one drug-device combination, diagnostic-treatment tool, or imaging-intervention product of some variety. However, Sanovas has developed a platform technology that for the first time offers physicians a flexible collection of real-time imaging, access, resection, diagnostics, and drug delivery tools in one therapy enabling system.

"The Vas Zeppelin microsurgical technology platform could be the breakthrough that significantly alters the existing paradigm," opines Venkat. "Early detection and intervention could be the key to providing patients diagnosed with lung cancer a more optimistic prognosis."

Due to its optimal profile and multifaceted construct, the Vas Zeppelin platform can conceivably address pathology found in small diameter anatomy below 3 millimeters. Altogether, Sanovas has provided an all-in-one solution at a scale and at dimensions that may very well enable early intervention in small diameter anatomies that are not currently accessible. The platform combines the strength of various treatment approaches and minimizes the associated risks of venturing into the lungs.

The Vas Zeppelin platform's on-board imaging capabilities provide interventionalists with high-resolution 3D imaging to ensure proper guidance and positioning. The catheter is constructed to provide access and sequestration without obstructing natural air or fluid flow. Depending on need and treatment determination of the clinician, unique variations of the device can deliver RF or cryo therapy. The system's Transbronchial Pressure Vacuum Actuated Micro Biopsy capsule, which allows for a sizable tissue sample to be taken in a safe manner, simplifies the operation and allows for quick immune-diagnostics and personalized medicine approaches.

Further, Sanovas has equipped the device with a combination of sensors on the catheter to provide the surgeon feedback on patient biometrics to ensure the procedure is being performed safely and provide potential warnings in case of risk to the patient or the procedure. Once the catheter position is set, the device has the ability to provide targeted drug delivery of cancer therapeutics and/or immune therapy if required. Such localized drug delivery methods help isolate diseased cells in a better manner and minimize damage to healthy tissue throughout the body.

"Due to its profile and construct, the Vas Zeppelin system also has the potential to be employed or adapted for other diseases where catheters are used in treatment," notes Venkat. "In addition to other hard-to-reach tumors, Sanovas may find significant opportunities in the treatment of peripheral vascular diseases."

Overall, Sanovas's innovative technology represents a major leap forward in the tools available to address lung cancer and other airway obstructions. Its specific design nuances demonstrate the engineering team's keen understanding of the unique set of requirements and features that could greatly impact the outcomes of surgical planning and execution. For these reasons, Sanovas is recognized as the recipient of the 2012 North American Frost & Sullivan New Product Innovation Award in the pulmonary disease medical device market.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that that has developed an innovative element in a product by leveraging leading-edge technologies. The award recognizes the value-added features/benefits of the product and the increased ROI it offers customers, which increases customer acquisition and overall market penetration potential.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research in order to identify best practices in the industry.

About Sanovas, Inc.

Sanovas, Inc., based in Sausalito, Calif., is a leading developer of innovative micro-surgical devices for diagnosing and treating cancer and chronic diseases. Sanovas' micro-surgical technology platform is designed to give surgeons the ability to access and visualize previously inaccessible areas of the body; enabling them to diagnose, treat and deliver drug and immune therapies to small diameter anatomy in entirely new ways. The company plans to commercialize its technology platform, which will initially address the unmet needs in lung cancer and pulmonary disease, in 2012. Privately held Sanovas was founded by the pioneers in minimally invasive surgery. The company has more than 45 multi-national patents pending and awarded.

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SOURCE Frost & Sullivan