Originally Published MX March/April 2004
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COVER STORY
How It WorksThe OmniWave technology developed by OmniSonics Medical Technologies (Wilmington, MA) enables the delivery of therapeutic acoustic energy in an omnidirectional 360º pattern around a small-diameter wire.
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| The Resolution system handpiece and therapeutic wire. (click to enlarge) |
In application, acoustic energy is directed down a wire that has been tuned to oscillate at a frequency capable of selectively resolving targeted occlusive materials such as the fibrin found in thrombus. Unlike treatments that break up thrombus into large pieces that must be mechanically removed, particulate resulting from resolution with the OmniWave technology is about the size of a red blood cell. Other materials, such as the more-elastic walls of arteries, veins, and synthetic grafts are not adversely affected.
Protected by more than 60 patents and pending patents, the OmniWave technology has been clinically tested for such applications as the removal of cataracts (phaco-emulsification) and bone cement (joint replacement surgery), as well as for surgical aspiration and coagulation. OmniSonics is developing the technology for a broad range of endovascular indications well beyond the reach of previous technologies.
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| Using acoustic energy to resolve occlusions. (click to enlarge) |
The company's first product is the Resolution system, which is CE marked for distribution in Europe to treat thrombotic occlusions. The system includes a generator, handpiece, and the Resolution 360 therapeutic wire. It is designed to permit physicians to use familiar techniques without the need for additional equipment or procedural changes.
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