About
Our first product replaces a surgical instrument that has remained unchanged for over 100 years. A needle holder is used for suturing in difficult to reach locations. Several cosmetic procedures require precision delivery of a suture to a location remote from the incision to achieve tissue suspension. The needle holder is difficult to use, does not capture tissue, is time consuming, and requires multiple incisions. This is a pain point for the cosmetic surgeon. Our device utilizes vacuum to locate and capture tissue, then precisely deliver a suture, all remotely from a single incision. The prototype has been used since 2009 under an IRB approval in 17 patients undergoing a mid-facelift. There have been no adverse events. In the case of a mid-facelift the device cuts procedure time from 3-4 hours to under 1 hour. Reducing procedure time will improve outcomes by reducing the potential for complications.