The latest product innovation by Nico Corporation, the Myriad Spectra system, has been described as a “game-changing advancement” by neurosurgeons with early experience using the device. That is according to a company press release, which also details that Myriad Spectra is the only handheld technology delivering blue excitation light to enhance tissue fluorescence, and assist in the fluorescence-guided surgical removal of grade III and IV glioma brain tumours.
“The Spectra was able to illuminate and provide enhanced fluorescence better than ever before to a deep tumour through a very small corridor,” said Analiz Rodriguez (University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences [UAMS], Little Rock, USA), who used a minimally invasive parafascicular surgery (MIPS) approach with Nico’s BrainPath and Spectra systems. “Sending light deep into the brain is not easy and can make these cases extremely difficult. With Spectra, I could more easily see the tumour because of enhanced fluorescence. I know this will be a gamechanger for surgeons striving to increase extent of resection, with the intent to positively impact patients’ lives.”
The blue and white light from Spectra is mounted to Nico’s resection handpiece, enabling directional light closer to the area of interest, the release adds. Additionally, Spectra enables the “unique ability” for the neurosurgeon to choose intensity levels for white and blue light independently. The neurosurgeon can then easily toggle between white and blue light with no need to shift focus from the surgical field.
“The added visualisation now possible when using Spectra is remarkable,” said Ranjeev Bhangoo (King’s College Hospital, London, UK). “As a supplement to our surgical microscope’s blue light, we can see enhanced fluorescence that was not observable before. It’s a game-changing advancement to aid fluorescence-guided surgery for high-grade glioma brain tumours.”
The Spectra system provides illumination, resection, collection and biological preservation of tissue for the surgical removal of brain tumours and intracerebral haemorrhages using minimally invasive and open craniotomy surgical approaches. Nico states that the technology was featured at the recent American Association of Neurosurgical Surgeons (AANS) annual scientific meeting (3–6 May, Chicago, USA).
According to the company, Spectra helps address common challenges in fluorescence-guided procedures, such as presence of shadows created by instruments, magnification and focus settings of the microscope, and patient positioning.
“For patients undergoing the surgical resection standard of care for high-grade glioma brain tumours, our innovation offers an opportunity for improved extent of resection—a better version of the surgical gold standard of care,” noted Jim Pearson, president and chief executive officer of Nico. “Published evidence over the last decade suggests that fluorescence-guided surgery improves extent of resection and patient outcomes, making the introduction of our Spectra technology particularly significant.”
The Spectra Light Source was recently cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and is also registered for sale and clinical use with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK, the release adds.
