Development and commercialisation of a novel needle tract sealant system for pneumothorax prevention during lung biopsy

Introduction

Every 30 seconds, someone somewhere globally dies of lung cancer. The EU records approximately 320,000 new lung cancer cases per year. Early lung cancer diagnosis can save lives through timely and efficient interventions.

Current Challenges

CT-guided lung biopsy is the gold standard for lung cancer screening. However, it comes with a 62% inherent risk of life-threatening complications, such as pneumothorax (PTX), which is a complete or partial lung collapse.

Consequences of PTX

PTX sufferers require further medical interventions, which may include:

1. Additional radiological scans
2. Needle aspiration
3. Chest tube insertion
4. Surgery

These interventions often lead to an extended hospital stay and an estimated cost of care of around €15,000. Currently, there is no method or device that prevents PTX during the percutaneous needle access of the lung.

Proposed Solution

Our patented Selio System will be the world’s first system specifically designed to prevent PTX from occurring before the biopsy even takes place.

How It Works

Used by an interventional radiologist before the lung biopsy procedure, the Selio System adds a 2-minute ‘add-on’ to the current standard of care. It pre-seals the needle tract in tissue, thereby preventing air and blood leaks from the surrounding organs.