Lazurite taps Minnetronix optical expertise to raise the bar in wireless navigation
SAINT PAUL, MINN. (May 17, 2022) – Minnetronix Medical announces it was selected by Lazurite, which develops innovative medical devices to set new operating room standards for efficiency and patient safety, as its development and manufacturing partner for the new ArthroFree™ Wireless Surgical Camera System. ArthroFree is the first and only such camera system to receive FDA 510(k) market clearance.
Minnetronix was chosen by Lazurite for its experience in designing, developing, manufacturing, and commercializing complex optical systems. The team of optics experts at Minnetronix optimized the ArthroFree’s image signal processing chain – the signal path an image takes to travel through the system, from initial capture on an image sensor to on-screen display. The Minnetronix team was able to reduce latency and increase image quality, enabling physicians to see high-quality real-time video from the wireless device.
“We found a technical solution to overcome the assumption that a wireless device can’t perform as well as a traditional wired system,” said Minnetronix vice president and general manager Matt Adams. “The ability to move from wired to wireless with the same, or even enhanced, clarity sets a new standard in the industry.”
Minnetronix also applied its design-for-manufacturability expertise to the project, identifying several enhancements to make the device more efficient to manufacture, reducing cost and assembly time.
The ArthroFree System is designed to be a modular system that is drop-in compatible with existing patient data consoles, surgical displays, and endoscopes used in minimally invasive operating rooms.
“From end-to-end, Minnetronix provides the expertise needed to commercialize the device,” said Eugene Malinskiy, chief executive officer and cofounder of Lazurite. “Our goal was to be the first wireless surgical camera to receive FDA clearance. The quality of our system and the manufacturability of its design were a result of our partnership with Minnetronix and two major factors in achieving our goal.”
Minnetronix’s work with Lazurite is the most recent example of the growth of the company’s optics business. In March, it announced its role in bringing Oculogica’s concussion diagnostic device to market and launched a strategic partnership with the optics research organization INO.
About Minnetronix Medical
Since 1996, Minnetronix Medical has accelerated medical device breakthroughs as a design, development, and manufacturing partner to leading device companies around the world. Today, through lifecycle efficiency, opportunity realization, and increased utility, the company creates value in key technology segments that include RF energy, fluid and gas management, optical systems, and stimulation and active wearables. From design and manufacturing services to whole product solutions, Minnetronix has the expansive industry insight and intentional technical acumen to deliver better medical devices to market, faster.
About Lazurite
Lazurite (formerly Indago) is a pre-revenue medical device startup company backed by private capital. The company has raised more than $18 million to date from institutional investors, family offices, and more than 50 physician champions. The Cleveland-based company (est. 2015) designs devices to set new operating-room standards for efficiency and patient safety. Lazurite’s ArthroFree™ System is the first wireless surgical camera system to receive FDA market clearance for broad endoscopic use. The ArthroFree System enables surgical visualization in minimally invasive surgery without the camera and light wires implicated in patient infections, burns, and costly post-operative care. Lazurite’s current product pipeline includes devices that incorporate their patented camera technology and laser light technology. Lazurite’s technologies are protected by a comprehensive intellectual property portfolio encompassing the ArthroFree wireless surgical camera system and the novel Meridiem™ light source as well as other products currently in development. For more information see https://lazurite.co.