Pathfinder initiates Explorer clinical study for open liver procedures

Pathfinder Therapeutics, Inc. has initiated a clinical study to assess the value of Explorer™, its image-guided surgical platform, in minimally invasive liver resections and ablations.  Clinical sites participating in the study include: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Providence Portland Medical Center, and UNC-Chapel Hill.

Minimally invasive procedures are performed through a few small incisions rather than one large incision.  As a result, these techniques can significantly reduce postoperative pain and patient recovery time compared with traditional surgery.

"We are excited to partner with these highly-regarded institutions to build upon the success of previous clinical studies showing that Explorer™ can provide accurate instrument tracking and guidance during open liver procedures. Despite its known benefits, minimally invasive liver surgery has not attained widespread use, in part due to the advanced skills and technological experience required to perform such procedures safely.  Explorer™ combines state-of-the-art surgical navigation and 3D visualization of preoperative imaging, thereby facilitating the transition from standard techniques to novel laparoscopic techniques for surgeons with less experience and formal training while also providing assistance to highly experienced surgeons," said Skip Goode, CEO of Pathfinder.

As part of the study, preoperative CT or MR imaging is registered to the intraoperative position of the liver, providing surgeons with enhanced visualization of the liver anatomy as well as real-time positioning of surgical instruments, including resection and ablation devices.  Rather than guess where underlying vessels and tumors are, surgeons can be confident they are precisely targeting the anatomical structures they have planned on, thus minimizing costly mistakes which can increase the risk of postoperative complications.  This ability to "see through the liver" in 3D is especially helpful during minimally invasive procedures, where the surgeon is unable to physically manipulate the liver as is possible during traditional surgery.