Invuity's proprietary photonics technology recognized for improving patient safety

Invuity, Inc., a leading surgical photonics company, today reported that The Joint Commission has recognized its proprietary photonics technology as an important innovation in the prevention of unintended retained foreign objects (URFOs) that are left inside patients during surgery.

The Joint Commission is the leading hospital accreditation and certification organization in the United States. It recently and independently assessed advanced methods for hospitals to prevent URFOs. In the July 2015 issue of TheSource™: Joint Commission Compliance Strategies, the Commission advised, "Another newer technology to consider is proprietary photonics technology. This provides thermally cool intracavity illumination, which greatly improves visualization of the surgical cavity and allows a thorough visual inspection both during surgery and before closing."

Invuity's surgical devices incorporate its patented Intelligent Photonics technology, which provides direct visualization of the surgical cavity enabling enhanced precision, efficiency and safety. With improved intracavity illumination, surgeons can better visually inspect the surgical cavity, lowering the chances that objects will be left behind.

The Joint Commission recognized the severity of the URFO problem when it issued its Sentinel Alert No. 51 in October 2013. Sentinel Alerts are the Commission's most critical warning to hospitals and require that they immediately investigate and respond. URFOs are among the most widely reported Sentinel Alerts in the U.S. The medical and liability costs from URFOs exceed $166,000 per incident which may not be reimbursed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

"Surgeons can reduce the likelihood of URFOs by utilizing superior illumination technology to thoroughly inspect the surgical cavity," said Philip Sawyer, President and CEO of Invuity. "The Joint Commission's acknowledgement of the importance of our proprietary technology in improving patient safety puts Invuity another step closer to becoming the standard of care in surgical procedures."