Delphinus Medical Technologies, Inc., innovator and developer of a new ultrasound platform that images the entire breast, has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the SoftVue™ whole breast ultrasound tomography system, approved for diagnostic breast imaging.
Delphinus is the first company to design and manufacture a breast ultrasound system that utilizes ring transducer technology to transmit and receive ultrasound signals. Traditional hand-held ultrasound and automated breast ultrasound systems obtain only reflected echoes returning in the direction of the linear transducer. By contrast, SoftVue captures reflection echoes from all directions around the breast and gathers transmitted signals coming through the breast, something no other ultrasound system, currently available, can do.
“We believe that the opportunity now is better than ever for SoftVue’s ultrasound system to advance the state-of-the-art in breast cancer diagnostics,” commented Paul McCreadie, managing director of Arboretum Ventures and Chairman of the Board of Delphinus. “The shortcomings of existing modalities are widely known, and SoftVue’s ability to provide early and accurate diagnostic information without the risk of radiation exposure will serve to improve women’s health.”
With the breast suspended in warm water and a short exam time of one to two minutes per breast, the exam is safe, fast and comfortable. While traditional ultrasound looks at only a limited area of breast tissue, SoftVue provides a complete map of the whole breast. And unlike traditional ultrasound where the outcome of the exam is dependent on operator skill and experience, the exam is consistent and uniform, removing user variability.
From Mark Morsfield, CEO of Delphinus, “We are pleased to receive this clearance from the FDA for our innovative technology. With an experienced team dedicated to advancing breast imaging and women’s health, Delphinus is committed to assisting medical professionals better define and diagnose breast disease, while establishing a better patient experience that can be available for all women, regardless of age and without the concern of radiation or discomfort.”
About Delphinus Medical Technologies, Inc.
Delphinus Medical Technologies, Inc., a Michigan-based company, is a spin-off of the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute (KCI). The patented technology is a whole breast ultrasound tomography imaging device that provides no radiation, no compression, and is not dependent on operator skills. Delphinus Medical Technologies holds the UST intellectual property, transferred by KCI through a worldwide license to commercialize the SoftVue technology. For more information, visit www.delphinusmt.com.
About Arboretum Ventures
Arboretum Ventures is a venture capital firm specializing in the healthcare sector. Founded in 2002, the firm manages $235 million in capital and has invested in more than 30 companies, five of which have exited with an aggregate valuation of approximately $1 billion. Arboretum invests throughout the United States, with a preference for Midwest opportunities, targeting capital efficient companies that can meaningfully reduce healthcare costs in key areas of expertise: devices, diagnostics, services, and IT. For more information, please visit www.arboretumvc.com.