Tumour cell collector

The project

Obtaining glial tumour samples used to always be a manual procedure in which the surgeon biopsied the tumour using forceps, then stored the sample of biopsied material in a container for subsequent analysis by the pathologist. While that continues to be the standard procedure for glial tumors, for the non-glial there are devices that facilitate sample collection such as a cystoscope and suction needles.  

In 2008, a doctor at SJD Barcelona Children's Hospital and VecMedical jointly developed a tumour cell collector, a medical device capable of being fitted to a surgical aspirator and collecting all the tumour material aspirated during surgical interventions, separating it from other aspirated fluids.

The tumour collector has a sealing system to store the tumour safely until it is released for analysis by the pathologist.

Current status

• Patented (2008 application).
• Patent licenced to Janus Development in 2011.
• Marketed since 2011.

Source

Internal innovation (Dr. Ioannis Roussos, surgeon from the Neurosurgery Department).