Medtronic acquires rights to gel technology for FESS applications

Medtronic has purchased the rights to an innovative new gel technology with potential applications in the field of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).

The chitosan-dextran gel innovation has been developed by Otago Innovation and Adelaide Research and Innovation and is based on a polymer extracted from the chitin of shellfish and squid.

It has extensive haemostatic properties and has been shown in trials among both animals and humans to provide bleeding control and wound healing benefits following FESS procedures.

This could prove useful in circumventing the common risks of bleeding and adhesions that are often associated with FESS-based treatments.

Mark Fletcher, president of the ear, nose, and throat division of Medtronic's surgical technologies business, said: "The chitosan-dextran gel technology would enhance Medtronic's ability to offer innovative, therapeutic products for sinus surgeons to use in postoperative patient care."

This week, the company also announced that its Mosaic bioprosthetic heart valve device has demonstrated efficacy in a long-term study conducted over 12 years.