Bloomington, Ind.—Cook Medical today marks the one-year anniversary of the formal launch of its Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery Division (OHNS). Since launching at the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) conference in 2012, the division has successfully developed and delivered to market innovative alternatives to open surgery for various ear, nose and throat (ENT) health conditions. Cook attributes this success to the growing demand for minimally invasive devices in otolaryngology.
“We are excited to reach this milestone and look forward to continuing to provide otolaryngologists and other surgeons with minimally invasive medical tools and resources,” said Thomas Cherry, global leader for Cook Medical’s OHNS division. “Prior to the launch of Cook’s OHNS division, there were few minimally invasive alternatives for many ENT surgical procedures. Cook recognized this white space, and from that the OHNS division was launched. Our growth over the past year clearly demonstrates that there is a growing market for innovative solutions that help improve the quality of patients’ lives.”
The division’s primary areas of focus are soft tissue repair, salivary gland disease, chronic sinusitis, vocal cord paralysis, obstructive sleep apnea and interventional airway and esophageal procedures. Since last year’s launch, Cook OHNS has put an emphasis on developing interventional products that are used to repair soft tissue in airways.
At last year’s AAO-HNS conference, Cook showcased a selection of its current and upcoming products, including:
- Salivary Duct Access Products: Intended to reduce the need for open surgery and trauma for the patient, the tools in this product line help physicians perform minimally invasive sialendoscopy procedures. The devices, which include a wire guide, dilator set, Kolenda introducer sheath and the NGage® and NCircle® salivary stone extractors, enable physicians to gain access to stones and remove them in the physician’s office using minimally invasive techniques.
- Chiba EchoTip® Biopsy Needle: Allows physicians to perform thyroid biopsy with a needle that can be easily seen under ultrasound compared to non-echogenic needles. High needle visibility can result in more accurate placement and may reduce the number of needle passes needed to obtain a sufficient sample. The Chiba EchoTip biopsy needle design provides enhanced visualization of the needle tip when used with ultrasonic imaging equipment to ensure a strong, hyperechoic reflection and clearly visible images.
- Hercules® 3 Stage Esophageal Balloon: Designed to treat abnormal narrowing of the esophageal tract that can interfere with eating and swallowing. The device is made with proprietary P.E.T. Flex™ technology, a material that optimally combines the high tensile strength and flexibility necessary for a strong balloon that inflates to three distinct and increasing diameters.
The first two devices brought to market by the OHNS division were the Salivary Duct Access Products and the Chiba EchoTip Biopsy Needle. In June 2013, Cook launched the Hercules 3 Stage Wire Guided Balloon. The division also has expanded its operations into the European market.
About AAO
The American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) is the world’s largest organization representing specialists who treat the ear, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. The Academy represents approximately 12,000 otolaryngologist—head and neck surgeons who diagnose and treat disorders of those areas. The medical disorders treated by our physicians are among the most common that afflict all Americans, young and old. They include chronic ear infection, sinusitis, snoring and sleep apnea, hearing loss, allergies and hay fever, swallowing disorders, nosebleeds, hoarseness, dizziness, and head and neck cancer. The AAO-HNS Foundation works to advance the art, science, and ethical practice of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery through education, research, and lifelong learning.
About Cook Medical
Since 1963, Cook Medical has worked closely with physicians to develop technologies that eliminate the need for open surgery. Today we are combining medical devices, biologic materials and cellular therapies to help the world’s healthcare systems deliver better outcomes more efficiently. We have always remained family owned so that we have the freedom to focus on what we care about: patients, our employees and our communities. Find out more at www.cookmedical.com, and for the latest news, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Follow Cook OHNS @CookOHNS.