Power Medical Interventions, Inc., the makers of the i60 Robotic Articulating Endoscopic Linear Cutter we recently featured on these pages, has received FDA approval for its iDrive motorized unit that powers the i60 and various other surgical instruments from the company.
PMI’s Intelligent Surgical Instruments(tm) are computer-assisted, power-actuated endomechanical instruments that surgeons use for cutting, stapling and tissue manipulation in a variety of procedures in open surgery and minimally invasive surgery. Compared to conventional endomechanical devices, PMI believes that its Intelligent Surgical Instruments(tm) offer greater precision and consistency, superior compressive force, improved access to anatomical sites and enhanced ease of use. PMI’s Intelligent Surgical Instruments(tm) have been used in thousands of surgical procedures.
The iDrive is the latest addition to the Intelligent Surgical Instruments(tm) family and follows the recently launched i60, our 60 mm articulating endoscopic linear cutter. These next generation products are controlled by direct-drive motors, motor-control circuits and clinician-feedback technology that have been miniaturized and integrated into a self-contained, hand-held unit. These instruments are operated with digital controls located in the handle and do not require an AC power source. Intelligent Surgical Instruments(tm) are powered by proprietary lithium ion batteries.
At the push of a button, the iDrive can effect a sequence of steps under software control that enables linear cutter, right-angle or circular staplers to be deployed with precision and control while maintaining stability at the surgical site. The iDrive is reusable and autoclavable and can operate a variety of Digital Loading Units(tm), all offering the benefits of computer-mediated stapling. PMI believes that iDrive is an important technology innovation in the field of surgery that will improve stapling performance and ease of use.
Press release: Power Medical Interventions, Inc. Receives FDA 510(k) Marketing Clearance for iDrive Intelligent Surgical Instruments
Flashback: The i60 Robotic Articulating Endoscopic Linear Cutter