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Fall River-based startup NuOrtho Surgical Inc. sees low-level radio frequency power as a safe alternative for surgically treating orthopedic injuries.
There are other radio frequency-based ablation devices out there, explained Jeff Morrill, CEO of NuOrtho. When someone, such as an athlete, is injured, many of these ablation procedures — which remove lesions and scar tissue to repair damage — generate heat and can cause accidental harm to surrounding tissues. On the other hand, NuOrtho uses low-level radio frequency power, which he claims is safer, highly targeted, and effective. “The (radio frequency) energy is activated and starts to contour the articular cartilage tissue, reshaping it and smoothing it without damaging or killing it,” said Morrill.
NuOrtho’s leading product is the Ace Probe, which was developed by Wayne Auge, a surgeon and the company founder. The probe relies on low-level radio frequency energy that keeps the targeted area below 100 degrees Celsius, said Morrill. The company anticipates filing for approval of Ace Probe to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration by July 2009, and selling the product by January 2010.
NuOrtho offers a unique technology, noted Massachusetts Medical Device Development Center (M2D2) co-director Stephen McCarthy. “The lower energy means lower heat, so less burning or damage or necrosis of the surrounding tissue,” he said. While staying in Fall River, the company plans to use the testing facilities and resources of the Lowell’s M2D2 to help it go to market.
Since its launch in 2008, NuOrtho has raised just under $1 million from investors, including surgeons, who might use the technology. NuOrtho is now seeking $3 million from angel investors or a potential partner to assist it in developing the next batch of its technologies for the market. “We’re not desperate,” said Morrill. “We are looking for the right strategic partner.” Ideally, that partner could take over the sales and distribution tasks. NuOrtho may even sell the rights to Ace Probe to fund development of its other patents, including one for bone fusion, suggested Morrill.
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