Monday, April 20, 2009

Microline Pentax grows with lap tool acquisition

By Marc Songini

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Beverly-based minimally invasive surgery instruments maker Microline Pentax Inc. has acquired Starion Instrument Corp., a California-based developer of surgical technology for sealing and dividing soft tissue.

Microline makes and sells minimally invasive surgical instruments. The Starion acquisition provides Microline with a new complementary product line and will enable it to enter the cardiology and ear nose and throat markets, the company claimed in a statement. Having a new laparoscopy tool gives the company more product flexibility, according to Jean-Luc Boulnois, chairman, president and CEO. The financial terms of Microline’s buyout of Starion were not disclosed in the announcement, which was made this past week.

Unlike the commonly used products that use monopolar, bipolar or ultrasonic energy, Starion’s products rely on a patented tissue welding technology. This uses direct heat and pressure to seal and divide soft tissue and vessels. Because no electrical energy needs to pass through the patient, Starion’s products reduce the risk of collateral tissue damage, according to Microline. The Starion technology can support cardiac, gynecological, general surgical, otolaryngologic and urologic procedures.
 
Microline is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hoya Corp., based in Tokyo, Japan. Hoya is a $4.5 billion company that generates about half of its revenues from its medical business, including its endoscopy and eye care related offerings. Microline was founded in 1987; its integrated modular laparoscopic instrumentation system offers a selection of reusable hand pieces using an assortment of disposable tips.