Michael Barbella, Managing Editor01.05.24
inTRAvent Medical Partners LP has appointed Kevin Foley, M.D., as chief innovation officer (CIO), a newly created position.
Foley is considered a pioneer in neurosurgical navigation, with more than 175 U.S. patents to his name. He is a professor of neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, and biomedical engineering at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, and chairman of Semmes Murphey Clinic, both in Memphis, Tenn. He serves on the boards of directors for several medical device and biologics companies, and is a recipient of the Cushing Award for Technical Excellence and Innovation in Neurosurgery from the American Assn. of Neurological Surgeons.
“Dr. Foley invented many of the tools and techniques that have enabled innumerable aspects of both cranial and spinal surgery. We anticipate that his innovative spirit and visionary leadership will be pivotal to achieving our mission: enhancing the safety and precision of bedside neurosurgical procedures,” inTRAvent Co-Founder/Chief Medical Officer Dr. Will Hazard said.
Most recently, Foley served as chief Robotics Officer at Accelus, where he led the development and launch of the Remi robotic spinal screw placement platform, which was acquired in April 2023.
InTRAvent’s FDA-cleared SOLOPASS system is designed to provide imaging and guidance to improve the placement of external ventricular drains (EVDs), one of the most common and lifesaving procedures in neurointensive care. SOLOPASS allows caregivers to visualize the ventricular system, deep within the brain, to enable precision planning and guidance. The system uses 2D and 3D ultrasound imaging, artificial intelligence, and trajectory guidance for intra-procedural localization and navigation. Imaging occurs during the procedure, eliminating the potential for brain shift to affect the outcome. Conventional neuro-navigation systems, which rely upon images obtained prior to the procedure, can be rendered inaccurate by brain shift or changing pathology, such as expanding hematomas.
“The SOLOPASS technology developed by Dr. Hazard and the team at inTRAvent represents a significant advance in the treatment of critically ill patients, with the potential to minimize complications, reduce the length of ICU stay, and lower costs for the healthcare system,” Foley said.
Although intra-operative neuro-navigation is commonplace in the operating room, the standard of care has changed very little in more than a century, and is entirely reliant on physicians’ experience and knowledge of the brain’s intricate anatomy. Without the aid of contemporary guidance technologies, these conditions make bedside EVD placement challenging—even for highly skilled practitioners.
“Dr. Foley’s exceptional clinical acumen, astute business perspective, and decades of innovation experience will be an invaluable asset as our commercialization efforts continue to advance,” inTRAvent Co-Founder/CEO Adam Barner stated.
inTRAvent Medical Partners is a medical device company striving to bring intra-operative imaging and navigation to the bedside to improve the safety and efficacy of neurosurgical procedures. Its first product, SOLOPASS, is designed for simple, portable neuro-navigation using 2D and 3D ultrasound imaging, artificial intelligence, and trajectory guidance for intra-procedural localization and navigation.
Foley is considered a pioneer in neurosurgical navigation, with more than 175 U.S. patents to his name. He is a professor of neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, and biomedical engineering at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, and chairman of Semmes Murphey Clinic, both in Memphis, Tenn. He serves on the boards of directors for several medical device and biologics companies, and is a recipient of the Cushing Award for Technical Excellence and Innovation in Neurosurgery from the American Assn. of Neurological Surgeons.
“Dr. Foley invented many of the tools and techniques that have enabled innumerable aspects of both cranial and spinal surgery. We anticipate that his innovative spirit and visionary leadership will be pivotal to achieving our mission: enhancing the safety and precision of bedside neurosurgical procedures,” inTRAvent Co-Founder/Chief Medical Officer Dr. Will Hazard said.
Most recently, Foley served as chief Robotics Officer at Accelus, where he led the development and launch of the Remi robotic spinal screw placement platform, which was acquired in April 2023.
InTRAvent’s FDA-cleared SOLOPASS system is designed to provide imaging and guidance to improve the placement of external ventricular drains (EVDs), one of the most common and lifesaving procedures in neurointensive care. SOLOPASS allows caregivers to visualize the ventricular system, deep within the brain, to enable precision planning and guidance. The system uses 2D and 3D ultrasound imaging, artificial intelligence, and trajectory guidance for intra-procedural localization and navigation. Imaging occurs during the procedure, eliminating the potential for brain shift to affect the outcome. Conventional neuro-navigation systems, which rely upon images obtained prior to the procedure, can be rendered inaccurate by brain shift or changing pathology, such as expanding hematomas.
“The SOLOPASS technology developed by Dr. Hazard and the team at inTRAvent represents a significant advance in the treatment of critically ill patients, with the potential to minimize complications, reduce the length of ICU stay, and lower costs for the healthcare system,” Foley said.
Although intra-operative neuro-navigation is commonplace in the operating room, the standard of care has changed very little in more than a century, and is entirely reliant on physicians’ experience and knowledge of the brain’s intricate anatomy. Without the aid of contemporary guidance technologies, these conditions make bedside EVD placement challenging—even for highly skilled practitioners.
“Dr. Foley’s exceptional clinical acumen, astute business perspective, and decades of innovation experience will be an invaluable asset as our commercialization efforts continue to advance,” inTRAvent Co-Founder/CEO Adam Barner stated.
inTRAvent Medical Partners is a medical device company striving to bring intra-operative imaging and navigation to the bedside to improve the safety and efficacy of neurosurgical procedures. Its first product, SOLOPASS, is designed for simple, portable neuro-navigation using 2D and 3D ultrasound imaging, artificial intelligence, and trajectory guidance for intra-procedural localization and navigation.