Torax Medical Inc.04.18.16
Torax Medical Inc. has announced the first U.S. implantation of its FENIX Continence Restoration System for the treatment of fecal incontinence.
Dr. Paul Pettit, associate professor at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., performed the procedures on April 8. “Currently, if patients are not happy with their quality of life after conservative and less invasive therapy, the only surgical option that stands between them and a colostomy is the newly-available FENIX device. Here at the Mayo Clinic, we are excited to be able to offer this new treatment to our patients,” said Pettit, who has been treating fecal incontinence (FI), also known as accidental bowel leakage (ABL) for more than 30 years.
The FENIX Continence Restoration System is designed to treat fecal incontinence by restoring the barrier function of the anal sphincter muscle. The FENIX System is a small, flexible band of interlinked titanium beads with magnetic cores. The magnetic attraction between the beads maintains the sphincter barrier. Intentional passage of stool can separate the beads allowing the device to expand. The FENIX System begins working immediately after implant and does not require activation by the patient or post-operative adjustments by a physician.
Fecal incontinence affects an estimated 30 million people in the United States and Europe alone. FI results from damage or weakening of the anal sphincter muscle. The disease primarily affects women, but men can also develop FI. The impact of FI on patients’ quality of life is debilitating, causing absence from work, constant risk of embarrassment, and the freedom to engage in routine activities. Current treatment options are very limited with many patients ultimately requiring a colostomy.
Torax Medical is a privately held medical device company headquartered in St. Paul, Minn., that develops and markets products designed to treat sphincter disorders utilizing its technology platform, Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation (MSA). Torax Medical markets the LINX Reflux Management System for the treatment of gastroesophogeal reflux disease in the U.S. and Europe and the FENIX Continence Restoration System for the treatment of FI in the United States under a humanitarian device exemption (HDE) and in Europe.
Dr. Paul Pettit, associate professor at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., performed the procedures on April 8. “Currently, if patients are not happy with their quality of life after conservative and less invasive therapy, the only surgical option that stands between them and a colostomy is the newly-available FENIX device. Here at the Mayo Clinic, we are excited to be able to offer this new treatment to our patients,” said Pettit, who has been treating fecal incontinence (FI), also known as accidental bowel leakage (ABL) for more than 30 years.
The FENIX Continence Restoration System is designed to treat fecal incontinence by restoring the barrier function of the anal sphincter muscle. The FENIX System is a small, flexible band of interlinked titanium beads with magnetic cores. The magnetic attraction between the beads maintains the sphincter barrier. Intentional passage of stool can separate the beads allowing the device to expand. The FENIX System begins working immediately after implant and does not require activation by the patient or post-operative adjustments by a physician.
Fecal incontinence affects an estimated 30 million people in the United States and Europe alone. FI results from damage or weakening of the anal sphincter muscle. The disease primarily affects women, but men can also develop FI. The impact of FI on patients’ quality of life is debilitating, causing absence from work, constant risk of embarrassment, and the freedom to engage in routine activities. Current treatment options are very limited with many patients ultimately requiring a colostomy.
Torax Medical is a privately held medical device company headquartered in St. Paul, Minn., that develops and markets products designed to treat sphincter disorders utilizing its technology platform, Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation (MSA). Torax Medical markets the LINX Reflux Management System for the treatment of gastroesophogeal reflux disease in the U.S. and Europe and the FENIX Continence Restoration System for the treatment of FI in the United States under a humanitarian device exemption (HDE) and in Europe.