EndoTheia Announces Successful Clinical Study Results for a Novel Medical Device for Endoscopic Surgery

EndoTheia, Inc. has announced the completion of a successful first-in-human clinical study performed at Vanderbilt University for their groundbreaking technology that radically improves minimally invasive endoscopic surgery. EndoTheia is pleased to report that all primary and secondary endpoints were successfully met with no adverse events. This news follows the company’s recent announcement that the FDA recently named EndoTheia’s ENT endoscopic surgery technology a Breakthrough Device.

EndoTheia’s new device is designed to answer the FDA’s “call to action” highlighting alarming infection rates in difficult-to-sterilize reusable duodenoscopes, and calling on medical device companies to create  new, cost effective, disposable devices to treat biliary disease. “EndoTheia is proud to have been able to respond to this call-to-action from the FDA in a unique and outside-the-box way,” said Robert J. Webster, III, PhD, Co-Founder and President of EndoTheia. “We took a look at what others were doing within the space and saw mostly incremental advancements and/or costly fully disposable endoscope solutions.”

EndoTheia’s system completely eliminates the need for the duodenoscopes that concern the FDA, replacing them with inexpensive, disposable components that allow standard endoscopes to perform their same functions. “EndoTheia is pleased to report the success of this first-in-human clinical study. It is a major milestone for EndoTheia and for the 700,000 patients suffering from biliary disease per year domestically,” stated Joshua Gafford, PhD, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of EndoTheia.

“We are deeply appreciative of the patients and clinical investigators who participated in this study, and look forward to the broad clinical impact of this technology following FDA clearance,” said Gafford. He went on to thank Launch Tennessee for their support and for helping to fund the successful trial through a generous SBIR/STTR matching grant awarded to EndoTheia in August 2022.

Dr. Keith Obstein, Professor of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, noted, “This device enabled us to clearly visualize the duodenal papilla en face with a standard forward-viewing endoscope, which normally would not be possible, and has the potential to eliminate the risk of infection from reusable duodenoscopes. This would be a huge win for patients, hospitals, and healthcare systems.”

The results of this clinical study will support EndoTheia’s FDA 510(k) application for its biliary product, scheduled for submission later this year. EndoTheia plans to follow this initial product with several other product lines using its proprietary technology in urology, neurosurgery, interventional pulmonology, gastroenterology, orthopedics, and otolaryngology.

About EndoTheia, Inc.

EndoTheia has developed a novel technology that radically improves dexterity in minimally invasive endoscopic surgery. This technology harnesses the power of micro-machined advanced materials to create highly dexterous manipulators at millimeter and sub-millimeter scales to improve therapeutic outcomes in complex flexible endoscopic procedures. This patented technology was invented and developed by EndoTheia’s founders at Vanderbilt University and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with funding from the National Institutes of Health. For additional information about EndoTheia and the FDA Breakthrough Device designation, visit www.endotheia.com.

Virtuoso Surgical Unveils Design of Groundbreaking Robotic Surgery System: System Resets Scale and Reimagines Future of Robotic Endoscopic Surgery

Nashville-based medical device company Virtuoso Surgical, Inc. has unveiled its revolutionary robotic surgery system. Virtuoso’s patented technology reimagines endoscopic surgery in scale, function and cost.

“Virtuoso gives surgeons their hands back, equipping them to lift tissue, apply tension and maintain traction – in tight spaces within the body,” said S. Duke Herrell, III, MD, FACS, CEO, Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Virtuoso Surgical. “These are groundbreaking maneuvers in endoscopic/endoluminal surgery that are not possible with today’s instruments.”

The unveiling of the product marks the end of the design stage for Virtuoso Surgical and progress in the regulatory phase. In September 2022, the company’s  first public offering of common stock became effective after review by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

Virtuoso Surgical Co-Founder and President Robert J. Webster, III, PhD also co-founded the Vanderbilt Institute for Surgery and Engineering (VISE) with Dr. Duke Herrell. They developed the Virtuoso Surgical system with a design team helmed by COO and Lead Engineer Richard Hendrick, PhD. The system enables surgeons to use two hands to perform dexterous maneuvers deep within the body, at the tip of an endoscope. Company executives anticipate regulatory submission in 2024, pursuant of FDA approval for sale in the United States.

“Virtuoso Surgical was born to reimagine the possibilities of endoscopic surgery, and we are pleased to move closer to making this system widely available to U.S. physicians,” Robert J. Webster, III, PhD, said. “Easier to use, more nimble and more effective than existing instruments, it stands to drastically broaden the possibilities of rigid endoscopic surgery.”

The Virtuoso Surgical system includes two robotically controlled, needle-sized manipulators working from the tip of a rigid endoscope that is less than half the diameter of a U.S. dime. The scope itself is far smaller than current robotic endoscope hardware, and the manipulators are 1mm in diameter. Equipped with a camera, the endoscope comes with an array of manipulators depending on the procedure, including a grasper, spatula, snare, laser aiming manipulator and electrosurgical tools.

“Our team set out to bring the stability and dexterity of robotic surgery to the rigid endoscopy space, and we have achieved that with the Virtuoso Surgical system,” Richard Hendrick, PhD, said. “This innovation equips surgeons to operate as though their hands were inside the body, with the minimally invasive advantages of rigid endoscopy.”

The Virtuoso Surgical system has demonstrated feasibility in animal, cadaver and tissue model studies in surgeries for bladder cancer, uterine fibroids (among other intrauterine procedures), enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia – BPH), central airway obstruction removal and endoscopic neurosurgery.

The technology can provide dexterity in any procedure where tools are delivered through rigid endoscopes, including in urology, gynecology, neurosurgery, interventional pulmonology, orthopedics, thoracic surgery, ear, nose and throat (ENT) and other sub-specialties.

 

Virtuoso Surgical Resources

Videos of System in Action

Articles

 

About Virtuoso Surgical

Virtuoso Surgical has developed a groundbreaking robotic surgery system that radically improves minimally invasive endoscopic surgery. The Virtuoso Surgical system features a pair of instrument delivery arms made of concentric nitinol tubes that mimic a surgeon’s hand motions to offer unprecedented control and dexterity to a full range of endoscopic applications. The system uses patented technology developed by Virtuoso’s founders at Johns Hopkins University and Vanderbilt University with funding from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. For additional information about Virtuoso Surgical and the initial public offering of common stock, visit www.virtuososurgical.net and www.virtuososurgical.net/investors. This device has not yet been approved by the FDAand is not for sale in the United States.

Dr. Po N. Lam Performs Leading-Edge Robotic Surgery with Associated Medical Professionals of NY, an Affiliate of U.S. Urology Partners

Dr. Po N. Lam, a nationally recognized urologist and robotic surgeon with Associated Medical Professionals of NY (A.M.P.), is working to provide residents of Syracuse and the surrounding Central New York region access to the next generation of robotic surgery.

The introduction of robotically assisted surgery revolutionized the ability of physicians to perform minimally invasive surgical procedures, replacing the use of open surgery that requires a large incision with multiple small access points. Long-handled tools and a camera controlled remotely by the physician are inserted through these access points to perform the medical procedure.

Dr. Lam is the only surgeon in the area who has been specially trained in the technique to use the innovative da Vinci SP (Single Port) system for prostatectomy and other urological procedures. The new SP system only requires one small incision compared to previous robotic surgeries that require 4 to 7 incisions. The system includes multi-jointed, flexible instruments and fully wristed 3D camera. The instruments and the camera emerge through a single access hole and provide 360 degrees of anatomical access.

“Through my work with the new da Vinci SP, I’ve seen numerous benefits with this leading-edge technology that is now available to patients close to home in Central New York. This technology gives the surgeon much more freedom of movement and ability to see the anatomy compared to the old system,” said Po N. Lam, M.D., of Associated Medical Professionals of NY.

“One of the major advantages of the single port surgical technique is reducing the amount of pain during and after robotic surgery. This helps reduce the need for narcotics, which in turn greatly reduces the abuse and potential addiction to narcotics,” Dr. Lam explains.

“Patients are also able to leave the hospital sooner and recover faster in the comfort of their homes,” Dr. Lam continued. “With the strain on staffing at all levels, this is helpful to the patient as well as the hospital. Single port with less incisions offers many benefits to the patient, and I’m pleased to bring those advantages to the Central New York region.”

Other potential benefits of robotic surgery for patients include lower risk of infection or complications, less blood loss, less scarring and faster return to normal activities.

Dr. Lam has performed thousands of robotic procedures in Central New York in the past 16 years. He is certified in da Vinci robotic surgery and serves as a proctor for Intuitive Surgical, Inc. Dr. Lam specializes in advanced robotic surgery in the areas of prostate cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer and difficult kidney stones. Dr. Lam is one of the top performing robotic surgeons in the Central New York region.

A podcast of Dr. Lam discussing the robotic surgery he performed at Crouse Health is available here.

 

About Associated Medical Professionals of NY (A.M.P.)

Associated Medical Professionals of NY (A.M.P.) is a multi-specialty medical practice based in Syracuse, New York, serving the Central New York region. Established in 2008, A.M.P. has grown to become one of the largest multi-specialty groups of its kind in the area that strives to provide quality care at each of its ten offices and nine hospital locations. As a pivotal point of care in each community, A.M.P. is able to provide continuity of care for a vast population of patients. A.M.P. maintains a robust suite of ancillary services, including radiation oncology, pathology, lithotripsy, imaging and clinical research. A.M.P.’s provider base consists of more than 30 physicians and numerous clinical support staff practicing in 19 locations. A.M.P. is an affiliate of U.S. Urology Partners. For more information, visit www.ampofny.com and www.us-uro.com.

 

About U.S. Urology Partners

U.S. Urology Partners is one of the nation’s largest independent providers of urology and related specialty services, including general urology, surgical and robotic procedures, advanced cancer treatment and other ancillary services. The U.S. Urology Partners clinical network consists of more than 50 locations throughout the East Coast and Midwest, including Associated Medical Professionals of NY, Central Ohio Urology Group, Florida Urology Center and Urology of Indiana. U.S. Urology Partners was formed to support urology practices with an experienced team of healthcare executives and resources, and is backed by NMS Capital. The U.S. Urology Partners corporate office is in Nolensville, Tennessee, just outside of Nashville. For additional information about U.S. Urology Partners, please visit www.us-uro.com.

Renowned Prostate Cancer Robotic Surgeon and Urologist Dr. John K. Burgers Joins Florida Urology Center, an Affiliate of U.S. Urology Partners

Florida Urology Center today announced that John K. Burgers, MD, has joined the practice, bringing three decades of leadership and innovation in advanced robotic surgery and general urologic care to the region. Florida Urology Center is a full-service specialty group providing comprehensive services in five locations throughout Florida, including Ormond Beach, Port Orange, Orange City, New Smyrna Beach and Palm Coast. Florida Urology Center is an affiliate of U.S. Urology Partners, one of the nation’s leading providers of urological services.

An internationally recognized urologist and surgeon, Dr. Burgers has been practicing urology for 30 years and has more than 18 years of robotic surgery experience. He has performed more than 10,000 radical prostatectomies for prostate cancer patients, with excellent results. Dr. Burgers completed his Medical School, Internship and Residency at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. There he trained under the world-famous Dr. Patrick Walsh, the pioneer of the nerve sparing radical prostatectomy. He spent five years as an assistant professor at The James Comprehensive Cancer Center in Columbus, Ohio, where he trained many urology residents and published numerous research articles.

Dr. Greg A. Parr of Florida Urology Center stated, “We are honored to welcome Dr. John Burgers to our care team at Florida Urology Center. In addition to his background in general urology, we are excited about Dr. Burgers’ expertise in leading edge cancer care and robotic surgery for prostate cancer patients. Dr. Burgers will support Florida Urology Center in continuing to provide the most advanced, effective treatments for prostate cancer patients in the communities we serve.“

Dr. John K. Burgers said, “I am thrilled about the opportunity to be joining such a premier urology group as Florida Urology Center, which sets the standard of care in the region. I am impressed with the highly skilled care team at Florida Urology Center and their focus on providing utmost quality patient care in a compassionate, heartwarming environment where I can continue to progress and contribute in my career.”

Dr. Burgers is consistently ranked 5 out of 5 stars by his patients and has received the Top Doctor award in Columbus, Ohio, multiple times. Dr. Burgers comes to Florida Urology Center from Central Ohio Urology Group, a leading urology practice in the Midwest that is also an affiliate practice of U.S. Urology Partners. Dr. Burgers has had a second home in Palm Coast, Florida, for more than 12 years and is an avid golfer with a membership at the Hammock Beach Resort. He and his family love the area and are delighted to bring his expertise to the northeast coast of Florida.

Consultations with Dr. Burgers are currently being scheduled for the Florida Urology Center offices in Palm Coast and Ormond Beach. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Burgers or to refer a patient, please visit www.floridaurology.com or call (386) 673-5100.

About Florida Urology Center

Established in 1992, Florida Urology Center has five convenient locations throughout Florida, including Ormond Beach, Port Orange, Orange City, New Smyrna Beach and Palm Coast. Florida Urology Center is committed to providing quality healthcare to its patients through education, training, clinical research and support. The practice is dedicated to improving the lives of its patients by offering the most current diagnostic and therapeutic alternatives available. Facilities are equipped with the latest state-of-the art technology to provide the safest and most comprehensive care. Most of the surgeries are performed in Florida Urology Center’s outpatient surgery center licensed by the state of Florida and certified by Medicare. For more information about Florida Urology Center, please visit www.floridaurology.com.

About U.S. Urology Partners

U.S. Urology Partners is one of the nation’s largest independent providers of urology and related specialty services, including general urology, surgical and robotic procedures, advanced cancer treatment and other ancillary services. The U.S. Urology Partners clinical network consists of more than 50 locations throughout the East Coast and Midwest. U.S. Urology Partners was formed to support urology practices with an experienced team of healthcare executives and resources, and is backed by NMS Capital. The U.S. Urology Partners corporate office is in Nolensville, Tennessee, just outside of Nashville. For additional information about U.S. Urology Partners, please visit www.us-uro.com.

U.S. Urology Partners First in Region to Provide Minimally Invasive Aquablation Procedure for Enlarged Prostate at Central Ohio Urology Group

Half of all men over the age of 50 struggle with a decreased quality of life due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as enlarged prostate. At Central Ohio Urology Group, an affiliate of U.S. Urology Partners, an innovative, minimally invasive procedure called Aquablation is changing that for patients. Dr. Scott D. Barkin of Central Ohio Urology Group is one of the most experienced Aquablation experts in Ohio and surrounding states, and has performed the procedure for more than 100 patients.

BPH is a non-cancerous condition where the prostate has grown to be larger than normal. One in two men between the ages of 51 and 60 have BPH, and the incidence increases each decade of life such that by age 80, 90% of men will have BPH.* If left untreated, BPH can cause significant health problems, including irreversible bladder or kidney damage, bladder stones, UTIs and incontinence, as well as inability or difficulty urinating, or urinating often.

Aquablation therapy combines real-time, multi-dimensional imaging, automated robotic technology and heat-free waterjet ablation for targeted, controlled and immediate removal of prostate tissue. Because there isn’t heat involved with the treatment, Aquablation has less effect on the structures around the prostate, helping to preserve sexual function in most patients.

“Improved quality of life is the key benefit for our BPH patients,” says Dr. Scott D. Barkin of Central Ohio Urology Group, an affiliate of U.S. Urology Partners. “Typically, our patients are seeking better urination by removing an existing indwelling catheter, eliminating their prostate medication or achieving a better night’s sleep with fewer trips to the restroom. When compared with similar treatments for BPH, Aquablation tries to spare the men’s ejaculatory function, removes more prostate tissue in a shorter time and therefore requires less anesthesia, and is only one of a few treatments designed for large prostates.”

Aquablation therapy, like similar therapies for large prostates, is performed in a hospital and is done under anesthesia. The procedure typically takes around 60 to 90 minutes (less for smaller prostates; more for larger prostates) and may involve an overnight stay depending on the size of the prostate. No incision is necessary, as the prostate is reached through the urethra.

Other BPH surgical treatments often force men to compromise between symptom relief and side effects. Patients choosing a high degree of symptom relief face possible complications such as incontinence, erectile dysfunction or ejaculatory dysfunction.

Central Ohio Urology Group physicians performing Aquablation therapy include Dr. Scott D. Barkin, Dr. William E. Bloch and Dr. Adam C. Weiser. To discuss treatment options for BPH, contact the group at 614.396.2684.

About U.S. Urology Partners

U.S. Urology Partners is one of the nation’s largest independent providers of urology and related specialty services, including general urology, surgical and robotic procedures, advanced cancer treatment  and other ancillary services. The U.S. Urology Partners clinical network consists of more than 50 locations throughout the East Coast and Midwest. U.S. Urology Partners was formed to support urology practices with an experienced team of healthcare executives and resources, and is backed by NMS Capital. The U.S. Urology Partners corporate office is in Nolensville, Tennessee, just outside of Nashville. For additional information about U.S. Urology Partners, please visit www.us-uro.com.

EndoTheia Inc. Announces FDA Breakthrough Device Designation for Technology to Improve Endoscopic Surgery

EndoTheia Inc., a Nashville-based medical device company, announced today that it has gained priority status from the FDA by receiving a Breakthrough Device designation from the agency for its technology that radically improves minimally invasive flexible endoscopic surgery. It is only the seventh device in the category of Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) devices to ever receive this designation. The designation will streamline the regulatory process, enabling EndoTheia to rapidly bring its innovative solution to doctors and patients.

EndoTheia’s Breakthrough Device leverages foundational technology that was originally invented at Vanderbilt and the University of Tennessee. This technology, based on extremely thin-walled, laser-machined metallic tubes, enables the creation of highly flexible, steerable devices that can pass through standard endoscopes, while also carrying within themselves interventional tools. The steerability that these devices provide to endoscope-delivered tools opens the door for new diagnostic and therapeutic applications of flexible endoscopy. EndoTheia’s disruptive platform technology can be used across a vast array of clinical specialties, including urology, gastroenterology, neurology, and otology.

“EndoTheia was founded in 2018 to develop the next generation of medical devices for flexible endoscopy with the goal of increasing effectiveness through added flexibility and dexterity,” stated Robert J. Webster, III, PhD, Co-Founder and President of EndoTheia. “EndoTheia’s technology is currently the only viable option to add dexterity to flexible endoscopy, without re-engineering the endoscope itself. This empowers surgeons to provide much more accurate and precise therapeutic interventions in a wide range of clinical specialties.” The National Institutes of Health has corroborated this sentiment by providing millions of dollars of grant funding to EndoTheia to commercialize products in urology, gastroenterology, and otolaryngology.

Duke Herrell, III, MD, FACS, Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of EndoTheia, added, “We are excited that the FDA has recognized the huge potential of EndoTheia’s technology through Breakthrough Device designation. The FDA has affirmed our view that there is nothing else out there capable of doing what we do for flexible endoscopy, and that our technology represents a breakthrough treatment option for patients who currently face irreversibly debilitating disease.”

EndoTheia’s team of internationally recognized clinical and engineering experts includes Dr. Webster and Dr. Herrell, along with Joshua Gafford, PhD, Chief Technical Officer, and Caleb Rucker, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer and primary inventor of the Company’s underlying technology. Drs. Webster and Herrell, along with others, co-founded the Vanderbilt Institute for Surgery and Engineering (VISE), and Dr. Rucker leads the REACH Robotics Lab at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Dr. Gafford has been the leading the internal development and commercialization efforts at EndoTheia since the Company’s incorporation in 2018.

EndoTheia has demonstrated feasibility in animal, cadaver, and tissue model studies in surgeries for biliary disease, ureteroscopy kidney stone removal, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), endoscopic neurosurgery, sinus surgery, and middle ear surgery. EndoTheia’s technology can provide dexterity in any procedures where tools are delivered through flexible endoscopes, including urology, neurology, interventional pulmonology, gastroenterology, colorectal, orthopedics, otolaryngology (ENT), and other sub-specialties.

About EndoTheia, Inc.

EndoTheia has developed a groundbreaking technology that radically improves minimally invasive endoscopic surgery. This technology harnesses the power of intelligently micro-machined smart materials to create highly dexterous manipulators at millimeter and sub-millimeter scales to improve therapeutic outcomes in complex flexible endoscopic procedures. This patented technology was developed by EndoTheia’s founders at Vanderbilt University and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with funding from the National Institutes of Health. For additional information about EndoTheia and the FDA Breakthrough Device designation, visit www.endotheia.com.

Associated Medical Professionals of NY Adds Robert Creaven as Chief Operating Officer

Associated Medical Professionals of NY (A.M.P.) is pleased to announce that Robert Creaven has been named Chief Operating Officer. A seasoned healthcare executive with more than 25 years of experience with physician organizations, Creaven will manage operations of A.M.P.’s growing clinical network in the Central New York region.

Associated Medical Professionals of NY is a leading multi-specialty practice spanning 19 locations in Central New York, including ten offices and nine hospitals. A.M.P. is an affiliate of U.S. Urology Partners, one of the largest independent providers of urological and specialty related services in the nation, which is backed by NMS Capital.

Angelo R. DeRosalia, M.D., Chairman and CEO of Associated Medical Professionals of NY, and President and Board Member of U.S. Urology Partners, stated, “We are excited to have Robert Creaven join the team at A.M.P. and U.S. Urology Partners.  Robert brings a wealth of real-world experience and success to the organization, which will undoubtedly translate to achieving our goals and aspirations.”

Robert Creaven, Chief Operating Officer of Associated Medical Professionals of NY, stated, “I am honored to join Associated Medical Professionals of NY and impressed with the highly skilled physician leaders and their care teams, who are focused on delivering the best care to patients first and foremost. After working with physician organizations in the region my entire career, it’s clear to me the innovation and improved access to medical care that A.M.P. provides to communities in Central New York. A.M.P. enables patients to receive comprehensive, advanced care close to home.”

“By working with Associated Medical Professionals of NY and U.S. Urology Partners, I look forward to not only expanding medical services locally, but being part of a best-in-class integrated healthcare platform recognized for delivering effective, efficient and innovative care in communities across the country,” added Creaven. “I am excited to further develop and grow the A.M.P. practice, from general medical and urological services, to advances in cancer care, radiation oncology, clinical research, ambulatory surgery, robotics and more.”

Robert Creaven has more than two decades of experience finding innovative ways to expand services and improve access to care for physician organizations. He is well-versed in managing multi-site operations, negotiating high-level contracts and building lasting relationships with vendors, clients and partners.

Creaven previously served as Chief Operating Officer of Adjuvant Health, an MSO created by Allied Physicians Group, and one of the largest private medical partnerships in the New York metropolitan area comprised of more than 150 physicians in 34 locations. His background includes serving as Director of Business Development for practice management provider NAPA Management Services, as well as Director of New Business Development and Operations for Nassau Radiologic Group, offering diagnostic radiology, women’s imaging and radiation oncology through 18 diagnostic and therapeutic offices. Early in his career, Creaven supervised client accounts for Tritech Healthcare Management, providing billing services for more than 40 hospitals and other healthcare entities.

Creaven is a graduate of Long Island University, where he received his Master of Science in Public/Health Administration and Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration. He also attended SUNY Farmingdale, where he earned an Associate of Science degree in Computer Information Systems. Creaven received a Six Sigma Healthcare Black Belt from Villanova University. He is designated by the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) as a Certified Medical Practice Executive.

To learn more about Associated Medical Professionals of NY or to schedule an appointment with the A.M.P. care team, please visit www.ampofny.com or call (315) 714-2559.

About Associated Medical Professionals of NY (A.M.P.)

Associated Medical Professionals of New York (A.M.P.) is a multi-specialty medical practice based in Syracuse, New York, serving the Central New York region. Established in 2008, A.M.P. has grown to become one of the largest multi-specialty groups of its kind in the area that strives to provide quality care at each of its ten offices and nine hospital locations. As a pivotal point of care in each community, A.M.P. is able to provide continuity of care for a vast population of patients. A.M.P. maintains a robust suite of ancillary services, including radiation oncology, pathology, lithotripsy, imaging and clinical research. A.M.P.’s provider base consists of more than 30 physicians and numerous clinical support staff practicing in 19 locations. A.M.P. is an affiliate of U.S. Urology Partners, one of the largest independent providers of urological and related specialty services in the nation, which is backed by NMS Capital. For more information, visit www.ampofny.com and www.us-uro.com.

Female Pelvic Health Expert Renee M. Caputo, M.D., Joins Central Ohio Urology Group

Central Ohio Urology Group is pleased to announce that Renee M. Caputo, M.D., has joined its care team. Dr. Caputo is a gynecologist by training and has been a full-service female pelvic health specialist in the Columbus area for three decades. Central Ohio Urology Group is an affiliate of U.S. Urology Partners, one of the largest independent providers of urological and related specialty services in the nation, which is backed by NMS Capital.

With a clinical network of 15 offices in the region, Central Ohio Urology Group is a leading provider of comprehensive urological services, including general urology, men’s health, women’s health, cancer care, advanced cancer treatment and radiation oncology. Central Ohio Urology Surgery Center is one of the first ambulatory surgery centers in the country to offer urologic robotic surgery.

Corina Tracy, Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Urology Partners, the parent company of Central Ohio Urology Group, stated, “We are honored to welcome such a highly respected physician as Dr. Renee Caputo to the care team at Central Ohio Urology Group. Dr. Caputo’s years of experience and fellowship training in urogynecology and female pelvic medicine further expand our level of care and innovative treatments for women with pelvic health issues. Dr. Caputo will help us deliver our mission of providing an individualized, high-quality and compassionate experience for every person we are honored to serve.”

Born and raised in Ohio, Dr. Caputo has extensive experience in pelvic health and treats female (biologic) patients. She attended a 6-year combined BS/MD program at Kent State University and Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine (now called NEOMED). Dr. Caputo completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at The University of Pittsburgh/Magee Women’s Hospital and then went on to complete a fellowship in Urogynecology and Female Pelvic Medicine at Methodist Hospital of Indiana in Indianapolis.

Dr. Caputo serves female patients with pelvic health issues, including urinary and fecal incontinence, urinary and defecatory voiding dysfunction, recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic floor muscle dysfunction including pain, painful bladder syndrome, vulvar pain and skin disorders, dyspareunia and overactive bladder.

Dr. Caputo stated, “I am excited to join Central Ohio Urology Group’s dedicated, highly skilled care team. The Central Ohio Urology Group facilities that I will work from will seamlessly support my 30 year old practice and enable me to continue providing the high quality that I strive to achieve.”

“Patient care for me is simple: take the time to listen to the patient’s concerns and individualize care to address those concerns in the most efficient, least invasive and least costly way possible,” said Dr. Caputo. “I believe that every woman with pelvic floor dysfunction is entitled to a comfortable and professional healthcare encounter that will improve her quality of life, educate her and thus empower her to maintain pelvic floor health throughout her lifetime.”

“Patients appreciate the time I take with them, the fact that I listen to them and take their concerns seriously, that I involve them in the decision making, that their concerns are addressed in a timely manner and that if I can’t address their concern(s) personally, I will find them the person/service that can. More concisely, I believe that patients consider me to be their advocate,” added Dr. Caputo.

To learn more about Dr. Renee Caputo or to schedule an appointment with the Central Ohio Urology Group care team, please visit www.centralohiourology.com or call (614) 396-2684.

Virtuoso Surgical Announces First Public Offering of Common Stock to Advance its Revolutionary Robotic System for Endoscopic Surgery

Virtuoso Surgical, Inc., a Nashville-based medical device company, announced today that its $20 million stock offering has become effective after review by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

Virtuoso Surgical has developed a robotic surgery system that radically improves minimally invasive endoscopic surgery. Virtuoso uses patented technology developed by the Company’s founders at Johns Hopkins University and Vanderbilt University with funding from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.

Virtuoso Surgical’s offering is made under SEC Regulation A, Tier 2, which means that any U.S. person can invest in the Company. The offering is for the sale of common stock, and this is the first offering of the Company’s common stock to the public.

“Virtuoso Surgical was founded to make minimally invasive surgery more effective by providing surgeons with dexterous, accurate and cost-effective tools for endoscopic surgery,” stated Robert J. Webster, III, PhD, Co-Founder and President. “We are not aware of any technology that accomplishes the dexterity, precision and force of the Virtuoso Surgical device, at such a small diameter. It enables surgeons to use two hands to perform more accurate interventions deep in the body through endoscopes.”

Duke Herrell, III, MD, FACS, Co-Founder, Interim CEO and Chief Medical Officer of Virtuoso Surgical, added, “We are excited about the opportunity to sell our common stock to the public. We expect to complete the design of our system by the end of this year, and to conduct final testing of the system in 2023. The capital that we will raise through this offering of common stock will, we believe, propel our system through final design, testing and FDA approval for sale in the United States.”

Virtuoso Surgical’s team of internationally recognized clinical and engineering experts includes Dr. Webster and Dr. Herrell, along with Richard Hendrick, PhD, Chief Operating Officer. Drs. Webster and Herrell, along with others, co-founded the Vanderbilt Institute for Surgery and Engineering (VISE), and Dr. Hendrick has been the lead engineer for Virtuoso since it began operations in 2017.

The Virtuoso Surgical system has demonstrated feasibility in animal, cadaver and tissue model studies in surgeries for bladder cancer, uterine fibroids (among other intrauterine procedures), enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia – BPH), central airway obstruction removal, and endoscopic neurosurgery.

The technology can provide dexterity in any procedures where tools are delivered through rigid endoscopes, including urology, gynecology, neurology, interventional pulmonology, orthopedics, thoracic surgery, ear, nose and throat (ENT) and other sub-specialties.

Virtuoso Surgical Resources

Videos of Several First Surgeries

Academic Publications

Articles

About Virtuoso Surgical

Virtuoso Surgical has developed a groundbreaking robotic surgery system that radically improves minimally invasive endoscopic surgery. The Virtuoso Surgical system features a pair of instrument delivery arms made of concentric nitinol tools that mimic a surgeon’s hands to offer unprecedented control and dexterity to a full range of endoscopic applications. The system uses patented technology developed by Virtuoso’s founders at Johns Hopkins University and Vanderbilt University with funding from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. For additional information about Virtuoso Surgical and the initial public offering of common stock, visit www.virtuososurgical.net and www.virtuososurgical.net/investors.

Colin P. Ryan, M.D., Joins Central Ohio Urology Group

Colin P. Ryan, M.D., has joined the care team of Central Ohio Urology Group, one of the nation’s leading providers of comprehensive urological services with a network of 15 offices in the region.

Central Ohio Urology Group offers more than 50 specialties and subspecialties within general urology, men’s health, women’s health, cancer care, advanced cancer treatment and radiation oncology. Central Ohio Urology Surgery Center is one of the first urological ambulatory surgery centers in the country to provide robotic surgery.

Corina Tracy, Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Urology Partners, the parent company of Central Ohio Urology Group, stated, “We are pleased to welcome Dr. Colin Ryan to the care team at Central Ohio Urology Group. Dr. Ryan’s approach mirrors our core purpose to provide an individualized, high-quality and compassionate patient experience for every person we are honored to serve. Dr. Ryan will help us continue to offer the most advanced treatments for patients with issues such as overactive bladder, incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and recurrent urinary tract infections, and further strengthen Central Ohio Urology Group as a hub of multidisciplinary care for complex pelvic medicine disorders.”

Born and raised just outside of Cleveland, Dr. Ryan developed his interest in medicine as a high school biology student. He attended Georgetown University where he studied Human Science. He received his medical doctorate degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine. Dr. Ryan completed his Urology Residency and General Surgery internship at SUNY Stony Brook University Hospital where he developed his interest in General and Female Urology.

Dr. Ryan said, “I feel at home with the staff at Central Ohio Urology Group, who I know work hard to ensure the best care for patients. Completing residency on the East Coast broadened my worldview and exposed me to the underserved population that is pelvic medicine patients. Treatment of pelvic floor disorders and urinary incontinence is rapidly evolving, and Central Ohio Urology Group provides me with state-of-the-art technologies and support staff to bring these innovative technologies to patients in the region.”

“Urinary incontinence, overactive bladder and other pelvic medicine conditions affecting urination are suffered with silently by both men and women. I strive to educate my patients and provide them with treatments that can improve not only the condition, but also their quality of life. There is no one-size-fits-all therapy for most chronic urinary disorders, which makes listening to my patients and incorporating their goals into my therapies the cornerstone of how I practice medicine,” said Dr. Ryan.

Dr. Ryan added, “Listening to my patients’ concerns to make a patient-centered treatment plan is my key to providing quality care. I strive to explain medical conditions and their treatments in ways that my patients can understand and discuss with their loved ones. Utilizing both medical therapy and procedures ranging from minimally invasive to open surgery offers me the latitude to provide necessary therapy in a patient’s best interest.”

To learn more about Dr. Colin P. Ryan or to schedule an appointment with the Central Ohio Urology Group care team, please visit www.centralohiourology.com or call (614) 396-2684.

About Central Ohio Urology Group

Central Ohio Urology Group is one of the nation’s leading providers of urological services with a network of 15 offices in the region. Headquartered just outside of Columbus in Gahanna, Ohio, Central Ohio Urology Group provides comprehensive services, including general urology, men’s health, women’s health, cancer care, advanced cancer treatment and radiation oncology. Facilities in the Columbus area include an Advanced Prostate Cancer Clinic, as well as the state-of-the-art Central Ohio Urology Surgery Center that is one of the first ambulatory surgery centers in the country to offer roboticsurgery. Central Ohio Urology Group’s experienced care team provides more than 50 urological specialties and subspecialties. Central Ohio Urology Group is an affiliate of U.S. Urology Partners, one of the largest independent providers of urological and related specialty services in the nation, which is backed by NMS Capital. For more information, visit www.centralohiourology.com and www.us-uro.com.