The assets include Luminetx' technology and intellectual property for the market leading vascular imaging system, VeinViewer. VeinViewer is the first device to utilise patented technologies to locate subcutaneous veins and project a real-time image of their location onto the surface of the skin. Christie will create a new medical products business operating under Christie Medical Holdings, Inc. (“Christie Medical”).
Christie Medical plans to leverage the strengths of one of the most innovative non-invasive technologies in healthcare with Christie's leadership in advanced visual technologies. The VeinViewer system uses near infrared light to detect a patient's veins through the skin and sophisticated image processing technology to project a map of the vasculature on top of the skin. The benefits of this technology include improved peripheral vascular access resulting in significantly fewer intravenous (or IV) sticks, less time to start an IV, improved patient comfort and reduced healthcare operating costs. It is estimated that nine out of every ten procedures within a hospital start with IV access and there are over one billion vein punctures performed annually in the US alone.
“We're excited by the potential of this acquisition,” said George Pinho, president, Christie Medical. “Christie's goal is to diversify into emerging markets and we saw a unique opportunity to enter the medical imaging industry.”
Pinho noted that moving forward, Christie will leverage its core competencies in image projection, optical and mechanical design, and expertise in DLP technology to help Christie Medical further penetrate markets in medical visualisation. “Our combined teams will create exciting growth opportunities, through our collective capabilities and complementary technologies.”
“Christie's extensive history and expertise in visual displays will offer exciting opportunities and applications for the VeinViewer technology platform,” added Chris Schnee, formerly of Luminetx, who has joined Christie Medical as general manager and vice president, Sales & Marketing. “Christie's global presence and world-class manufacturing and engineering know-how in visual display technology will enable us to expand our products into multiple new markets, and to continue advancements in bettering patient care the world over. We look forward to finding new and better ways to improve healthcare delivery.”
Recognised by TIME Magazine as "one of the most amazing medical inventions of the year1", the VeinViewer technology has received worldwide recognition, most recently taking home the 2009 Global Business Award from the Memphis Chamber of Commerce International Business Council for a company with less than 100 staff.
