Stryker completes acquisition of NICO Corporation

http://www.niconeuro.com/

NICO Corporation, formed in October 2007, is dedicated to developing technology for the field of corridor surgery, including Cranial, ENT, Spinal and Otolaryngology where access to the surgical site is limited. Our technology and products are designed to progress corridor surgery by creating instruments that allow for access through smaller openings and resection of soft tissue abnormalities.

BrainPath endoport system

Myriad® The NICO Myriad Spectra system consists of the console, handpieces and ancillary products. All NICO Myriad handpieces have a side mouth cutting and aspiration aperture located .6mm from the blunt end that allows for tissue removal without injury to adjacent critical structures.1 The NICO Myriad handpieces are available in 11, 13, 15, 17 and 19 gauges and a variety of lengths.

1McLaughlin N, Ditzel Filho LF, Prevedello DM, Kelly DF, Carrau RL, and Kassam AB. Side-Cutting Aspiration Device for Endoscopic and Microscopic Tumor Removal, Journal of Neurological Surgery: Skull Base. Vol. 73, p. 11. February 2012. Myriad_11g_handpiece Myriad_console Myriad Photo Gallery View Myriad Brochure TRIO Glamor shot The TRIOwand will be commercially available in 2016. TRIOwand Photo Gallery TRIOwandTM Fluid management wand to keep surgical field clear through three functions:

COAGULATION

Fixed V-shaped electrode design able to address a wide range of micro-vascular structures with precision and control Up-toe position for ideal visualization down narrow corridors ASPIRATION

Variable aspiration achieved via the slider Beveled tip on suction channel, along with the irrigation, helps prevent the opportunity for occlusion IRRIGATION

Two irrigation channels:

Controlled drip channel that continuously washes over electrodes during use, reducing the opportunity for carbonization and tissue adhesion Flush channel to deliver larger amount of fluid to clear the surgical field Tissue Preservation SystemTM Tissue that is removed is captured and uniquely preserved in a sterile, closed system and may enable the pursuit of regenerative medicine options.

The Tissue Preservation System is a unique and proprietary ancillary product to the NICO Myriad. It connects to the Myriad’s handpiece to capture resected tissue as a closed tissue capture system. TP1 TP3 Tissue Preservation System Photo Gallery NICO fluid system cropped[1] Fluid System Photo Gallery View Fluid System Brochure Fluid SystemTM The NICO Fluid System is part of the NICO family of products that provide surgeons and OR staff with simple solutions to unmet needs in the surgical environment.

The NICO Fluid System provides controlled irrigation to the surgical site and refills automatically after each syringe compression. The extended tubing allows for fluid to be directly drawn from the warming bath to deliver fluid at a more consistent temperature.

NICO Corporation specializes in developing advanced, minimally invasive surgical technologies for neurosurgery and other complex intracranial procedures. Their products aim to enhance safety, precision, and efficiency in treating brain and spinal pathologies, particularly deep-seated and hard-to-reach lesions. Below is an overview of their primary products:

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### 1. NICO Myriad®

#### Description: - A multifunctional surgical device designed for tissue resection and aspiration in minimally invasive neurosurgery.

#### Key Features: - Precision Tissue Removal:

1. Provides controlled and atraumatic resection of both soft and fibrous tissues.

- Suction-Based Mechanism:

1. Simultaneously aspirates resected tissue, maintaining a clear surgical field.

- Minimally Invasive:

1. Designed for use through tubular retractors, reducing disruption to surrounding brain tissue.

- Versatility:

1. Effective for tumor resection, hematoma evacuation, biopsies, and cyst removal.

#### Applications: - Tumor resections (gliomas, metastases). - Hematoma evacuation (ICH and IVH). - Biopsies for deep-seated lesions.

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### 2. NICO Myriad SPECTRA®

#### Description: - An enhanced version of the Myriad system, integrated with an in situ dual light system for advanced visualization.

#### Key Features: - Dual Light Source:

1. White light for standard illumination and blue light (405 nm) for fluorescence-guided surgery (e.g., 5-ALA for glioblastomas).

- In Situ Illumination:

1. Delivers light directly within 15 mm of the surgical site, avoiding interference from external light sources.

- Enhanced Visualization:

1. Improves the surgeon’s ability to distinguish pathological from healthy tissues.

#### Applications: - Fluorescence-guided surgery (e.g., glioblastoma resection). - Differentiation of radionecrosis from tumor recurrence. - Complex cases requiring detailed visualization.

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### 3. BrainPath®

#### Description: - A minimally invasive tubular retractor system for accessing deep brain lesions with minimal disruption to surrounding tissue.

#### Key Features: - Atraumatic Access:

1. Blunt, cylindrical design dissects brain tissue by separating fibers rather than cutting.

- Neuronavigation Integration:

1. Compatible with advanced navigation systems for precise trajectory planning.

- Transparent Design:

1. Allows surgeons to visualize surrounding tissue during the procedure.

#### Applications: - Tumor resections (deep-seated gliomas, metastases). - Intracerebral and intraventricular hemorrhage evacuation. - Cystic lesion removal and biopsies.

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### 4. NICO Automated Preservation System® (APS)

#### Description: - A system for collecting, preserving, and preparing resected tissues for post-surgical pathological and molecular analysis.

#### Key Features: - Automated Tissue Processing:

1. Allows real-time tissue collection and preparation during surgery.

- Minimally Disruptive:

1. Integrates seamlessly with the Myriad system for efficient tissue handling.

- Supports Research:

1. Facilitates biobanking and advanced molecular analysis of resected tissue.

#### Applications: - Biobanking for tumor research. - Molecular diagnostics and personalized medicine.

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### 5. NICO VISION®

#### Description: - A visualization platform designed to work with BrainPath and Myriad systems for enhanced intraoperative imaging and navigation.

#### Key Features: - Real-Time Visualization:

1. Provides high-quality imaging of the surgical field.

- Integration with Other NICO Products:

1. Seamlessly connects with BrainPath and Myriad systems for comprehensive surgical solutions.

#### Applications: - Complex neurosurgical procedures requiring detailed imaging. - Tumor resection and minimally invasive surgeries.

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### Advantages of NICO Products 1. Minimally Invasive:

1. Reduces collateral damage, morbidity, and recovery time.

2. Enhanced Visualization:

1. Increases precision in identifying and removing pathological tissues.

3. Versatility:

1. Effective across a wide range of pathologies, including tumors, hemorrhages, and cysts.

4. Integration:

1. Designed to work together, creating a comprehensive surgical ecosystem.

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### Conclusion NICO Corporation's products, such as the Myriad, Myriad SPECTRA, BrainPath, and related systems, represent significant advancements in minimally invasive neurosurgery. These tools empower surgeons with precision, visualization, and efficiency, improving outcomes for patients with complex brain and spinal conditions.