Pounce, an FDA-cleared and commercially available fully mechanical thrombectomy platform, offers the non-surgical removal of thrombi and emboli from peripheral arteries. It comes in multiple configurations to support use across a range of peripheral arterial vessel sizes.
Eden Prairie, Minnesota-based Surmodics previously described its Pounce systems as “grab-and-go” solutions — deployable and simple to use. Each system features a delivery catheter, a basket wire and a funnel catheter. The basket wire deploys two nitinol self-expanding baskets, which capture the clot before retracting into the nitinol collection funnel. With the clot entrained, the system withdraws into a guide sheath, which removes the clot from the body.
The sale of the Pounce platform to Endologix likely enables Surmodics to move forward with a focus on its Surveil drug-coated balloon, which goes alongside Biocoat within GTCR’s portfolio of medical coatings, following GTCR’s go-private acquisition.
Meanwhile, Endologix says the deal strengthens its commercial offering for vascular interventionalists. The Irvine, California-based company develops a range of technologies for treating artery disease. That includes the Detour system for treating peripheral arterial disease (PAD), along with the Alto and AFX2 platforms.
The company said that adding a clinically differentiated mechanical thrombectomy option enables it to support a broader continuum of care for patients with peripheral vascular disease. It expects a core group of Surmodics team members supporting Pounce to join Endologix as part of the transaction.
Commentary from Endologix officials and users of thrombectomy tech
Dr. John Liddicoat, president and CEO of Endologix, said:
“The Pounce Thrombectomy System is a strong strategic and clinical fit for Endologix. It serves the same physicians and patients we already work with every day and brings a clinically differentiated mechanical approach that complements our vascular intervention portfolio. We are excited to welcome members of the Pounce team as part of our intentional investment in innovation that helps vascular specialists deliver better care.”
Dr. Venkatesh Ramaiah, chief of vascular and endovascular surgery at Pulse Cardiovascular Institute, said:
“I have used both Pounce and Endologix technologies in my practice, and bringing these solutions together under one organization makes a great deal of clinical sense. The Pounce fully mechanical thrombectomy system offers a grab-and-go solution that does not rely on thrombolytics or aspiration and complements Endologix’s portfolio of vascular technologies for the treatment of peripheral arterial disease. Together, these technologies provide physicians with additional flexibility when addressing thrombi and emboli in the peripheral arterial vasculature.”
