Modular Catheter Systems, A New Paradigm for Minimally Invasive Procedures

Have you ever noticed that the construction paradigm of all minimally invasive (MI) catheter devices is that of an integrated design? One piece, unitary construction where each variant is a unique design and stock keeping unit (SKU). Covellus has noticed and believes that our industry could benefit by re-thinking this single paradigm and consider a modular approach to these products.

The idea is simple, at the time of the procedure the physician combines two independent modules (what we call “Parent” and “Adapter” modules) at the distal end to create a MI catheter device that functions just like an integrated catheter but with the flexibility and benefit of a modular system. The physician can create catheter variants in response to the evolving needs of a procedure, bringing the power and benefit of modularity to the catheter lab.

The technology is not a product but a platform to create MI catheter device products. Our strategy is to introduce the novel idea of modular catheter systems by targeting products in the peripheral vascular market. Specifically, where a modular catheter system can create value in product types that require multiple variants to serve physicians in treating individual clinical presentations and variable anatomy. To that end, we developed a “hybrid” platform. The hybrid modular system is designed to use existing catheter device as the “Parent” module. Specifically, any .035” compatible guidewire (GW) catheter. There are many benefits to this approach, including using well understood therapies as the gateway.

Covellus is led by Bradley Beach, a successful entrepreneur and engineer. He has extensive experience designing, developing and manufacturing catheter-based devices. He invented a novel fracture resistance femoropopliteal stent and was integral in bringing it from concept to acquisition by Cordis. He also cofounded and is a director for a contract manufacturer of medical devices in India.