A Medical Device Daily

At the top of the wish list for most women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) is that the procedure will result in a healthy pregnancy. A new product on the market may help that wish come true for those patients.

Cook Medical (Bloomington, Indiana) has introduced a device designed to protect and guide embryos through cervical mucus and blood and to eliminate the need for cervical flushing and aspiration prior to transfer. According to the company, the Guardia Pro Protective Embryo Transfer Catheter's outer sheath protects the embryo through entry and then opens in petals to further advance the inner transfer catheter, allowing placement of the embryo in the uterine cavity.

Cook introduced the new device this week at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (Belgium) conference in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

The company said that the transfer catheter also incorporates Cook's Microvol technology that decreases the volume of fluid required for embryo transfer helping lessen the likelihood of embryo migration and allowing more accurate embryo placement.

The Guardia Pro is Cook's newest addition to its portfolio of products for assisted reproductive technology (A.R.T).

"The launch of the Guardia Pro is an important step forward for the industry and for those undergoing IVF," said Christina Ann , VP of Cook's women's health business unit. "Our unique product creates a greater opportunity for successful embryo implantation. We are committed to simplifying procedures for patients and clinicians and with this device we hope to improve the process of embryo transfer."

Cook also recently launched CookARTLab.com, a web site for A.R.T. professionals (Medical Device Daily, May 15, 2009). According to the company, the site features the industry's first interactive video tour of an A.R.T. lab. Visitors to the site can view a real-world demonstration of ovum collection, sperm injection, embryo culture and embryo transfer, with guidance on how to optimize each step for improved pregnancy rates.

The web site also features a knowledge base with up-to-the minute links to the most current published research in A.R.T.; a discussion forum that allows professionals to exchange information and experiences; and a news center posting upcoming industry events.

In other news from Cook Medical this week, the company reported that favorable data was presented for its Biodesign, for the treatment of abdominal wall wounds complicated from chemotherapy. According to research, the Biodesign Hernia Graft is safe and effective in treating chemotherapy patients suffering from hernias for which synthetic mesh is not a viable option.

The study shows that Biodesign is particularly effective at treating high-risk patients with preoperative abdominal wall morbidity, gastrointestinal perforation and those patients receiving hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy or cytoreductive surgical procedures. The graft also proved to reduce postoperative adhesions, reduce the risk of surgical site infection and eliminate enterotomies of fragile bowel after chemotherapy during subsequent surgeries in this study.

Cook says Biodesign is resistant to infection, encapsulation and erosion into surrounding tissue.