A CDU

Luna Innovations (Roanoke, Virginia) reported that it has entered a joint marketing alliance with Terumo Cardiovascular Systems (Terumo CVS). Luna and Terumo CVS will market Luna's EDAC (Emboli Detection and Classification) Quantifier for clinical use in the U.S. Terumo CVS is a supplier of products for cardiopulmonary bypass.

"Luna has a track record of successfully developing products for key target markets, and this agreement with Terumo CVS expands our presence in the medical devices market consistent with our business model, which focuses on the commercialization of our proprietary technologies and intellectual property," said Kent Murphy, Luna's CEO and chairman. "While the dynamic quantification of micro gaseous emboli during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery is not presently the global standard of care, the acceptance and widespread adoption of our technology will continue to raise the bar in patient care."

Luna said that its EDAC Quantifier is the only full-featured, standalone emboli detection system to receive clearance from the FDA on the market.

This cardiopulmonary instrument uses quantitative ultrasound technology to non-invasively detect gaseous emboli in up to three extracorporeal bypass circuit lines. Luna's product provides repeatable, accurate measurement of gaseous emboli previously not quantifiable by the surgical team.

Gaseous emboli are air bubbles, variable in size and consistency, which are created during invasive medical procedures such as cardiopulmonary bypass surgery and valve replacements.

In a statement, Luna said, "Many researchers and clinicians agree that one of the most significant risks associated with emboli is the potential for brain damage caused by gaseous micro emboli which can be introduced into the cerebral blood flow during such procedures."