Ultrasound-enhanced needle biopsy
We optimize patient outcomes by optimizing the effectiveness and efficiency of needle biopsies.
Limitations in biopsy methods limit patient care
Needle biopsy is an essential diagnostic procedure, used extensively in cancer care and crucial for precision medicine, with over 10M performed annually at a cost of almost $10B. Distressingly, needle biopsy results are highly variable and up to 30% – 50% fail to efficiently and effectively obtain an adequate sample*, resulting in severe clinical, financial, and emotional consequences. SWAN Cytologics believes that these immense costs, which impact all stakeholders, are unacceptable – and unnecessary.
*Pritzker KPH, Nieminen HJ. Needle Biopsy Adequacy in the Era of Precision Medicine and Value-Based Health Care. Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2019 Nov;143(11):1399-1415.
SWANglide delivers gentle ultrasound energy through the biopsy needle and into the target to increase cell and tissue uptake during sampling and to reduce friction during insertion. This unique transformation of biopsy needles into precision instruments results in superior yield, accuracy, safety, simplicity, and success. The enhanced sample adequacy and clinical efficiency are applicable to a broad range of needle biopsy procedures for cytology, histology, genomics, and proteomics in oncology and other medical specialties.
SWANglide reduces the need for repeat tests and additional samples, allows biopsies to be performed in lower cost settings with lower cost resources, and is easier to learn and operate. It is estimated that SWANglide, once fully deployed, could create annual global healthcare savings of almost $2B. Additional indirect savings from reductions in adverse events, incorrect or delayed diagnoses, and inferior treatment could be several times greater.
Our team consists of experts in pathology, biomedical ultrasonics, medical devices, and the creation and scaling of new business
Ken Pritzker, MD, FRCPC
CEO, Founder
Expertise in novel medical diagnostics. Former Head of Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada. Professor Emeritus, University of Toronto.
Jouni Rantanen, M.Sc. (Tech.)
Vice President, Business Development
Expertise in biopsy business development, R&D, product and business management.
John Jordan, MBA, CPA, CMA
CFO
Experience in building companies from start-up to strategic exit.
Heikki J. Nieminen, Ph.D.
CSO, Founder
Extensive experience in biomedical ultrasonics.
Aaron Weinroth, B.A.Sc., M.A.Sc., P.Eng.
Advisor, Commercialization
Biomedical engineer skilled in new product development and commercialization.
Frank Florio, MBA, ICD.D
Senior Business Advisor
Serial entrepreneur. Former President, BD Canada. Former Vice President, BD North America.
John Jordan, CFO
Phone: 416-729-7502
Email: jjordan@swancytologics.com
Street address:
SWAN Cytologics Inc.
MaRS Centre, South Tower
101 College Street, Suite 200
Toronto, Ontario, CANADA
M5G 1L7
©️ SWAN Cytologics Inc. 2020