Bracco Imaging S.p.A. has acquired SurgVision in a deal that expands its presence into the field of fluorescence imaging-guided surgery.

The agreement puts in place resources to assist SurgVision in the development of a real-time fluorescence image-guided surgery platform that combines a targeted imaging agent with a device that enables efficient visualization of tumors during oncology surgical procedures.

"With the acquisition of SurgVision, one of the most advanced companies in a very promising field, we intend to address a relevant, unmet medical need for oncology patients who have to undergo tumor removal surgery," said Fulvio Renoldi Bracco, chief executive officer at Bracco Imaging, in a statement. "SurgVision platform expands our imaging solutions for health care professionals in oncology, and reinforces our long-lasting commitment to patient care.”
Surgeons often face challenges in distinguishing between tumors and healthy tissue visually and through digital palpation. Fluorescence imaging-guided surgery combines an infrared camera and contrast agent approach for making such distinctions.

The acquisition provides SurgVision with resources from Bracco for continuing to develop its targeted solution, which is expected to provide significant improvements versus competing modalities and products, using the extremely advanced features of its optical camera and sensitive targeting performance of its new imaging agent.

Bracco, in exchange, now has access to necessary competencies and technology that are strategically adjacent to the focus of its business and can speed up the development of projects that are currently under assessment. Its purchase of SurgVision follows a recent investment it made in PHS Technologies Group to reinforce its portfolio of informatics solutions for radiology.

"The acquisition of SurgVision by Bracco is a vote of confidence for the field of fluorescence image-guided surgery, and for the achievements so far by the SurgVision team," said Ton van den Hoven, chief executive officer at SurgVision, in a statement. "The expertise and commitment from Bracco will allow SurgVision to continue developing a solution that delivers on the potential of important clinical benefits for patients."

No financial details were disclosed.

Neither Bracco Imaging nor SurgVision responded for comment

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