Microsulis

Microsulis Medical Ltd. was a UK-based medical device company established in 1997, originating from a research collaboration between Chemring and the University of Bath in 1993. The company was founded to commercialize the inventions of Professor Nigel Cronin, focusing on microwave technology for therapeutic medical devices. Microsulis specialized in developing minimally invasive microwave ablation technology for the coagulation of soft tissue, serving hospitals and clinicians in the oncology and surgery sectors. The company's business model revolved around the design, manufacturing, and sale of these specialized medical devices and securing intellectual property in medical microwave design.

The company's core product was the Acculis Microwave Tissue Ablation (MTA) system, which included the Accu2i pMTA applicator. This system utilized a high-power, high-frequency 2.45 GHz saline-cooled needle to perform rapid and large soft tissue ablations, offering a minimally invasive alternative to open surgery for treating tumors in the liver, lung, kidney, and bone. Key features included a 1.8 mm needle that allowed for precise application of microwave energy, aiming to reduce risks and recovery times for patients. The Acculis MTA system gained CE Mark approval in February 2010 and FDA 510(k) clearance in August 2010.

A significant milestone in the company's history was the strategic decision in 2011 to concentrate on the oncology market. To fund this focus, Microsulis sold the rights to its Microwave Endometrial Ablation (MEA) device, used for treating menorrhagia, to Hologic Inc. for $3 million. In March 2012, Microsulis entered a strategic relationship with AngioDynamics, which included a $5 million equity investment from AngioDynamics and exclusive international distribution rights for the Accu2i pMTA system. This partnership culminated in January 2013, when AngioDynamics announced its acquisition of Microsulis' microwave ablation technology assets for an upfront payment of $15 million, with potential future considerations. The acquisition was completed in February 2013, integrating Microsulis' technology into AngioDynamics' portfolio to strengthen its position in the global tissue ablation market.

Keywords: microwave ablation technology, soft tissue coagulation, minimally invasive surgery, medical devices, oncology, Acculis MTA system, AngioDynamics, tissue ablation, percutaneous microwave tissue ablation, liver tumor treatment, lung tumor treatment, medical technology, surgical devices, cancer treatment, healthcare technology, CE Mark, FDA 510(k), interventional oncology, Hologic, Professor Nigel Cronin