Versago Vascular Access

Versago Vascular Access Inc. operates within the medical device sector, specifically focusing on the vascular access market, which is valued at nearly $5 billion in the United States. The company was established as a spinoff from Primo Medical Group, a notable entity in the development and manufacturing of medical devices since 1953. Andrea Patisteas is a co-founder and serves as the CEO of the company.

The core of Versago's business is its proprietary "reverse needle" technology for subcutaneous access ports. This system is designed to provide a large bore, reusable, and power-injectable conduit to a patient's bloodstream or other anatomical cavities. The primary clients for this technology are healthcare providers and facilities that perform procedures requiring frequent vascular access, such as chemotherapy, apheresis, total parenteral nutrition, and potentially hemodialysis. The business model appears to be centered on the development and eventual sale of these medical devices to strategic partners and the broader healthcare market.

Versago's product directly addresses the limitations of conventional vascular access methods. Traditional ports are limited by the small needles used to access them, which can restrict flow rates. In contrast, Versago's port system features a needle that advances out of the implanted port body, piercing the skin from the inside out into a contained enclosure. This mechanism allows for the use of larger gauge cannulas, enabling significantly higher flow rates. A key benefit is the reduction of risks for clinicians, such as needle sticks, and minimizing missed access attempts. For patients, it promises a more reliable access point. The device's design, which lacks a traditional septum, avoids issues like tearing or sludge accumulation, making it suitable for power injection applications like tumor imaging. It has the potential to replace existing technologies such as standard ports, PICC lines, and central venous catheters for numerous procedures. As of early 2024, Versago's vascular access ports have not yet received FDA clearance and are not available for sale.

The company's formation was backed by seed funding to advance its technology. In February 2016, Versago announced it had closed on $1.65 million in a seed round from Primo Medical Group's investor network. This capital was allocated for further product development, initiating the regulatory review process, conducting animal testing, and engaging with potential strategic partners. Overall funding has reached a total of $2.09 million over two rounds.

Keywords: vascular access, subcutaneous port, reverse needle technology, medical devices, high-flow access, large bore access, power injectable port, chemotherapy access, apheresis, hemodialysis access, central venous catheters alternative, PICC line alternative, Primo Medical Group, Andrea Patisteas, implantable medical device, drug delivery, fluid extraction, serous fluid, ascitic fluid, vessel harvesting