Boston Scientific Launches Expect Pulmonary Endobronchial Ultrasound Transbronchial Aspiration Needle in Mainland China

ZhengzhouJune 17, 2022PR Newswire -- Today, at the 2022 Annual Meeting of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association's Respiratory Physicians Conference (CACP2022) and the 21st Respiratory Physicians Forum, Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX), a global leader in medical technology, announced the official launch of its Expect Airway Ultrasound Puncture Needle in mainland China. The product is designed for use in endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA). With advantages such as durability, large needle capacity, excellent visibility, and strong operability, the Expect needle enables operators to efficiently obtain a higher quantity of high-quality lung biopsy samples. This supports clinical efforts in achieving more precise subtyping of lung cancer diagnoses and furthering oncology research, thereby enhancing the overall level of clinical diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.

Professor Li Shiyue, Vice President of Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, and Professor Li Qiang, Director of the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine at Shanghai Eastern Hospital affiliated with Tongji University, jointly chaired the CACP conference.

Assisted by ultrasound visualization technology, bronchoscopic biopsy has moved beyond "The "Blind Puncture" Era

Existing clinical evidence shows that the overall 5-year survival rate for lung cancer patients in China is only 10-15%, but the 5-year survival rate for early-stage lung cancer patients can reach 60-80%.^[1]In clinical diagnosis and treatment, the key to achieving personalized precision therapy and extending patients' survival as much as possible is to conduct an accurate diagnosis and staging of lung cancer through tissue biopsy as early as possible.

With the advancement of technology, Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS)-guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration (TBNA), which emerged in the early 21st century, integrates ultrasound technology with endoscopy, allowing operators to sample lymph nodes/tumor tissues under direct ultrasound visualization. This innovation resolved the limitation of traditional blind bronchial puncture biopsies. Due to its minimally invasive nature, accurate puncturing, high safety, and diagnostic sensitivity (>90%), this novel technique has become a reliable option for precise clinical staging of lung cancer and diagnosis of mediastinal tumors, gaining widespread clinical acclaim. EBUS technology was first introduced in China in 2008 and has since been widely adopted in respiratory departments across the country, accumulating substantial clinical experience.

Dr. Septimiu Dan Murgu from the University of Chicago Medicine Shares Latest Advances and Global Usage of EBUS Technology

Introduction of Innovative Puncture Instruments: Precise Diagnosis of Lung Cancer in China is Expected to be Further Upgraded

Boston Scientific, a world leader in respiratory interventions, has introduced the innovative Expect Airway Ultrasound Puncture Needle to China, which is expected to further enhance the precision diagnostic capabilities for lung cancer and lymphoma in the country. With bold innovations in materials and design, this product provides clinicians with a new and powerful "tool" for performing endobronchial needle aspiration biopsies guided by endobronchial ultrasound.

Boston Scientific Expect Airway Ultrasound Puncture Needle Imported Medical Device Registration No. 20222020008

Unlike existing biopsy needles on the market, Expect utilizes a unique cobalt-chromium needle, which significantly reduces wall thickness while ensuring strength and durability. As a result, it offers a larger internal capacity compared to similar models, usually allowing sufficient tissue samples to be obtained in just one operation for cancer diagnosis, staging, and subsequent oncology research. Current clinical evidence shows that the tissue samples obtained with this biopsy needle contain fewer blood cells, are of higher quality, and demonstrate sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive values comparable to or better than mediastinoscopy.

While improving puncture outcomes, Boston Scientific ensures dual guarantees of convenience and accuracy during procedures through innovative device design. Expect offers a needle length of up to 6cm, providing operators with more operational space. Its unique dual-beveled sharp needle tip enhances passage ability during punctures. The echogenic markings closer to the needle tip provide excellent visibility, ensuring puncture accuracy. Additionally, the "non-slip" design of the actuator ensures a firm grip during operation, reducing hand fatigue and greatly enhancing the operator's comfort.

Regarding the successful launch of the Expect Airway Ultrasound Puncture Needle, Ms. Zhang Jun, President of Boston Scientific Greater China, stated: "We are very pleased to see an innovative respiratory interventional diagnostic solution from Boston Scientific enter the local market. This means that we will be able to assist a wide range of respiratory physicians in China to further enhance the early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer in the country. We also look forward to introducing more new technologies and products to help more Chinese lung cancer patients alleviate pain and prolong life."

About Boston Scientific

Boston Scientific Corporation is committed to innovation for life. We are dedicated to innovative medical solutions that improve the lives of patients worldwide. For over four decades, Boston Scientific has consistently led the global medical technology industry by delivering a wide range of high-performance medical solutions that meet critical patient needs for healing and reduce healthcare costs. For more detailed information, please visit the company website:www.bostonscientific.cn

About Boston Scientific Greater China

Boston Scientific set up its China headquarters in Shanghai in 1997 and currently has branch offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The company's core businesses cover cardiac intervention, structural heart disease, cardiac rhythm management and electrophysiology, endoscopic intervention, peripheral and tumor intervention, urology and pelvic floor health, respiratory products, and more. Upholding its tradition as an innovation leader, Boston Scientific is committed to becoming a respected medical technology company that meets the needs of doctors and patients, with innovative vitality, by providing high-quality medical products and services for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. For more detailed information, please visit the company website:www.bostonscientific.cn

^[1] Reckamp K L. Lung Cancer: Treatment and Research[J]. Cancer Treatment and Research, 2016.