Boston Scientific and FUJIFILM SonoSite Announce Strategic Collaboration to Deliver Integrated Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation Solution

Shanghai, April 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Boston Scientific (NYSE: BSX), a global leading medical technology company, and Fujifilm (China) Investment Co., Ltd. announced a strategic partnership. By combining Boston Scientific's radiofrequency ablation technology with Fujifilm Sonosite's ultrasound clinical visualization technology, the collaboration aims to provide complementary advantages and support for pain management, rehabilitation, and other disciplines in China.The First in the IndustryA complete solution for ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation. In addition, the two parties will work closely together in the fields of medical diagnostic technology and academic training to promote the upgrading of diagnosis and treatment of neuropathy, acute and chronic pain, and other diseases in China, with the aim of jointly providing more efficient and safer treatment options for patients.

"Report on the Development of Pain Medicine in China (2020)" shows that the number of chronic pain patients in China exceeds 300 million, and is rapidly increasing at a rate of 10 to 20 million people per year.^[1]Chronic pain conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia, glossopharyngeal neuralgia, and neuropathic pain caused by degenerative diseases of the spine and joints are increasingly contributing to the disease burden. Additionally, peripheral neuropathy induced by highly prevalent clinical conditions like herpes zoster and diabetes also poses long-term challenges to the daily lives of many patients. For these conditions, clinical interventions can modulate the corresponding peripheral nerves, interrupt the transmission of pathological nerve impulses, and help alleviate symptoms and improve patients' quality of life.

Radiofrequency Ablation as an Effective Method for Peripheral Nerve Modulation in Clinical Practice: A Commonly Used Technique in Pain Management and Rehabilitation Departments in China. It utilizes radiofrequency current to generate an alternating magnetic field, causing ions to rub against each other to produce thermal energy. This energy is applied to ganglia, nerve trunks, nerve roots, intervertebral discs, and other areas, inducing neurodegeneration or repair, blocking the transmission of pathological impulses. It offers advantages such as minimal invasiveness, fewer side effects, shorter operation time, and rapid postoperative symptom improvement for patients.

Boston Scientific Peripheral Nerve RF Complete Solution [2]

Ultrasound-guided pain management and rehabilitation therapy, as a treatment method that has emerged in recent years, has been widely applied to an increasing number of patients. With real-time ultrasound guidance, it assists doctors in performing visualized procedures, enabling more accurate diagnosis and treatment while reducing treatment risks and the occurrence of complications.

Fujifilm Sonosite Ultrasound Equipment

By combining ultrasound with radiofrequency ablation, it can help doctors better evaluate and diagnose the condition on one hand, and provide clear real-time imaging during surgical puncture and drug injection, thereby improving surgical accuracy, reducing the number of punctures and nerve damage. On the other hand, it can replace DSA, reduce radiation exposure for both patients and medical staff, greatly simplify surgical procedures, allowing radiofrequency ablation to be completed in a day surgery room, enabling patients to be discharged on the same day, effectively improving treatment efficiency and saving medical resources.

In today's trend towards precision, minimally invasive, and comfortable medical services, the integration of Boston Scientific's radiofrequency ablation technology with Fujifilm Sonosite's ultrasound technology will undoubtedly bring good news to a large number of patients in China suffering from peripheral neuropathy and chronic pain. In the future, both parties will also work together to expand the application of this innovative diagnosis and treatment solution in orthopedics, interventional disciplines, and more, jointly promoting the upgrading of clinical diagnosis and treatment technology in China, and contributing to improving patients' quality of life and reducing the burden of disease on society.

[1] Fan Bifa. Report on the Development of Pain Medicine in China [M]. 1st Edition. Beijing: Tsinghua University Press, 2020.

[2] Registration Certificate No.: Disposable Radiofrequency Ablation Electrode, China Medical Device Registration No. 20153010175; Disposable Injection Radiofrequency Electrode, China Medical Device Registration No. 20143015276; Disposable Radiofrequency Cannula, China Medical Device Registration No. 20193012436; Radiofrequency Ablation Therapy Device, China Medical Device Registration No. 20153012776

About Fujifilm Sonosite

The ultrasound brand SonoSite, acquired by the Fujifilm Group in 2012, has revolutionized the Point-of-care ultrasound concept since its establishment in 1998. With its compact, rugged, and user-friendly product design, it truly brought bedside real-time ultrasound technology and visualization value to healthcare professionals around the globe. As of 2017, SonoSite ultrasound systems have been installed in over 100,000 facilities worldwide, utilized across more than 21 medical disciplines, earning over 145 patents and receiving numerous prestigious design awards, firmly establishing its position.The No.1 Brand in Clinical UltrasoundIn China, Sonosite ultrasound has entered more than 70% of anesthesiology departments and serves as the "third eye" for physicians in pain management, orthopedics, emergency, ICU, and ultrasound departments, providing clinical value during diagnosis and treatment. For more detailed information, please follow the [Sonosite Ultrasound] WeChat Official Account or visit the company website:www.sonosite.com/cn

About Fujifilm Group and Fujifilm (China) Investment Co., Ltd.

The Fujifilm Group consists of two major business companies: Fujifilm Corporation and Fujifilm Business Innovation Corporation. It has 310 consolidated subsidiaries globally, with over 73,000 employees. In the fiscal year 2020, the total sales amounted to approximately 20.684 billion USD, and the operating profit was approximately 1.561 billion USD. Fujifilm (China) Investment Co., Ltd. is the wholly-owned subsidiary of Fujifilm Corporation in China, established on April 12, 2001, with its headquarters in Shanghai. Its business areas include medical products, digital cameras, imaging products, printing products, optoelectronic products, and industrial materials, with a registered capital of 213.4 million USD. For more detailed information, please visit the company's website:www.fujifilm.com.cn

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 around the world. For more than four decades, Boston Scientific has been at the forefront of the global medical technology industry, providing a wide range of high-performance medical solutions to meet the urgent needs of patients for treatment and reduce healthcare costs. For more 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, by providing high-quality medical products and services for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, Boston Scientific is committed to becoming a respected medical technology company that meets the needs of doctors and patients and demonstrates innovative vitality. For more detailed information, please visit the company’s website:www.bostonscientific.cn