Connect, no.132, September - October 2004, p.6

Phyz ^TM

biocompatible coating enhances visibility of needles with ultrasound and eliminates biopsy procedure guesswork

Phyz needle showing surface bubbles

A radical technological refinement has made it possible to 'see' devices used in ultrasound-guided procedures, such as biopsy needles and catheters.

How?...by generating bubbles

The patented Phyz technology is based upon an invention by Dr Anton Joseph, and comprises a smooth biocompatible polymer coating containing effervescent agents.

As soon as it is introduced into water or tissue it generates tiny bubbles. These bubbles efficiently scatter ultrasound, and consequently the needle stands out in sharp contrast on an ultrasound image.

Ultrasound image of Phyz needle in isolated liver

The enhanced visibility of the needle allows far greater positional and directional information to be obtained, resulting in easier and more accurate biopsy procedures. In the same way that airborne con-trails record an aircraft's passage, when the needle is withdrawn a bubble trail remains, and allows accurate re-positioning.

It has also been demonstrated that the Phyz coating technology when applied to biopsy needles can be sterilised by gamma irradiation without any loss in reactivity.

TWI is now seeking licensees to benefit from this exciting new technology.

If you are interested, please contact Dan Lord dan.lord@twi.co.uk Tel. +44 (0) 114 269 9046