Fischer Medical’s Subsidiary Launches Low-Field MRI for Aneurysm Screening
Filing Summary
Fischer Medical Ventures Ltd’s wholly owned subsidiary, Time Medical International Ventures (India) Pvt Ltd, has announced the launch of a new low-field TOF MRI platform, VEGA, developed in collaboration with Dr. Iype Cherian. This system is designed for rapid, non-contrast angiographic screening of unruptured intracranial aneurysms. The VEGA platform aims to enhance accessibility to preventive neurovascular screening across India, particularly in district hospitals and semi-urban clinics. The initiative leverages artificial intelligence for improved detection and is positioned to address the significant aneurysm screening needs in India.
Fischer Medical Ventures Ltd, through its wholly owned subsidiary Time Medical International Ventures (India) Pvt Ltd, has introduced a new low-field TOF MRI platform named VEGA. This platform is developed in collaboration with Dr. Iype Cherian and is specifically engineered for the rapid, non-contrast angiographic screening of unruptured intracranial aneurysms. The VEGA system is designed to facilitate nationwide aneurysm screening, addressing a significant health concern in India.
The filing does not disclose specific financial terms related to the development or deployment of the VEGA platform. However, the focus is on providing a cost-effective solution for neurovascular screening, which is expected to be accessible to a broader population. The system’s design eliminates the need for helium and reduces operational costs, making it feasible for deployment in various healthcare settings.
The VEGA platform is engineered with a permanent-magnet design, which avoids the use of helium, consumes less power, and requires minimal maintenance. It features an optimized TOF sequence that produces high-quality vascular imaging within six minutes without the need for radiation or contrast. This makes the system suitable for placement in district hospitals, semi-urban clinics, and mobile diagnostic units, thereby expanding access to preventive imaging.
The timeline for the rollout of the VEGA platform is not specified in the filing. However, the emphasis is on the immediate availability of the system for deployment across various healthcare facilities in India. The collaboration with Dr. Iype Cherian suggests a strategic approach to leverage his expertise in neurosurgery for the effective implementation of the platform.
Time Medical International Ventures (India) Pvt Ltd, as a wholly owned subsidiary of Fischer Medical Ventures Ltd, is responsible for the development and deployment of the VEGA platform. Dr. Iype Cherian, a renowned neurosurgeon, has played a pivotal role in the system’s development, advocating for population-level screening as a practical strategy to prevent aneurysm-related deaths in India.
The introduction of the VEGA platform is significant in the context of India’s healthcare landscape, where early detection of aneurysms remains rare. Conventional tools like CT angiography involve radiation and contrast, making them unsuitable for large-scale screening. High-field MRI systems are expensive and challenging to deploy outside major urban centers. The VEGA system addresses these challenges by offering a more accessible and affordable solution for neurovascular screening.
About Dr. Iype Cherian: Dr. Cherian is a pioneering neurosurgeon known for his contributions to neurosurgical science and education. His collaboration with Time Medical India underscores his commitment to advancing preventive healthcare solutions.
About Fischer Medical Ventures Ltd: Fischer Medical Ventures Ltd focuses on developing advanced medical diagnostic imaging systems. The company aims to make healthcare more accessible and affordable through innovative technologies, with a manufacturing plant in Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone dedicated to advancing MRI systems for India.