Boston Scientific acquires Obsidio Inc., and with it Gel Embolic Material technology
Boston Scientific Corporation announced the acquisition of Obsidio, Inc., a privately-held company that has developed the Gel Embolic Material (GEM) technology used for embolization of blood vessels in the peripheral vasculature
Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure intended to obstruct or reduce blood flow to an abnormality or tumor to stop hemorrhaging, reduce the size of malignant and benign tumors, and stabilize venous and arterial malformations. Recently cleared by the FDA, the GEM technology is a semi-solid, proprietary material packaged in a ready-to-use form, thus reducing the preparation time required for many embolization procedures. Physicians deliver the GEM agent through a catheter, and its gel-like composition enables controlled placement within patient anatomy. Unlike solid and liquid embolics that can take time to form an obstruction to blood flow, once placed, the GEM technology conforms to the targeted vasculature, immediately creating a barrier.