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J&J MedTech Wins FDA Nod for Monarch Quest Robot-Assisted Bronchoscopy

The next-gen NVIDIA-powered AI navigation software elevates the Monarch platform for robotically assisted bronchoscopy.

Johnson & Johnson MedTech has earned U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance for Monarch Quest, the latest advancement in the company’s Monarch surgical navigation technology.

Monarch Quest features artificial intelligence (AI)-powered algorithms and a verified OEC Open interface with GE HealthCare’s OEC 3D mobile CBCT imaging system.

The Monarch platform is touted as the first robotically assisted bronchoscopy system to market. It offers minimally invasive access to and visualization of airway to help healthcare professionals biopsy suspicious lung nodules.

J&J MedTech said Monarch can help clinicians get an early, definitive diagnosis in lung cancer cases. This helps care teams move patients into the treatment pathway an average of three weeks faster.

Monarch Quest features a scope-in-sheath design and continuous vision for physicians. Its software integrates advanced navigation with intraprocedural 3D imaging data, which can potentially boost accuracy in targeting lung nodules.

The AI-powered navigation now has the full-stack NVIDIA accelerated computing platform, based on NVIDIA RTX. This increases the device’s real-time computational power by 260% and lets the system run complex algorithms to boost accuracy and confidence while navigating the lung. Monarch Quest also adds more AI capabilities for future software releases.

Its digital capabilities now grow from pre-op planning through intra-op AI-based navigation to improve accuracy and post-op case data analysis. Monarch is part of J&J MedTech’s Polyphonic digital ecosystem, which connects data across surgical technologies, robotics, and surgical software.

“Our goal with the Monarch Platform is to change the treatment paradigm for diseases such as lung cancer, where significant unmet needs still remain,” said Aleksandra Popovic, president, Monarch, J&J MedTech. “Monarch Quest demonstrates our commitment to delivering meaningful innovation that helps clinicians advance the standard of care for their patients.”

About a month ago, the company announced that it has resumed the limited market release of its Varipulse pulsed field ablation (PFA) system in the U.S. after a comprehensive investigation.

Written by: Sam Brusco

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Paige Durham

SCbio is pleased to welcome Paige Durham to the team as communications coordinator to creatively and effectively communicate the value of the life science association’s programs and initiatives.

Durham will be responsible for developing and distributing high-quality content across multiple communications channels to build, advance and grow South Carolina’s life sciences industry, a key business sector for economic prosperity for the Palmetto State.

“SCbio is excited to welcome Paige to our team as our new communications coordinator. Paige brings fresh ideas and a strong background in communications that will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our engagement with our audience,” said SCbio President and CEO James Chappell. “We are confident that her skills and experience will be crucial in advancing our communication strategies and supporting our mission.”

Before joining SCbio, Durham was the Membership and Communications Manager at the South Carolina Pharmacy Association (SCPhA), where she used her photography, design and writing skills to create content tailored to pharmacy professionals. Durham’s effective communication skills guaranteed the delivery of brand-specific material that captured the eye of her audience.

During her time at SCPhA, Durham created and edited the Palmetto Pharmacist Journal, using her creative vision to showcase members, educational institutions and industry news. Her communications efforts successfully gained new followers for the organization over the course of a year, increasing brand visibility and promoting the pharmacy profession.

Durham holds a Bachelor of Science in hospitality and tourism management and a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the College of Charleston.

Tamia Sumpter

Tamia is a driven senior undergraduate Bioengineering student currently enrolled at Clemson University. With a strong foundation in her field, she has honed her skills through hands-on experience in research and development at Eli Lilly & Company. During her time in the ADME department, Tamia contributed significantly by working on siRNAs and their applications in finding In Vitro-In Vivo Correlation (IVIVC). Looking ahead, Tamia has set her sights on a promising career in law. She aspires to specialize in Intellectual Property Law, with a particular focus on serving as in-house counsel for leading medical device or pharmaceutical companies. Her enthusiasm for this role is palpable as she prepares to embark on her legal journey! She is also a proud member of the Omicron Phi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., PEER Mentor for Clemson PEER/WiSE, and currently serves as the President of Clemson Bioengineering Organization (CBO). With her unique blend of scientific knowledge and legal interests, Tamia is poised to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare and life sciences industries.