Gynecology instrument designed to improve cervical cancer patient outcomes now available in the US

A single-use gynecology product called the DTR Medical® Cervical Rotating Biopsy Punch from global medical device supplier Innovia Medical is now available in the United States. First introduced in the U.K. in 2012, the single-use instrument is now offered through Innovia Medical based in Minnesota.

“Our single-use instrument has been developed to help improve the quality of sample,” said Edward Sheppard, Product Marketing Manager, Single-Use Instruments for Innovia Medical. “UK user feedback over the past 12 years has been extremely positive, underscoring the significant benefits of our Cervical Rotating Biopsy Punch.”

Improving patient outcomes through early detection

With cervical cancer screenings down dropping by 4.4 million women in the U.S.[1] due to COVID-19, the importance of obtaining an adequate biopsy sample the first time is essential to rapid diagnosis, as early detection has a significant impact on the chance of successful treatment[2]. Most cervical cancer (more than 95%) is caused by Human Papillomaviruses (HPV), the most common viral infections of the reproductive tract[3]. HPV are the most widespread sexually transmitted infections worldwide[4]. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, with 604,000 new cases in 2020[5]. When detected at an early stage, the five-year survival rate for women with invasive cervical cancer in the US is 92%[6]. By obtaining a high-quality tissue sample first time, the DTR Medical® Cervical Rotating Biopsy Punch can  reduce the amount of time taken for a diagnosis[7].

Helps ensure a high-quality sample

The DTR Medical® Cervical Rotating Biopsy Punch features a top jaw that is stronger than titanium[8] and ensures a high-quality 3.0 x 7.5 mm sample, leading to potentially less discomfort for the patient and a reduction in the number of repeat pathology tests. The instrument’s low-profile jaw ensures better access to the transformation zone when migrating into the endocervical canal. The 360-degree rotating head facilitates optimal positioning and patient interaction.

“We’re proud to offer the Cervical Rotating Biopsy Punch to the U.S. market, where we believe it will be as well received as it has been in the United Kingdom and Europe,” said Allison Therwhanger, Vice President of Corporate Sales for Innovia Medical. “With this product, we are helping healthcare professionals in providing faster, more reliable cervical cancer detection and improving overall welfare for patients.”

88% positive response from doctors

The DTR Medical® Cervical Rotating Biopsy Punch is equipped with an ergonomic handle for comfort and is lightweight compared to alternatives. In 2019, Innovia Medical conducted a survey in the U.K., in which 88% of doctors[9] said they would recommend the DTR Medical® Cervical Rotating Biopsy Punch to a colleague due to its performance and effectiveness. The same survey found that 86% of doctors[10] described their first sample as either “good” or “very good” when asked about the quality of the cut, the biopsy, and the ease of removing samples from the jaw.

“I really like using the Biopsy Punch because it gives me an accurate biopsy. It has sharp edges so I know I will get a good sample,” said Dr. Hilda Dunsmore, women's health specialty doctor at Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow.

[1] https://pressroom.cancer.org/releases?item=1190

[2] https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/cervical-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/detection.html#:~:text=The%20best%20way%20to%20find,cervical%20cancers%20and%20save%20lives.

[3] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cervical-cancer#:~:text=Persistent%20infection%20with%20high%2Drisk,causes%2095%25%20of%20cervical%20cancers.

[4] https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm#:~:text=HPV%20is%20the%20most%20common,many%20different%20types%20of%20HPV.

[5] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cervical-cancer

[6] https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/cervical-cancer/statistics#:~:text=Women%20under%2050%20have%20a,diagnosed%20at%20an%20early%20stage.

[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6726236/

[8] Data on File

[9] Data on File

[10] Data on File