Israeli femtech startup Ark Surgical has secured $2.1 million in funding for its LapBox containment system for secure removal of large internal organs during laparoscopic GYN surgery. The financing was raised from investors of the Together equity crowdfunding platform alongside the Israeli Innovation Authority and NGT. Ark Surgical has completed the first-in-human (FIH) study demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of the LapBox.
Approximately 600,000 hysterectomies are performed annually in the U.S., with the worldwide number estimated at 1.5 million. Due to the concern of spreading undiagnosed cancer located in the uterus being removed, many hysterectomies are being performed today by open surgery. Open surgery requires a 12 cm incision resulting in more pain, longer hospitalization and healing periods, and higher complication rates and even death. Ark Surgical’s LapBox allows hysterectomy to be performed laparoscopically significantly benefitting patients, their families and healthcare providers.
The single-use LapBox employs simple mechanical principles to ensure secure organ retrieval in laparoscopic surgery. LapBox serves as a fully contained space within the inflated abdomen within which the surgeon can effectively morcellate large organs such as the uterus, without the risks associated with tissue morcellation.
Ark Surgical, CEO, Stav Tori remarked, “To date, no device for this problem has gained broad market adoption, leaving a significant unaddressed clinical need which our company is focused on filling. The current funding will enable us to submit for the FDA regulatory and marketing clearance which will be a major milestone in our pathway to the market where it is expected to shorten hospitalization stays by 300%, save hundreds of millions of dollars to hospitals and insurers and save the lives of 1,800 women every year.”
