A Cardiff University spin-out in the UK has developed an advanced system to manage surgical smoke – a hazardous by-product of electronic surgical tools in operating rooms.
Alesi Surgical, a UK-based surgical technology company, has successfully raised £5 million in a funding round led by Mercia Ventures. Existing investors, including IP Group and Panakès Partners, participated.
Surgical smoke generated by electronic instruments during procedures poses several challenges in the operating room, such as reducing visibility and fogging cameras during minimally invasive surgery.
It also exposes healthcare staff to harmful toxins and viruses.
Current management solutions, including bulky extraction tubes, are often unpopular among surgeons due to their complexity, noise, and inefficiency.
Alesi Surgical offers a solution with its electrical filtration technology, which is designed to remove surgical smoke effectively.
The company’s flagship product, the Ultravision system, specifically designed for laparoscopic surgery, has been employed in over 40,000 procedures globally.
Independent research suggests Ultravision is 23 times more effective than conventional methods in reducing smoke release and minimising the infectivity of viruses in surgical smoke.
Building on this success, Alesi recently launched the FDA-approved Ultravision2, a versatile platform that integrates smoothly with existing surgical tools and operating room equipment.
The company’s latest innovation, the IonPencil, marks a significant advancement as the first surgical instrument to embed smoke management technology directly into routine surgical tools, which account for around 80% of all procedures.
The adoption of smoke management policies is gaining momentum – 18 US states already mandate such protocols, and more are expected to follow suit.
Alesi’s Ultravision2 and IonPencil offer a quieter, more efficient alternative that aligns with emerging regulatory requirements and addresses the growing demand for practical solutions.
Dominic Griffiths, CEO of Alesi Surgical, said: ‘We have been overwhelmed by the positive feedback from surgeons during the development of the IonPencil. Surgeons have been reluctant to use existing systems, but we believe our technology will significantly improve compliance with new legislation. We are delighted to welcome Mercia Ventures as a new investor alongside our existing partners and look forward to using this capital to fuel our growth.’
Robert Hornby, investor director at Mercia Ventures, said: ‘With new regulations driving the adoption of smoke management solutions, Alesi is well-positioned to lead the market. The IonPencil expands Alesi’s product portfolio and opens new market opportunities beyond laparoscopy. We are excited to support Dominic and the team as they enter this new growth phase.’
The newly secured funds will support Alesi’s efforts to expand its market presence, particularly in the US, and pursue regulatory approvals for its products in Europe and Japan, setting the stage for continued growth and innovation in surgical technology.
