Minimally Invasive Surgery in Minnesota

GT Metabolic Solutions is a medical device company specializing in magnetic compression anastomosis technologies for minimally invasive bariatric and metabolic surgery. Founded in May 2020 by Dr. Michel Gagner and Thierry Thaure, the company holds a portfolio of over 17 patents focused on advancing surgical techniques. The flagship MagDI™ System represents an innovative incisionless, sutureless, and staple-free surgical approach using magnetic technology to create anastomosis, particularly for side-to-side duodeno-ileal procedures. The system received FDA De Novo marketing authorization in July 2024, with subsequent 510(k) clearances for second-generation magnets in 2024 and 2025. Clinical evidence demonstrates the MagDI™ System enables durable weight loss and improved glycemic control in obese patients with or without type 2 diabetes. The technology eliminates foreign material implantation, supporting natural tissue healing and enabling outpatient surgical delivery. GT Metabolic is actively advancing clinical trials in North America and Europe, positioning magnetic surgery as a next-generation frontier in minimally invasive bariatric and metabolic procedures.

HistoSonics, Inc. is a medical device manufacturer specializing in histotripsy, a proprietary non-invasive ultrasound technology that mechanically destroys targeted tissue without surgery, heat, or incisions. Founded in 2009 by University of Michigan experts, the company has developed the Edison system—an FDA-approved, robotic, image-guided platform for the non-invasive mechanical destruction of liver tumors. The Edison system uses focused ultrasound to create a controlled bubble cloud that liquefies unwanted tissue in real-time at the sub-cellular level. With over 100 systems deployed globally and significant insurance coverage expansion (7 million BCBS Highmark members), HistoSonics is actively expanding clinical applications beyond liver oncology to kidneys and pancreas through ongoing HOPE4KIDNEY and GANNON clinical trials. The company serves interventional radiologists, surgical oncologists, hepatologists, and transplant surgeons, positioning histotripsy as a tissue-sparing alternative to traditional surgical and thermal ablation approaches for tumor treatment.

Nextern Innovation is a vertically integrated medical device contract design, development, and manufacturing organization (CDMO). The company collaborates with innovators and clinicians to design, develop, optimize, and manufacture medical devices across multiple therapeutic areas. Nextern operates four global manufacturing facilities totaling 250,000 square feet, including 20,000 square feet of cleanroom space, with a team of 600+ members worldwide. The company specializes in minimally invasive devices, single-use catheter and metal assemblies, Class III active implantable leads and delivery systems, power systems (catheter and generator development), bioelectronics, and connected care solutions. Nextern Liink, a subsidiary, develops custom, secure, and scalable software solutions for medical device connectivity. Core capabilities include device design and development (bio-simulation, pre-clinical testing, IP support), full-spectrum manufacturing with phased transition from development to commercialization, supply chain management, and life-cycle services including warranty and continuous improvement. The company operates virtual quality management systems and maintains presence in strategically located global manufacturing locations with localized supply chains. Nextern serves cardiology, neuromodulation, and other specialty device markets, with demonstrated expertise in brain-computer interfaces and platforms for labeling and graphical user interfaces.

Pleural Dynamics is a Minneapolis-based medical device innovator specializing in minimally invasive solutions for chronic fluid collections within the body. The company's flagship product, ACES (Automatic Continuous Effusion Shunt), is an FDA-cleared implantable device designed to treat chronic recurrent pleural effusions—excess fluid accumulation between the lung and chest wall that causes severe dyspnea, cough, and reduced quality of life. ACES leverages the body's natural breathing motion to automatically and continuously transfer pleural fluid into the abdomen for reabsorption, eliminating the need for repeated drainage procedures, external catheters, or prolonged hospitalization. With a 1-day or less hospital stay, zero 30-day failure rate, and zero pleural infection rate in clinical trials, ACES offers superior clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional pleurodesis and indwelling pleural catheter approaches. The device targets the approximately 660,000 new patients annually in the US and Europe with recurrent pleural effusions, representing a $1.5B annual market opportunity. Pleural Dynamics addresses a significant clinical unmet need by providing sustained symptom relief while reducing infection risk, caregiver burden, and overall healthcare costs.

Francis Medical develops the Vanquish® Water Vapor Ablation System, an FDA-cleared, minimally invasive medical device designed for targeted thermal ablation of prostate tissue via transurethral approach. The system uses sterile water vapor energy to treat localized prostate cancer and benign prostatic conditions. Founded in 2018 and based in Maple Grove, Minnesota, Francis Medical specializes in urological oncology solutions that minimize long-term side effects associated with traditional prostate treatments. The Vanquish System is designed for outpatient use with transurethral delivery incorporating standard cystoscopy and transrectal ultrasound. Clinical data from the VAPOR 2 multi-center pivotal study (n=235) demonstrates 91% clearance of targeted MRI-visible disease, low rates of urinary incontinence (2.7% Grade 2 or higher), low rates of erectile dysfunction, and high patient satisfaction (93% extremely satisfied/satisfied at 12 months). The system treats prostate lesions in any anatomical location including apex, anterior, and transition zone. Commercial adoption is expanding across U.S. surgery centers.

LightningCath is an ISO 13485-certified medical device manufacturer specializing in the design, prototyping, and manufacturing of high-quality catheter systems and components for minimally invasive procedures. Based in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, the company operates an ISO 7 cleanroom facility and emphasizes rapid turnaround times to serve smaller medical device companies and healthcare professionals. LightningCath offers comprehensive catheter manufacturing services including design and prototyping, extrusion (single and multi-lumen thermoplastic and fluoropolymer tubing), injection molding, electrode assembly, and value-added services such as shape setting, tipping, micro-molding, crimping, and balloon bonding. The company supports applications across intravenous therapy, neurovascular interventions, and structural heart procedures, with capabilities ranging from low-to-high volume production and quick-turn development cycles.

Marrow Access Technologies is a medtech company specializing in minimally invasive orthopedic surgical solutions for cartilage repair and regeneration. The company's flagship product, the SmartShot marrow access device, was launched in 2021 and represents an advancement over traditional microfracture techniques. The SmartShot device creates precise microchannels that provide superior access to stem cell-rich bone marrow with significantly less disruption to native bone structure. Clinical data demonstrates 2X greater marrow exposure and 66% less bone disruption compared to conventional mallet-based microfracture. The device is suitable for various weight-bearing joints including the knee, hip, and ankle, and can be used for standalone marrow stimulation therapy or in combination with biological agents. A specialized SmartShot Ankle device addresses the unique anatomical challenges of treating cartilage lesions in the ankle joint. The company partners with Spartan Medical to deliver cartilage repair therapy to U.S. military veterans and active Department of Defense service members.

Monteris Medical Corp is a leader in minimally invasive laser ablation technology for neurosurgical applications. The company specializes in laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) systems designed specifically for brain procedures. Their flagship product, the NeuroBlate System, is an MR-guided robotic laser ablation platform indicated for treatment of brain tumors, radiation necrosis, and drug-resistant epilepsy. The system represents the only robotic MR-guided laser ablation tool in its class, delivering real-time thermal imaging and precision ablation capabilities for neurosurgical oncology and epilepsy applications. Monteris is committed to prospective multi-center clinical evidence generation, including participation in landmark studies such as LAANTERN to establish the safety and efficacy profile of LITT in brain applications. The company serves neurosurgical centers, academic medical centers, and specialized treatment facilities performing minimally invasive brain procedures. Products are designed for use in intraoperative MRI environments with integrated navigation and thermal monitoring. The company maintains a collaborative, innovation-focused organizational structure supporting product development and clinical evidence generation for minimally invasive neuroablation.

NeoChord, Inc. is a privately held medical technology company specializing in beating heart mitral valve repair. The company manufactures the NeoChord Artificial Chordae Delivery System (Model DS1000), an echo-guided, minimally invasive treatment for patients with mitral valve regurgitation. The device enables direct repair of the mitral valve on a beating heart without requiring cardiopulmonary bypass, preserving the valve structure and future treatment options. The system uses artificial chords deployed via transapical access under echocardiographic guidance. NeoChord's technology improves procedural control, restores mitral valve function, and has been evaluated in multiple clinical studies across numerous countries. The company holds CE marking conformity under European Medical Device Regulation (MDR) 2017/745. In the United States, the device is investigational and limited to investigational use by federal law. NeoChord serves cardiac surgeons, interventional cardiologists, and cardiac care centers treating mitral valve disease. The company maintains a focus on clinical evidence generation, with multiple peer-reviewed publications documenting feasibility, safety, and efficacy of the procedure, including novel applications such as re-repair and use in complex anatomies.