Attending AAGL 2024: Caldera Medical’s Commitment to Advancing Gynecologic Surgery

Tedi BeznaPelvic Floor Health

As a company solely focused on women’s health, Caldera Medical has always been committed to providing innovative and effective surgical products for the treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI), Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP), and hysteroscopic removal of intrauterine tissue. Our mission is clear: to improve the quality of life for women worldwide. In line with this mission, we are proud to be a long-time supporter and active participant in the AAGL Global Congress, the largest and most prestigious gathering of gynecologic surgeons dedicated to advancing minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS).

This year, from November 16th to 19th, we will be attending AAGL 2024 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA. This blog post highlights our involvement in the event, our focus on the Benesta™ Family for polyp and fibroid removal, and what attendees can expect from Caldera Medical at this year’s congress.

The Significance of AAGL

The AAGL (American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists) is the leading medical society focused on gynecologic surgery, boasting an international membership of over 7,100 physicians and healthcare providers. This annual congress is a cornerstone for professionals in the field, offering an unparalleled opportunity to learn about the latest advancements in MIGS, share best practices, and network with peers from around the globe.

The congress is more than just an event—it’s a forum where the finest gynecologic surgeons come together to push the boundaries of what’s possible in minimally invasive surgery. At Caldera Medical, we align perfectly with this vision, which is why our participation in AAGL is so crucial to our ongoing efforts to enhance women’s health.

Showcasing the Benesta™ Family

While our entire portfolio of products will be on display at AAGL 2024, our focus this year is on the Benesta™ Family, our flagship device for hysteroscopic tissue removal. Designed specifically for the removal of polyps and fibroids, Benesta™ represents the cutting edge of what is possible in this field.

Polyps and fibroids are common gynecological conditions that affect a significant percentage of women at some point in their lives. Uterine polyps are growths attached to the inner wall of the uterus that extend into the uterine cavity, while fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus. Both conditions can cause a range of symptoms, including heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and fertility issues.

Traditionally, the removal of polyps and fibroids could involve more invasive surgical procedures, such as open surgery, which come with longer recovery times, higher risks of complications, and more significant impacts on patients’ quality of life. The Benesta™ Family was developed to address these challenges by providing a minimally invasive, hysteroscopic solution that allows for the safe, effective, and efficient removal of these growths with minimal impact on surrounding tissues.

Key Features of the Benesta™ Family

The Benesta™ Family of products is designed with both the surgeon and patient in mind, offering a range of features that make it the ideal choice for hysteroscopic tissue removal:

  • Precision and Control: Benesta™ is engineered to provide surgeons with unparalleled precision and control during procedures. Its advanced design allows for the targeted removal of polyps and fibroids, ensuring that only the affected tissue is removed while preserving the integrity of the surrounding uterine structures. This precision reduces the risk of complications and contributes to faster recovery times for patients.
  • Minimally Invasive: As a hysteroscopic device, Benesta™ allows for the removal of polyps and fibroids through the natural openings of the body, eliminating the need for external incisions. This minimally invasive approach significantly reduces patient discomfort, shortens hospital stays, and allows for quicker return to normal activities.
  • Versatility: The Benesta™ Family is designed to handle a wide range of intrauterine tissue removal cases, from small polyps to larger fibroids. Its versatility makes it a valuable tool for gynecologists, allowing them to address a variety of patient needs with a single device.
  • Enhanced Visualization: During hysteroscopic procedures, clear visualization of the surgical site is critical. Benesta™ is equipped with state-of-the-art optics and illumination systems that provide surgeons with a clear, unobstructed view of the uterine cavity, enabling them to perform procedures with greater accuracy and confidence.
  • Safety and Efficacy: Patient safety is at the forefront of the Benesta™ design. The device incorporates multiple safety features, including built-in tissue differentiation technology that helps distinguish between healthy and abnormal tissue, reducing the risk of unintentional damage. Clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of Benesta™ in removing polyps and fibroids with high success rates and low complication rates.

Clinical Impact and Patient Outcomes

The introduction of the Benesta™ Family has had a profound impact on patient outcomes, offering women a less invasive, safer, and more effective option for the treatment of uterine polyps and fibroids. Patients who undergo procedures using Benesta™ typically experience:

  • Reduced Recovery Time: Thanks to its minimally invasive nature, patients can often return to their normal routines much faster than with traditional surgical methods. Many patients are able to go home on the same day as the procedure and resume light activities within a few days.
  • Minimal Discomfort: The precision and control offered by Benesta™ reduce the need for extensive tissue manipulation, leading to less postoperative pain and discomfort. Most patients report only mild cramping and spotting, which resolves quickly.
  • Improved Fertility Outcomes: For women of childbearing age, the removal of polyps and fibroids can significantly improve fertility outcomes. By preserving the health of the uterine lining and minimizing trauma, Benesta™ helps maintain the conditions necessary for successful conception and pregnancy.
  • Long-Term Symptom Relief: The effective removal of polyps and fibroids using Benesta™ has been shown to provide long-term relief from symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure. Patients who undergo treatment with Benesta™ often report a significant improvement in their quality of life.

Benesta™ is more than just a product—it’s a reflection of our commitment to advancing the field of gynecologic surgery. By focusing on the specific needs of gynecologists at AAGL, we are ensuring that our innovations are not only relevant but transformative.

Engaging with Attendees

One of the highlights of attending AAGL is the opportunity to engage directly with the surgeons and healthcare providers who use our products. At our booth, we’ll be showcasing our full range of products, including the Desara® and Vertessa® Families, but with a special emphasis on Benesta™.

We believe that learning is best achieved through hands-on experience. That’s why we’re excited to participate in a pre-congress lab where doctors can try out our products for themselves. This lab will provide an invaluable opportunity for attendees to gain first-hand experience with Benesta™ and see how it can be integrated into their surgical practice.

Our booth will also feature a variety of promotional items—fondly referred to as “swag”—designed to bring a bit of fun and levity to the serious business of gynecologic surgery. From tote bags to makeup pouches, pens, uterus plushies, pins, and scrub caps, our giveaways are always a hit. Many of these items feature slogans and puns related to vaginas or uteri, such as “Vagenius” or “Happy Vagina, Happy Life.” These lighthearted items serve as a reminder of our dedication to women’s health and our belief that, while the work is serious, there’s always room for a little humor.

Our Commitment to Education

Education is a cornerstone of our mission at Caldera Medical. We understand that the best products in the world are only as good as the surgeons who use them. That’s why we’re deeply committed to physician education and engagement. At AAGL, we’ll be offering training and support for the safe and effective use of our products, with a focus on ensuring that every surgeon feels confident in their ability to achieve the best possible outcomes for their patients.

This commitment to education extends beyond the congress itself. Throughout the year, we work closely with surgeons to gather feedback and continuously improve our products. By listening to the needs and experiences of those on the front lines of women’s health, we ensure that our innovations are always in step with the evolving demands of the field.

Looking Forward to AAGL 2024

As we prepare for AAGL 2024, we are filled with anticipation and excitement. This congress is more than just an event for us—it’s an opportunity to connect with our peers, learn from the best, and showcase the innovations that we believe will shape the future of gynecologic surgery.

We invite all attendees to visit our booth at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, where they can explore our products, participate in our pre-congress lab, and take home some of our fun and memorable swag. Whether you’re already familiar with Caldera Medical or are learning about us for the first time, we look forward to engaging with you and sharing our vision for the future of women’s health.

Conclusion

At Caldera Medical, our mission of improving the quality of life for women is at the heart of everything we do. Our participation in AAGL 2024 is a reflection of this commitment and our belief in the power of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery to transform lives. As we continue to develop, build, and market the best-in-class surgical products, we remain dedicated to supporting the surgeons who use them and the women whose lives they touch.

We are proud to be part of the AAGL community and look forward to another successful congress this November. Together, we can advance the field of gynecologic surgery and bring the benefits of minimally invasive treatment to women around the world.