FDA clears new uses for Aragon Surgical's laparascopic device

Aragon Surgical, a Palo Alto, Calif., medical-devices maker, said the FDA cleared its LapCap product for use in general surgery. Aragon, which doesn't seem to have a Web site, gained ownership of the LapCap when it acquired VeriSure, another device maker, in March.

The LapCap is designed to ease the initial steps of minimally invasive, or laparoscopic, surgery, in which surgeons must pass a needle into the abdomen in order to blow in gas that will expand the abdominal cavity. The LapCap guides this needle into the proper location, helping to avoid inadvertent needle-related injuries. The device was previously only cleared for use in gynecologic laparoscopies.

Aragon is backed by Delphi Ventures and Onset Ventures.