Business

ControlRad, Developing Innovative Solutions that Dramatically Reduce the Lifetime Risk of Radiation Exposure

Published

4 years ago

April 24, 2020

Patrizia Winsper

Vibrant Technology at the Heart of Five Innovative Companies, one of five companies profiled

Founded in 2010 by three men of Israeli descent, ControlRad has recently relocated from Pennsylvania to Georgia. I was able to speak to CEO Guillaume Bailliard as he settled in at their new Global Headquarters in Peachtree Corners.

They moved from Atlanta Tech Park to their new office space at 275 Scientific Dr. N.W. after securing $15 million from Questa Capital in September. “That helped fuel the growth of the company, including planting our flag here, at this facility,” Bailliard said.

Their Research and Development Team, comprised of 20 R&D engineers, is located in Kfar Saba, just outside of Tel Aviv. “The number one place in the world today for startups per capita in Israel,” Bailliard shared.

X-rays Come at a Cost

To fully appreciate ControlRad’s innovation, it’s important to understand a bit of x-ray technology. Hint: think ‘control radiation.’

“The radiation you get from x-ray is ionizing radiation—high-energy wavelengths or particles that penetrate tissue to reveal the body’s internal organs and structures. Ionizing radiation can damage DNA.” [Radiation Risk from Medical Imaging (2018), Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School]

X-rays allow us to see inside the body without invasive surgery. Traditionally, static x-ray is used if you break your arm, in order to see the fracture. It’s the same type of x-ray you get at the dentist’s office. “There is very little risk with that single exposure,” Bailliard explained.

However, continuous x-ray or Fluoroscopy, used by doctors like cardiologists, spine surgeons and urologists to see specific organs in real-time and to deploy devices inside the body like stents, without having to perform exploratory surgery, “subjects medical staff and patients to a tremendous amount of dangerous and unnecessary x-ray exposures in a single procedure,” Bailliard said. “A certain percentage of that prolonged radiation exposure scatters outside the body to the medical staff and to patients needlessly.”

During a fluoroscopic procedure, the physician is at the table beside to you, deploying the devices and getting radiated in very close proximity to the x-ray unit.

What Drives ControlRad’s Innovation?

The issue is that much of the scattered radiation reaches the medical staff. “They get roughly 150,000 worth of chest x-rays over a lifetime. This is a lot like the NFL concussion story,” Bailliard said, “in the sense that the issues with concussions have always been there, but it is only recently that we truly understand the long-term impact of repeated concussions.”

Similarly, medical staff has always been subjected to radiation, but the adverse effects of this have not been well-documented until now. Risks include increased incidents of cataracts, atherosclerosis, strokes and left-brain tumors. (The x-ray tube is closest to the left side of the physician’s head during procedures.)

Don’t be Afraid to Seek Treatment

While we may have a fluoroscopic procedure once or twice in a lifetime, physicians are performing them repeatedly throughout the day. ControlRad helps protect the medical staff providing life-saving treatment to patients.

“I don’t want readers to be afraid of going to see a cardiologist to get treated, or to get an x-ray of the hand,” Bailliard said. “Everyone should ask the right questions about the risks of radiation with their physicians. The risks for patients are very low. It’s a risk-benefit ratio and the benefits typically greatly outweigh the risks.”

How Low Can You Go?

Since no amount of radiation from an x-ray is good for you, ControlRad adheres to the FDA espoused guiding principle of radiation safety: ALARA, which stands for: As Low as Reasonably Achievable. In other words, how low can you get radiation exposure without impacting the ability to treat patients?
Am I the only one singing “How Low Can You Go” in my head right now?

To that end, it is ControlRad’s mission to dramatically reduce the unnecessary risks associated with gratuitous radiation exposure without compromising image quality or workflow. It’s an undertaking that benefits both patients and physicians, but their primary focus is on protecting medical staff who are in harm’s way for the span of their careers.

ControlRad Reduces Radiation by up to 89%

510(k) Cleared—the FDA has granted permission to go to market—ControlRad’s device consists of three components retrofitted onto existing x-ray units. (See Figure 1.)

EYE TRACKER / TABLET
Used to select the region-of-interest (ROI), either by detecting where the doctor is looking, or by allowing the doctor to draw an ROI manually on the tablet.
INTEGRATED SEMI-TRANSPARENT TITANIUM FILTER
The filter sits on top of the x-ray tube. It moves in real-time focusing on the selected ROI and reducing the x-ray beam outside the ROI, thereby filtering out unnecessary scatter radiation.
ADVANCED IMAGE PROCESSOR
Image processing algorithms help improve the image quality delivered to the physician.

The Launch

A published and peer-reviewed study has demonstrated a 75% radiation reduction to both patient and medical staff, using ControlRad’s technology. This ground-breaking device has recently been launched and is currently in limited release.

“The objective is to pressure test the product, the feature sets, our logistics, our service, and our training,” Bailliard said. “We’ve done a number of installations and are actually looking into having some installations in Atlanta. We’re in the process of talking with those teams.”

Feedback

Dr. Andrew Cappuccino in Niagara Falls suggested that not only was the radiation exposure to himself and to his patient drastically reduced, but he believes he saw an improvement in image quality as well.
“It makes sense to us that there is an improvement in image quality because we’re reducing the amount of scatter radiation in the ROI, but we’ll do additional studies to validate that,” Bailliard noted. “Our objective was to reduce unnecessary x-ray radiation and not negatively impact image quality. What we’re finding is that there’s potentially a very strong improvement in image quality as well.”

Why Peachtree Corners?

Bailliard cited the convenient location, its proximity to Atlanta, as well as access to a critical mass of medical device talent. “The key to any business is to be able to attract the right people. Being nicely centralized in this area we have folks coming from Marietta, from down-town and from further north.”
He also referred to the fact that the cost of doing business in Peachtree Corners is lower than in the Northeast where they were previously located and certainly lower than in Atlanta.

Perhaps my favorite reason they’ve chosen our city for their global headquarters: “We’re outside of the craziness of inside the perimeter, yet we’re in this Technology Park. That’s been the key,” Bailliard stated.

Looking to the Future

I wondered aloud if one day, patients would be able to seek out physicians who employ ControlRad’s technology.

“Actually, hospitals that are looking at our technology are looking to market to patients. Because there is a benefit to patients, we’re reducing the amount of unnecessary radiation exposure. That’s a good story,” Bailliard proclaimed.

Related Topics:Business ControlRad Technology Park

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Patrizia Winsper

Patrizia hails from Toronto, Canada where she earned an Honors B.A. in French and Italian studies at York University, and a B.Ed. at the University of Toronto. This trilingual former French teacher has called Georgia home since 1998. She and her family have enjoyed living, working and playing in Peachtree Corners since 2013.

Business

VyStar Credit Union Continues Growth in Georgia with the Opening of a Peachtree Corners Branch

Published

1 week ago

May 9, 2024

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

A grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for May 29, 2024

VyStar Credit Union has to announced that its Peachtree Corners location is now open at 5125 Peachtree Parkway in Peachtree Corners. This is VyStar’s fifth full-service branch in Metro Atlanta and joins branches in Stockbridge, Suwanee, Smyrna and Marietta.

In support of its purpose to “Do Good,” VyStar partners with non-profit organizations across the communities it serves. VyStar will make a $5,000 donation to the Rainbow Village to celebrate the grand opening of the Peachtree Corners branch at the ribbon cutting event in late May.

“VyStar’s first branch in Gwinnett will provide residents and business owners with better banking options, including free checking, access to early direct deposit, great rates, financial wellness education through VyStar’s Financial Fitness initiative, and unbelievable member-centric service that only a credit union can provide,” said VyStar EVP/Chief Operations Officer Chad Meadows.

The Peachtree Corners branch features VyStar’s digital-forward design, which enhances how employees connect with members. This includes interactive touchscreen kiosks that provide financial tools and allow members to quickly explore the latest products, services and rates.

Lobby and drive-thru hours for the Peachtree Corners branch are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

VyStar continues to work with local organizations to build up the communities it serves. In Metro Atlanta, that includes supporting the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Junior Achievement of Georgia, Frontline Housing Inc., H.E.R.O. For Children and many others.

“Each time VyStar opens a new branch, it is another opportunity for us to support our purpose to Do Good. With eight full-service branches now in Georgia and our first Contact Center in Metro Atlanta, VyStar is able to provide residents and area businesses with exceptional financial products along with personalized service,” said VyStar SVP/Georgia Market President Janean Armstrong.

VyStar has seven additional locations in Georgia: Marietta, Smyrna, Suwanee, Stockbridge, Brunswick, Savannah and Thomasville, with plans to open branches in Pooler, Kingsland and Peachtree City over the next year.

The credit union is also expanding its services in Florida with a third branch in Tallahassee scheduled to open in May followed by a branch opening in the Lake Nona area in August.

To celebrate the grand opening, the community is invited to a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 29, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. Learn more about the Peachtree Corners branch.

Business

Kendra Scott Opens New Store At The Forum

Published

3 weeks ago

April 26, 2024

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

Kendra Scott

Kendra Scott is celebrating the opening of its newest store in Peachtree Corners the weekend of May 10 at The Forum.

Upon opening, the 2,263 square foot store will display Kendra Scott’s current collections. The store will also showcase the brand’s unique Color Bar, offering shoppers an interactive experience to create customized jewelry in minutes and leave with it in hand.

Worn by celebrities including Hailey Bieber, Camila Cabello, Mindy Kaling, Zendaya and Kelly Clarkson, Kendra Scott’s collections are known for their custom-created stone shapes, genuine materials and design details.

This will be Kendra Scott’s first store in Gwinnett County, which joins five other retail locations in Georgia.

The brand will continue to show its support for the community through partnerships with non-profits and local businesses. For the grand opening weekend, Kendra Scott Peachtree Corners will host various non-profits for Kendra Gives Back events, donating a percentage of proceeds directly back to the causes.

Kendra Scott hosts more than 10,000 Kendra Gives Back events in retail stores annually and looks forward to establishing relationships and connecting with the Gwinnett County community.

“We’re excited to continue introducing the community to new brands, bites and events at The Forum as part of our vision to create downtown Peachtree Corners. Kendra Scott will be a welcome addition, providing our guests a top-notch experience to shop its unique offerings in person,” said Charlotte Hinton, The Forum marketing manager.

Doors will open on Friday, May 10, at 10 a.m. with celebrations throughout the weekend, including giveback events, gifts with purchase and giveaways. RSVP for more details here.

Upcoming events:

Friday, May 10 from 10-12 p.m. – Kendra Scott Peachtree Corners is partnering with The Forum for a VIP event. Supporters who spend $100 will receive a special jewelry gift with purchase.* Guests will also enjoy refreshments from Giulia, The Italian Bakery.
Friday, May 10 from 5-7 p.m. – Kendra Scott Peachtree Corners is partnering with the Norcross High School Cheer Team and donating 20% of proceeds. Supporters who spend $100 will receive a special gift with purchase* Guests can also receive a custom embroidered bow from Quiet Hours Embroidery with purchase.
Saturday, May 11 from 4-6 p.m. – Kendra Scott Peachtree Corners is partnering with Spectrum Autism Support Group and donating 20% of proceeds. Supporters who spend $100 will receive a special gift with purchase.* Guests will also enjoy complimentary cotton candy from Wonder Soirée with every purchase.
Sunday, May 12 from 12-2 p.m. – Kendra Scott Peachtree Corners is celebrating the Community of Motherhood. Supporters who spend $100 will receive a special gift with purchase.* Guests will also receive a complimentary Mother’s Day bouquet of flowers from Nancy’s Flower Truck.

*One per person while supplies last.

Kendra Scott Peachtree Corners is located at 5155 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 710 in Peachtree Corners at The Forum. For companywide updates and product details, follow @kendrascott on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Business

BRACK: Peachtree Corners to lose Peterbrooke Chocolatier

Published

4 weeks ago

April 19, 2024

Courtesy of Elliott Brack's Gwinnett Forum

Scottt Gottuso and Geoffrey Wilson. Photo provided.

Peachtree Corners will soon lose one of its most iconic, popular and tasty businesses.

Peterbrooke Chocolatier, run by Geoffrey Wilson and Scott Gottuso, has been told by Peachtree Forum landlords, North American Properties and Nuveen Real Estate, that its lease will not be renewed. The last day of business will be July 25.

Meanwhile, Peachtree Forum is getting several new stores. They include Kendra Scott, Sucre, and The NOW Massage. Previously announced were Alloy Personal Training, Cookie Fix, Gallery Anderson Smith, Giulia, Lovesac, Nando’s Peri-Peri and Stretchlab. Wilson adds: “We are not in their big picture.”

Wilson has operated Peterbrooke at the Peachtree Forum for 14 years and Gottuso has been there nine years. They have made the chocolatier profitable and doubled sales. Wilson says: “We turned it around through community involvement and made relationships. We worked with the schools, gave donations, did a lot in the community, and made a difference. We produce most everything we sell in the shop, so it’s labor intensive. We make European-style chocolate treats from scratch from the very best ingredients, package it, make gift baskets, and also sell a lot of gelato.”

Key items include truffles, hand-made caramels, cherry cordials, chocolate-covered cookies and pretzels and strawberries hand-dipped in their own blend of chocolates. (They are all good!) One of Wilson’s and Gottuso’s most iconic products is chocolate popcorn. Once you try it, regular popcorn is tasteless. “We sell a lot of it.” Wilson adds: “Gelato sales have carried us in the summertime, since there are not many chocolate holidays in the summer.”

Peterbrooke now has five employees, and would like to have 10, but it is difficult to hire people with the skills in chocolatiering. A key part of its business is corporate companies, such as Delta Air Lines and Capital Insight. The Peachtree Corners’ Peterbrooke has corporate customers as far away as Cleveland, Ohio.

The operators were surprised when the Forum owners did not renew its five year lease. “The big decisions were made in Charlotte or Cincinnati, not locally,” Wilson feels. “We were no longer in their big picture. They want new and glitzy, shiny, fancy and trendy.”

The operators plan to start their own chocolate company, to be called “Scoffrey,” and initially sell online, plus have pop-up locations during holidays, and possibly have a booth in other merchants’ stores on occasions.

“Whatever we do would look different. We might rent a space somewhere close by so that people can still have the good chocolate experience with us, but we won’t have a regular audience walking by.”

Another element: the price of chocolate futures has spiked this year, with a bad crop production year. Wilson says: “That is key to our business and a huge cost increase. That doesn’t help.”

Wilson adds that the forced closing of the Peterbrooke location “is something like the death of a friend. But you go to the funeral and to the wake, and in six months or a year, It won’t be so bad.”

Have a comment? Send to: elliott@elliottbrack

Written by Elliott Brack

This material is presented with permission from Elliott Brack’s GwinnettForum, an online site published Tuesdays and Fridays. To become better informed about Gwinnett, subscribe (at no cost) at GwinnettForum