Avvio Medical

Avvio Medical is pioneering a novel approach to kidney stone lithotripsy that could significantly disrupt the urology market. Their Enhanced Lithotripsy System (ELS) leverages low-pressure ultrasound and targeted microbubbles to perform stone comminution in an outpatient setting, eliminating the risks and costs associated with general anesthesia and ureteral stents. The company has achieved key regulatory and reimbursement milestones, including FDA Breakthrough Device Designation and a new CPT code, positioning it for clinical advancement and future commercialization. Founded in 2016 and based in San Diego, Avvio is a private company targeting a large and growing patient population burdened by current invasive procedures.

Low-pressure ultrasound combined with intravenous calcium-seeking microbubbles to create cavitation and micro-jets for non-invasive stone comminution.

Avvio competes with established lithotripsy technologies: extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy (URS). Its primary differentiation is enabling a truly office-based, anesthesia- and stent-free procedure, targeting the drawbacks of both current standards—the declining efficacy/trauma of ESWL and the invasiveness/cost of URS.