SOMAVAC® News & Updates
Press releases, clinical milestones, conference appearances, partnerships, and other updates from SOMAVAC® Medical Solutions.
A sit-down with Tasia Malakasis | How her cancer diagnosis opened doors for a Tennessee startup
We are honored to share this powerful story featuring Tasia Malakasis and her journey through breast cancer. A journey that ultimately opened the door to SOMAVAC…
Read articleSOMAVAC Partners with Susan G. Komen
We’re proud to share this important resource from Susan G. Komen highlighting what patients should know about post-surgical recovery after breast cancer surgery. Recovery is a…
Read articleSomavac at the Atlanta Breast Surgery Symposium
Somavac joined the breast surgery community at the Atlanta Breast Surgery Symposium to learn, listen, and engage around the realities of postoperative care. The conversations and…
Read articleSomavac Attends ASRM 2026
Somavac was proud to attend the American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery (ASRM) meeting, connecting with leaders in microsurgery and reconstructive care. The event was an invaluable…
Read articleSOMAVAC Spotlight
We're honored to be featured in The Lens Magazine, by LSI's Alumni Innovator Spotlight highlighting how SOMAVAC, under the leadership of CEO Elizabeth Hoff, is revolutionizing…
Read articleSmart Surgical Drainage; Remove Drains Sooner
Modernizing surgical recovery with a proven solution that shortens drain duration, simplifies care, and improves satisfaction for patients and providers alike. Somavac Clinical DataDownload
Read articleUpdate August 2025
SOMAVAC's Update August 2025 updates, featuring groundbreaking medical advancements and enhanced patient care solutions.
Read articlePatient Testimonial
Gwen C. was one of the first patients to use SOMAVAC after her hernia repair. She recalls: "I was one of the first patients to use…
Read articleTransforming Post-Surgical Recovery in Breast Cancer Surgery. A Better Tool for Better Patient Experience and Outcomes
Jane Berz, MSN, RN, FNCBCChair of the BoardSOMAVAC Medical Solutions, Inc White Paper Transforming Post-Surgical Recovery Jane BerzDownload
Read articleFrankie Mead – Welcome to the Team!
We are pleased to welcome Frankie Mead as our new VP of Sales! Frankie comes to us with 25 years of sales leadership expertise in the…
Read articleSOMAVAC® Named One of “Five Companies to Watch” from LSI Market Insights
At the core of LSI’s Emerging Medtech Summits are our innovators. This year, 362 early and growth-stage companies took the stage to share how their technologies…
Read articleLSI: SOMAVAC® Redefining Post-Surgical Recovery for Breast Cancer Patients
Under the direction of CEO Elizabeth Hoff, SOMAVAC is challenging the status quo of post-surgical care with its innovative negative pressure solutions. By improving the patient…
Read articleSOMAVAC® Selected to Present at TLSF 2024
SOMAVAC® presenting at the 13th Annual Texas Life Science Forum, co-hosted by BioHouston and Rice Alliance, is Texas’ premier life science and health-tech event, taking place on November 7, 2024 to unite industry professionals, investors, and executives.
Read articleSOMAVAC® Receives Strong Reception at ASPS Annual Meeting
There was strong recognition at ASPS that seroma mitigation and elimination are essential to transforming outcomes for breast reconstruction patients. Attendees were particularly excited by SOMAVAC’s FDA-cleared technology.
Read articleSOMAVAC® CEO Elizabeth Hoff Presents at LSI Europe: Technology Receives Enthusiastic Response
Elizabeth Hoff’s presentation focused on SOMAVAC’s negative pressure wound therapy device, which is designed to address the unmet needs of patients recovering from large flap surgeries, including breast cancer reconstructions.
Read articleSOMAVAC® Welcomes Dr. Aldona Spiegel as New Strategic Advisor
We are honored to have Dr. Spiegel on board and look forward to her guidance as we continue to push the boundaries of patient care and innovation. Dr. Spiegel’s passion for advancing medical technology aligns perfectly with SOMAVAC’s commitment to transforming the post-operative recovery process.
Read articleBrief conversation with Phil Ryan (COO, SOMAVAC® Medical)
The transcript features a conversation between Abigail and Phil Ryan, who is the Chief Operating Officer at Silverback, a company he joined in 2019 after working at a large medical device manufacturer. Phil discusses his transition from a large company to a smaller, nimble organization like Silverback. He outlines the roles he has taken on, including operations, engineering, and even minor tasks due to the size of the company. Phil emphasizes the advantages of working in a smaller company, such as quicker responsiveness to customer needs and efficiency in making product changes without the bureaucracy typical of larger organizations. He also shares personal advice for individuals considering a move from a large to a small company, highlighting the need for flexibility, willingness to re-engage with hands-on tasks, and an appreciation for the inherent uncertainties of startup environments. His motivation for moving to a smaller company stems from his early career experiences and the close-knit, goal-oriented culture that small companies offer.
Read articleSOMAVAC® Medical Granted US Patent (11,078,898)
The SOMAVAC® SVS is the ONLY smart surgical drain pump cleared by the FDA to prevent seromas in plastic and general surgery. Most commonly used for mastectomies, breast reconstructions, hernia repairs, tummy tucks and complex orthopedic procedures.
Read articleWelcoming Keith Gordon, RN as a Senior Clinical Support Team Member
Keith Gordon discussed his positive transition and busy schedule at Silverback as a new clinical specialist, highlighting his enthusiasm for being on the road, interacting with doctors and patients, and introducing new technology. He expressed excitement about the S-VHS device, praising its benefits for hospital efficiency and patient convenience, especially in comparison to traditional JP drains. Gordon emphasized the device's contribution to patient mobility and confidence, owing to its discreet design and spill-proof nature, enhancing overall patient recovery experiences.
Read article‘Smart’ pump latest medical device created in Memphis
The article discusses the innovations made by SOMAVAC in surgical drain technology, led by CEO Esra Roan. SOMAVAC has developed a device that automates the draining and collection of surgical fluids, improving upon the traditional Jackson-Pratt bulb, which has been the standard for decades. This technology offers advantages like continuous negative pressure, which reduces complications and improves recovery, and allows for the sterile collection of fluids for research purposes. As the company expands, they plan to increase their workforce and market reach, having already received FDA clearance and substantial venture capital investment.
Read articleSuzanne’s Experience with Drains Speaks Volumes
As a three time, nine year breast cancer survivor, I have had multiple surgeries that have required Jackson Pratt drains. I found these drains to be inconvenient, messy and quite frankly, gross. They were a nightmare. As I was being discharged from one hospital visit, the dangling Jackson Pratt drain tubing became entangled in my wheelchair spoke and was literally ripped from my body and slung down the hospital corridor.
Read articlePROVIDING COMPASSIONATE CARE: Mental Wellness of Breast Cancer Patients
Research shows that many breast cancer patients fight a secondary battle with mental health as they return home from cancer treatment. They suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), and other mental health conditions which can have a negative impact on patients' path to recovery.
Read articleWhat You Need To Know about Surgical Drains with Suction & Infection after Breast Surgery
The article discusses the importance and challenges of surgical drains, such as JP drains, used after procedures like mastectomies to prevent fluid accumulation and minimize the risk of complications like seromas and infections. It highlights the significant impact of these complications on the U.S. healthcare system, costing over $1 billion annually due to interventions for seromas.
Read articleSOMAVAC Shows Commitment to Women’s Health as a Sponsor of Essentially Women FOCUS Conference
Thank you to our sponsors, American Breast Care, Brightree, VGM Insurance, and all of our exhibitors for helping make the conference a success.
Read articleThe Rewarding Life of Mastectomy Fitters
The article explores the role of mastectomy fitters who provide essential support to women recovering from breast cancer surgery by fitting them for external breast prostheses and other post-mastectomy products. It details the fitting process, the emotional and practical considerations involved, and the qualifications necessary to become a mastectomy fitter.
Read articleSOMAVAC® participates in the virtual Focus Conference organized by Essentially Women
We are excited to be participating in this year's Focus 2021 Conference organized by Essentially Women, A Division of the VGM Group – virtually! Check out the On Demand session by our CEO Esra Roan, PhD titled "Closed Suction Drain Use in Breast Surgery".
Read articleRevolutionary SOMAVAC® SVS in Essential Advantage by Essentially Women
Read about SOMAVAC in the latest issue of Essentially Advantage. Jane Berz, RN, MSN, FNCBC wrote a wonderful article about what SOMAVAC means to the future of drain care. We are so very proud to be part of this amazing network of professionals caring for women and their loved ones during their breast cancer journey.
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