Encision Inc. is a medical device company headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, specializing in innovative technology for minimally invasive surgery. The company develops and markets patented Active Electrode Monitoring (AEM®) Surgical Instruments designed to prevent stray electrosurgical energy from causing unintended patient burns during laparoscopic procedures. AEM technology enhances patient safety by continuously monitoring electrosurgical current flow and interrupting power when harmful levels are detected, while maintaining the same look, feel, and functionality as conventional instruments. This technology addresses a well-documented hazard unique to laparoscopic surgery, reducing risks associated with instrument insulation failure and capacitive coupling. Encision’s solutions are endorsed by surgeons, nurses, biomedical engineers, malpractice insurance carriers, and electrosurgical device manufacturers, positioning the company as a leader in advancing safety in minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Encision generates revenue primarily through the sale of its AEM Surgical Instruments and AEM Monitor products to hospitals and surgical centers. The company offers both reusable and disposable instrument options, including scissors, graspers, dissectors, fixed-tip electrodes, and suction-irrigation devices, all integrated with AEM technology. A significant portion of sales comes from its reposable AEM EndoShield® 2 Burn Protection System, which combines disposable smart cord technology with AEM monitoring to eliminate the need for a separate monitor and reduce cost per use. Additionally, Encision markets the enTouch Disposable Scissors and the 2X enTouch® Scissors, which combine sharpness, micro-serrations, and thermochromic technology for performance and ease of tracking. Revenue is driven by recurring sales of replacement instruments as hospitals adopt and expand usage of AEM technology across laparoscopic procedures.
The company operates through the following segments:
- AEM Surgical Instruments: This segment encompasses the core product line of shielded and monitored laparoscopic instruments designed to prevent stray electrosurgical burns during minimally invasive surgery. The instruments are available in a wide array of reusable and disposable options, including scissors, graspers, dissectors, fixed-tip electrodes, and suction-irrigation devices. These products integrate proprietary AEM technology to continuously monitor electrosurgical current and prevent patient injury from insulation failure or capacitive coupling. The segment includes trademarked products such as the enTouch Disposable Scissors and the 2X enTouch® Scissors, which offer enhanced performance, economy, and environmental benefits through multi-use functionality and thermochromic wear indicators.
- AEM Monitor and EndoShield 2 Systems: This segment focuses on the monitoring components and related systems that enable the AEM technology to function effectively during surgical procedures. The AEM Monitor is compatible with most electrosurgical generators and can be adapted for robotic systems, providing real-time current monitoring and automatic power interruption when unsafe levels are detected. The segment also includes the AEM EndoShield® 2 Burn Protection System, a disposable smart cord that integrates AEM monitoring directly into the instrument, eliminating the need for a separate monitor and simplifying adoption for hospitals. The EndoShield 2 reduces cost per use and supports smooth conversion to AEM technology across various surgical specialties.
Encision occupies a niche but growing position in the electrosurgical device market, where it competes with large, well-established manufacturers such as Medtronic’s Advanced Surgical Technologies Group and Johnson & Johnson’s Ethicon Endo-Surgery. While these competitors dominate the market for conventional electrosurgical instruments, Encision differentiates itself through its patented AEM technology, which is the only available solution that completely eliminates the risk of stray electrosurgical burns caused by insulation failure and capacitive coupling. The company leverages strong independent endorsements from surgeons, malpractice insurers, and biomedical engineers to build credibility and awareness. Although alternative energy technologies like bipolar electrosurgery, laser surgery, and ultrasonic dissectors exist, Encision maintains that monopolar electrosurgery remains the preferred tool due to its effectiveness, efficiency, and cost advantages, reinforcing the long-term relevance of its safety-focused innovation.
Encision sells its products primarily to hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and group purchasing organizations (GPOs) across the United States and select international markets. The company has established supplier agreements with major GPOs and integrated delivery networks to expand access to its AEM technology. Notable customers include medical centers within the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs system, which operates over 1,200 facilities serving more than nine million veterans. Encision also holds a Vizient Innovative Technology Contract, providing access to academic medical centers, pediatric facilities, community hospitals, and integrated health delivery networks. These relationships enable the company to reach key decision-makers involved in surgical equipment procurement and promote broader adoption of its patient safety solutions in minimally invasive surgery settings.