Instead of glass, Syreen syringes are made with COP (cyclic olefin polymer) plastic, which has enabled Cambridge Consultants to shed the need for secondary packaging altogether, a first in this medical device arena. The makeup of the Syreen allows syringes to clip together, nesting in a pack while the COP design doubles as the outer shell of the packaging itself. The Syreen therefore eliminates the need for wasteful fillers such as cardboard and styrofoam, reducing the packaging weight by 30 percent and volume by 50 percent from today's standard packaging.

To use Syreen, simply unclip the prefilled syringe and put it against the desired area on the skin. After delivery, with a simple snap, the user ejects the needle into the sharps bin and allowing the user to potentially recycle the plastic capsule. Patient and healthcare provider safety is also increased due to two further features of the design. Firstly, the COP plastic syringe features a curved surface over the needle that, while keeping the syringe from rolling and reducing needle-stick accidents, also ensures overall stability and depth control during injection. Secondly, the design insures that, with separated plunger and stopper, it is impossible to take in blood or other contaminants, reducing the risk of cross infection.

Press release: Novel syringe demonstrates cost benefits of sustainable product design...

Features from the product page:

Overall Console Dimensions: 12" x 19" x 14.7" [HxWxD]

Weight: 26.4 pounds

Computer: Touch screen controls, stores and manages procedure data

Propulsion: 250-4000mL/min flow range

Temperature Source: Direct thermoelectric

Temperature Set-point: Warms fluid to maximum settable 43°C regardless of liquid or base temperature

Temperature Monitoring: Built-in direct temperature monitoring

In-line Pressure Monitoring: Built-in direct pressure monitoring

Disposable: Proprietary design with integrated temperature and pressure sensors efficiently delivers sterile fluids

Features: Disposable pressure and temperature sensors are built into the device; telescoping IV pole (37.5" extended height)

Use and Location: Portable and fully functional wherever 115 VAC, 50/60Hz, 15 Amp power is available

Storage: Shelf, storage closet or table-top

Disinfection: Fluid is contained within the disposable set, so that there is no direct console contact with any fluid. This allows for quick and easy disinfection of the console.

Press release: ThermalTherapeutic Systems Announces FDA Clearance of the VERATHERM(TM) Portable Hyperthermic Perfusion System ...

Product page: VERATHERM Portable Hyperthermic Perfusion System ...

(hat tip: MassDevice)

Add'l features:

Console for 3 to 5 roller pumps

2 additional roller pumps can be mounted on the mast

Panel with 3, 4 or 6 display modules

Flexible mast system

Pump heads can be rotated into position to optimize tubing layout

Two vertically and one horizontally moveable masts for mounting external devices and disposables

Up to four TFT displays can be stacked vertically in the mast panel and each can be configured according to your required perfusion parameters

The brushless, direct-drive motor of the roller pumps reduces noise and vibration, making S5 one of the quietest systems of its kind

The footprint of the S5 has been reduced by 20% and overall weight has been reduced by 10%

System panel can be easily mounted and adjusted both horizontally and vertically

High resolution TFT displays enable the perfusionist to easily view displayed values from greater distances and at an angle of up to 140 degrees

Full text messages for alarms and warnings

One key each for muting, clearing and overriding alarms

Differentiated alarm tones

Quick and easy replacement of all DCMs

UPS can bridge a power failure up to 130 minutes (20 minutes at full load)

Speed adjustments are performed via an Incremental Encoder, a maintenance-free technology that increases longevity and reliability

Clearly structured, intuitive and descriptive menu system eliminates guesswork, and one-touch accessibility improves user convenience

Miniaturized sensor modules utilize 100% SMD technology

Operated by PC-independent software using state-of-the-art microcontrollers in conjunction with a high-integrity serial CAN bus

No boot time required after power-up—the system is ready for operation within 3 seconds

Product page: S5 HLM...

Press release: SORIN GROUP ANNOUNCES U.S. FDA CLEARANCE OF NEWEST GENERATION HEART LUNG-MACHINE (.pdf)...

Features from the product FAQ:

An online portal provides Vscan users with training tools for the product and basic clinical
applications with sections about imaging technique, anatomy and trouble shooting

Intuitive user interface that can be controlled using the thumb

Intelligent workflow enhancements

Battery charger station and battery life of one hour scanning - good for up to 30 patients based on
average of 2 minutes per scan

Voice annotation

USB docking station

Link to a PC for organization and export of data

Gateway software with services tools and remote diagnostics

Here's our video from a GE event introducing the Vscan:

Press release: GE Healthcare Introduces Vscan™ Pocket-sized Visualization Tool for Point-of-care Imaging

Product page: Vscan ...

Flashbacks: A Closer Look at GE's Vscan Pocket Ultrasound ; More Details About The New GE Vscan Ultrasound System; GE's New Ultra Small Ultrasound May Become as Ubiquitous as Stethoscope

To learn about the device check out the following video released by SSCOR:

Product page: S3...

Product brochure (.pdf)...

(hat tip: The Denver Post)

From the product page:

Sharing its core imaging engine and transducer technology with Aplio XG, Viamo offers high-end image quality also in situations where unlimited portability is required.

Its full range of high-performance imaging functions lets you visualize minute tissue details and vascular structures with precision for a faster, more accurate diagnosis. Advanced imaging functions such as Pulse Subtraction THI come standard with Viamo.

Viamo’s built-in touch screen allows for seamless workflow and an outstandingly comfortable and intuitive operation of the system. Viamo’s monitor can be rotated to enable free positioning of the screen. When fully turned and folded flat, Viamo can be operated in tablet mode solely via its touch screen. Individual key functions on Viamo’s console and touch screen are user programmable to suit your specific diagnostic requirements or personal preferences.

A whole range of workflow automation functions is available on Viamo. One-touch QuickScan for instance helps you achieve better imaging results in less time by automatically optimizing your imaging parameters. And Viamo’s innovative SonoSet™ function alows you to carry out examinations conveniently by simply executing freely programmable protocols step by step.

The battery-powered system is operational within just a few seconds when opened, making it instantaneously available also in critical situations.

Press release: TOSHIBA RECEIVES FDA CLEARANCE FOR VIAMO ULTRASOUND SYSTEM...

Product page: Viamo...

Product brochure...

Emergencies: Acute Stridor, Anaphylaxis, Cardiac Arrest, Cardiac Devices, Common Problems, Crisis Algorithm, Hemorrhage & Transfusion, Malignant Hyperthermia, Tension Pneumothorax.

Operative Safety: ASA Daily Check, ASA Pre-Anesthesia Check, FDA Apparatus Checkout, JCAHO Universal Protocol, Operating Room Fires, WHO Surgical Safety Check.

Pre-Operative Setup: Anesthesia Care Plan, Patient History, Physical Exam, Cardiac Clearance, Cardiac Devices, Neuro Information, Patient Positioning, Psychological Prep, Spanish Translation.

Airway Management: Evaluation, Mask Ventilation, Ventilator Settings, Supraglottic Airway, Endotracheal Intubation, Rapid Sequence Induction (RSI), Difficult Airway Algorithm, Transtracheal Jet Ventilation, Cricothyroidotomy.

Common Medications: Anesthesia Med Classes, Emergency Medications, Endotracheal & IV/IO, Induction Agents, Inhalation Agents, IV Concentrations, Local Infiltration, Muscle Relaxants, Pain, PONV, & PRN.

Nerve Blockade: General Principles, Ankle Block, Axillary Block, Fascia Iliaca Block, Femoral Block, Infraclavicular Block, Interscalene Block, Neuraxial Epidural Block, Neuraxial Spinal Block, Popliteal Block, Sciatic Block.

Patient Monitoring: Arterial Line, Bispectral Index, Capnography, Echocardiography, Electrocardiography, Fluids & Equations, HR, RR, BP, SpO2, Nerve Stimulator, PA Cath & CV Cath.

Vascular Access: Arterial Line, CVC Femoral, CVC Internal Jugular, CVC Subclavian, Intraosseous, Peripheral IV, Pulmonary Artery.

Additional: Anesthesia Aphorisms, Glossary of Pain Terms.

Product page: Gas Guide: A Quick Reference Guide For Anesthesia Professionals...

iTunes link...

Dräger Zeus IE provides all options of anaesthetic techniques: From inhalation to (total) intravenous anaesthesia – all these applications can be utilised in the closed circuit system of the Dräger Zeus IE. Thanks to its closed circuit system, the device consumes even less gas than in the low flow or minimal flow mode – and that fully automated. In addition to the manually controlled fresh gas dosing also oxygen, carrier gas and volatile anaesthetics can be controlled automatically and targeted accurately (TCA = target controlled anaesthesia). The device also compensates potential leakages automatically. The haemodynamic monitoring, which can be integrated as an option, is operated via the high-definition 17" screen of the medical cockpit, the Infinity C500. Via this cockpit, the clinician can also control the ventilation parameters. By this, all OR information is fed to the integrated patient data management system, thus also simplifying the work procedures.

Even in the operating room, adult patients, children and neonates benefit from the differentiated ventilation in intensive care quality. The turbine allows for spontaneous breathing at any time, which can shorten the recovery time for the patient. Up to four syringe pumps (Fresenius Module DPS), which can be controlled via the system, and the integrated medication database, which includes pre-configured default values and dosing limits for numerous pharmaceuticals, ensure an optimal intravenous anaesthesia.

In the operating room and the intensive care unit, nomenclatures and principles of use should be identical. The concept of the IACS, into which the Dräger Zeus IE can be integrated, provides exactly this. The user interface, nomenclature and parts of the hardware employed correspond to those of other IACS components, such as the Dräger Evita Infinity V500 ventilator. USB ports for storing and loading device and profile settings enable the clinician to transmit settings within a very short period of time to any number of Zeus IE systems. The uniform, intuitive user interface and a more efficient service concept are intended to support the operator.

Product announcement: Dräger Zeus Infinity Empowered: The next generation of anaesthesia devices by Dräger...

Dräger SmartPilot View is an assistance system, which supports anaesthetists in making decisions, but does not make decisions for them. The software is based on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic patient models, which calculate and visualise the effects of analgesics (opioides) and sedatives (hypnotics). Up to now, it was not possible to visualise the interactions between these two substance groups and to show the anaesthetist at which stage of the anaesthesia the patient is and will be. In addition, the SmartPilot View gives an answer to the question: "What would happen if …". The software provides a preview of the calculated course – before the pharmaceuticals are applied to the patient. The program also displays the effects of the relaxants included in the anaesthesia with the corresponding time of occurrence.

SmartPilot View displays all information required for controlling the anaesthesia at a glance: In addition to the measured parameters, for example pulse rate and blood pressure, the software also displays the chronological sequence of the applied pharmaceuticals and their effects in a two-dimensional representation. The idea of this representation is based on the cockpit of an aeroplane. This means that the anaesthetist sees precisely – like a pilot – at which calculated stage of the anaesthesia the patient is just now and what the prediction for the immediate future will be.

SmartPilot View can support anaesthetists in previously detecting and preventing under dosing and overdosing – even if the anaesthesia is initiated intravenously, but then continued with volatile agents. In this scenario it would not even make a difference if the anaesthesia had been initiated manually via an injection. Event markers such as intubation, incision or repositioning enable the anaesthetist to document important events during the course of the anaesthesia...

In clinical routine, the SmartPilot View operates with Dräger anaesthesia systems (Primus/Primus IE, Zeus/ZeusIE) and Dräger monitoring systems (Infinity Delta, Infinity C700 for IT and Infinity Explorer). In combination with specified syringe pumps (B. Braun Space or Dräger IVenus), the anaesthetist can use the full functionality of the software.

Press release: Anaesthesia pilot...

Here's what an article in Pulmonary Reviews in Feb 2009 detailed about the system:

The Hemolung is a small, cylindrical, veno-venous extracorporeal CO₂ removal device, said Dr. Batchinsky, a research scientist at the US Army Institute of Surgical Research, Fort Sam Houston, Texas. “It provides roughly 30% to 40% CO₂ removal at blood flows in the range of 400 to 500 mL/min,” which, in this ovine study, translated into a CO₂ removal of 66 mL/min. The Hemolung requires a prime volume of 300 mL and minimal heparinization.

The military is investigating the artificial lung with the goal of delivering new critical care technology to the battlefield, Dr. Batchinsky indicated. “The Hemolung may be beneficial during the transport of combat casualties with acute lung injury back from the front lines to the Continental US. It is a ‘set it and forget it’–type device that is easy to use and operate.” Additional potential applications include use as a bridge prior to lung transplantation and as an intermittent therapy for ARDS and COPD.

ALung's expectations of benefits for patients:

Elimination of sedation allows the patient to stay alert, eat and communicate.

Elimination of ventilator associated pneumonia eliminates dangerous complications, and should reduce cost of care and length of stay in the ICU.

Avoidance of intubation allows the patient to eat, speak and prevents tracheal injury and sinus infection.

Reduction in weaning failure should reduce length of stay in the ICU and potential mortality.

Reduction in tracheostomies will reduce an invasive surgical procedure to the larynx.

Reduced lung injury may reduce the incidence of death.

More at Pittsburgh Post-Gazette...

More from Pulmonary Reviews: Respiratory Dialysis Device Safely Removed CO2 in Ovine Study...

Product page: Hemolung...