The Dräger Infinity M540 measures and saves patient vital signs data, including 12-lead ECG and etCO2 values. For transport, the hospital staff can release the M540 from its docking station using one hand. The monitor continues to display and record vital data without interruption. As soon as the M540 is reconnected to a docking station – whether at its previous location or on a different ward – it automatically backfills the data recorded on transport into the Medical Cockpit, which is the central control and viewing unit of the Infinity Acute Care System.

This way, trends and events from the patient's current hospital stay are accessible to the clinician even after transport. When the Infinity M540 is used in combination with an Infinity C700 or C500 Medical Cockpit, relevant monitoring parameters are available. "In view of increasingly complex clinical scenarios, having comprehensive patient information is becoming a key factor in modern patient care," says Prof. Dr. Jürgen Peters, Director of the Clinic for Anesthesiology and Intensive Care at Essen University Hospital. The clinic was the first facility in the world to install Infinity M540 monitors.

To support hospital workflow, a compact monitor design and simple operation are also required. "In the daily clinical routine, it is important for staff and patients that devices are simple to operate," explains Jürgen Peters. "The less we have to concentrate on the technology, the more we can focus on the patients."

The slim, rectangular design of the M540 makes it possible to hold the patient monitor with just one hand. The color display fills almost the entire surface area of the monitor, so multiple vital signs parameters can be viewed at a glance despite the compact size of the device.

When the monitor is turned 180 degrees, the display rotates automatically so information is immediately readable again (auto-flip technology). This enables the monitor to be positioned on either side of the patient, as required for proper orientation of the cable connectors.

When docked, the M540 can automatically adopt the settings from the Medical Cockpit to which it is connected. This allows each ward to immediately display the parameters relevant to the ward without having to reprogram the device. As menus, nomenclature, function keys and display are similar to other Dräger components, the M540 can require only a minimal amount of training. This standardization also helps to avoid errors.

Press release: New Monitoring Component for the Infinity Acute Care System...

Product brochure... (.pdf)

From the press release:

The automatic rotation of the image according to the position of the system, an ergonomic probe equipped with controls, a long life battery, all add up to making this ultrasound an extraordinary innovation in the medical system arena.

MyLab One is a “dedicated” ultrasound, which reflects perfectly today’s need for diagnostic capabilities in many different fields of application: from Radiology to Cardiology, from to Orthopaedics, Anaesthesia, Sports Medicine, etc… or in first-aid, emergency, vascular screening as well as in general practices.

Press release: Esaote presents “My Lab One” Innovative “wearable” ultrasound scanner ARM HELD

Product page: Esaote ultrasound...

Published features of the product:

Ability to see and hear EMG signals, display real time analyzed EMG, and stimulation location capability. There are numerous advantages to embracing Myoguide for EMG guidance:

Conveniently integrated into one handheld package

Helps identify involved muscles i.e. pre-injection physiopathological evaluation, or pre-intervention evaluation. (Either by EMG or stimulation location)

pre-injection evaluation in cases where the site may be surrounded by essential nerves and blood vessels

pre-injection evaluation can lead to reduced drug dose and volume, thereby reducing the incidence of drug resistance, and limiting drug diffusion into adjacent areas.

Provides confirmation of treatment effects

Press release: ESTABLISHED CANADIAN COMPANY INTRODUCES HANDHELD NEEDLE-EMG GUIDED INJECTION SYSTEM... (.pdf)

Product page: Intronix Model 8008 Myoguide System ...

The controller unit is plug-and-play with easy start-up. Its compact size saves table space and the simple controls eliminate the need for lengthy training. The controller is completely silent since it does not require a cooling fan. All video settings are preprogrammed, so no complicated and time consuming set-up is necessary. A single cable leads from the controller to the ergonomic handpiece. The handpiece includes the tip deflection lever, working channel port, suction valve, and buttons for taking photos and illumination adjustment. High-powered LEDs are incorporated inside the handpiece. These LEDs eliminate the need for costly replacement bulbs.

Link: Innovative New Video Bronchoscope with DeepVu Technology ...

(hat tip: German Healthcare Export Group)

Led by the Cork University Hospital, the MedCAP team developed a virtual reality computer-based simulator with which anesthetists hold a SensAble haptic device – like a high-precision Nintendo Wii -– as 3D computer screens direct them to perform a lumbar puncture procedure. The haptic device literally pushes back on the user’s hand so they feel surface tension as the spinal needle meets the skin; a “pop” as it punctures the skin; and the different viscosities of tissue, ligaments, cerebrospinal fluid and dura mater, the tough outer layer of the meninges surrounding the spinal cord. Should trainees puncture too far and enter the other meninges or the spinal cord itself – or puncture only into the skin –they feel different sensations and receive immediate alarms and on-screen error messages.

In the clinical trials, groups of skilled anesthetists and residents-in-training must perform a lumbar puncture on six virtual patients who present at different ages and complications, and answer a battery of clinical care questions. The simulator is blind to the user’s experience level, merely recording and scoring them on nearly 200 competencies and calculating a score that suggests the user is either a knowledgeable practitioner, or a trainee. Users receive detailed feedback on their performance, so that they can practice any areas of weakness until they achieve competency. Once clinical trials are completed this fall, results are expected to show that the practicing anesthetists score better than residents-in-training – suggesting the simulator is a valid competency assessment tool.

MedCAP project page: Competence Assessment for Spinal Anaesthesia ...

SensAble press release: European Hospitals Test Anesthetists' Skills On Computers, Not People, Using SensAble's Haptic Devices ...

Product page: SensAble Technologies PHANTOM ...

Flashbacks: Force Feedback Haptic Technology Used in Surgical Drilling Simulator ; Arthro Sim insightArthroVR Gets Upgrade

More details in the press release...

Product page: TaperGuard...

For critical care clinicians, Vscan can offer an immediate look beyond patient vital signs with the potential to identify critical issues, like fluid around the heart, which could be a sign of congestive heart failure. And for cardiologists, Vscan provides a dependable visual evaluation of how well the heart is pumping at a glance, so they can treat patients more efficiently.

More from GE...

The new ultra portable and one button design of the NanoMaxx system makes high quality ultrasound available to a much broader range of clinicians. The system incorporates SonoSite’s advanced proprietary imaging algorithms, including SonoMB™ and SonoAdapt™ to deliver superior image quality in a lightweight, rugged form factor.

With a touch screen that responds easily to the tap of a finger, and one button optimization, clinicians can readily acquire high resolution images to increase clinical productivity at the point-of-care. A system boot-up time of less than 20 seconds and long battery life further enhance workflow when using the NanoMaxx system.

At introduction, the NanoMaxx tool is available with a complement of five transducers to support a wide range of examinations and procedures including thoracic assessment for pathology, vascular access, needle aspirations and injections, as well as abdominal, cardiac, nerve, OB/Gyn, musculoskeletal, small parts and vascular scanning.

For convenience and flexibility, the system can be wall mounted, placed on an exam table with kickstand attached, or used from a highly maneuverable stand. Physicians can easily carry the NanoMaxx tool from room-to-room, to a satellite office, to the operating room or to a field site for immediate use.

The NanoMaxx system’s highly integrated architecture and ruggedized design, including the industry’s first elastomeric bumper for extra durability, plus magnesium outer shell, allows it to be used in the most demanding and austere environments. Proving its reliability, the NanoMaxx system and its transducers successfully passed SonoSite’s standard three foot durability drop test.

In addition, to further reduce the risk of infection, the NanoMaxx system’s fluid-resistant user interface makes the system easy to clean and disinfect, helping to address the growing concern over infection control in the medical community.

Press release: SonoSite Announces FDA Clearance for Its New Nanomaxx Ultrasound Tool

Product page: NanoMaxx

Flashback: NanoMaxx Tiny 6 Lb. Ultrasound System Unveiled

The Bloodbot identifies the location of a suitable vein by pressing a probe against the surface tissue of the ante-cubital fossa and measuring the force on the probe. The difference in the characteristics of the tissue from its surroundings, in response to the applied force, indicates the presence of a vein.

Once a suitable vein has been found, it inserts a needle under force control. When the needle penetrates the vein (identified by its force/position profile), the control system prevents further insertion, thus avoiding overshooting the vein.

We think they need to combine this robot with VeinViewer for a more accurate, and probably spookier, experience.

The Bloodbot Project...

Flashbacks: VeinViewer Shipped!; First Hospital To Use The VeinViewer ; Video of VeinViewer; VeinViewer Off to Europe; Vein Contrast Enhancer

(hat tip: DVICE)

And here's more:

A-Units was created in cooperation with a practicing anesthesiologist. A unique copyrighted UNITS calculator will help you quickly calculate your time spent and units billed per procedure. Your case details will be saved in a HISTORY folder for future reference and the specific data points will be kept for your personal analysis in a DATA page. The FAVORITES page will allow you to store your most common cases performed so you can quickly add cases without searching the extensive CPT(R) database.

A-Units contains the most current Relative Value Guide(R) and CPT database provided exclusively from the American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) and American Medical Association (AMA). The database is easily searched by keywords or codes. Procedures can also be searched by specific body region on the BROWSE page. Once the specific procedure is located, clicking on it will bring up the calculator to allow you to input your specific case information. The Units calculator will display the CPT code and descriptor phrase along with the base units allowed for the case. Once your start and stop time is entered the calculator will quickly determine total minutes of anesthesia, time units earned and total units for the case. This is then saved to your HISTORY and DATA page for a permanent record.

iTunes links: A-Units and A-Units Lite...