Anesthesiology Archive

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Toshiba's Viamo Ultrasound Now Available in US

Toshiba won FDA approval to market the Viamo portable ultrasound, a convertible touchscreen device that the company promises provides the same image quality as premium cart systems. The package comes with a wheeled pole that can carry the Viamo and additional transducers for easy exchange.

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...

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Monday, February 1, 2010

Gas Guide App for iPhone Provides Handy Access to Anesthesia Info

A free new application is now available for the iPhone platform that provides clinically useful information for anesthesia residents and practicing anesthesiologists. Quick access is available to preoperative checklists, procedures, patient guidelines, and drug information. The Gas Guide app was developed by a group of clinicians but comes with a disclaimer to double check any information before putting it into practice.

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...

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Thursday, January 28, 2010

Drager Introduces Zeus Infinity Empowered

Drägerwerk AG has just announced the release of a new anesthesia machine, called Dräger Zeus Infinity Empowered (IE), that features a combination of options to conduct either inhalational or intravenous based techniques, or both at the same time. Furthermore, for those who are looking on some savings when it comes to delivery of desflurane (and to a lesser degree isoflurane or maybe halothane), the machine offers a closed circuit system design. And as far as blower is concerned, the machine is based on a popular Dräger Evita Infinity V500 ventilator.

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...

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SmartPilot View: An Anesthesiologist's Flight Simulator

Drägerwerk AG is releasing a new software package to help manage and predict the progress of intraoperative anesthesia (general and MAC), including modeling drug interactions and taking into account the unique nature of individual patients' physiology. Looks like the software is designed to model narcs, barbs and benzos, but not inhalational agents:

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...

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Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Hemolung, a Respiratory Dialysis Device, to Start Clinical Trials

Ventilators, though staples of modern critical care, have serious drawbacks for both patient safety and comfort, and flexibility issues for clinicians. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is reporting that a considerably less intrusive system from a local company called ALung Technologies is about to begin clinical trials in India and Europe. The Hemolung is designed to perform respiratory gas exchange via a catheter inserted into the femoral or jugular vein. The process is essentially similar to traditional extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, but thanks to new technology, the device is touted to be safer and easier on the patient.

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...

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Friday, November 20, 2009

Infinity M540 from Draeger Makes Hospital Workflow and Patient Data Oh So So Smooth

Here's another piece of news about medical gadgetry released at the ongoing Medica 2009. The Infinity M540 from Drägerwerk AG & Co. (aka Dräger) is designed to provide portability and full functionality of a stationary vitals signs monitor:

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)

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Thursday, November 19, 2009

My Lab One Portable Ultrasound from Esaote Makes Debut

At the ongoing Medica 2009 in Düsseldorf, Esaote out of Genoa, Italy is releasing a new portable ultrasound system that features a 12 inch touch screen for manipulating settings without having to use buttons. The My Lab One can be worn on a shoulder strap and is designed for mobile applications such as ambulatory anesthesia, EMT, military and sports medicine.

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...

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Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Myoguide EMG Amplifier/Stimulator from Intronix Tech

This week at Medica 2009 in Düsseldorf, a Canadian firm Intronix Technologies Corp is unveiling a new electrophysiological amplifier designed to identify where to place neuromodulator injections for muscle disorders, pain management, and cosmetic applications. The Myoguide is essentially a single-channel EMG amplifier with stimulator that sports a signal display with analysis and EMG audio, so a clinician can locate areas of hyperactive muscle fibers for treatment.

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 ...

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Tuesday, November 10, 2009

A New LED Powered Endoscope from Schölly

Schölly Fiberoptic out of Denzlingen, Germany is releasing a new video bronchoscope with CMOS "chip-in-the-tip" and bright LED technology. The device is going to be unveiled at MEDICA 2009 next week in Düsseldorf.

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)

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Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Haptic Technology in Assessing Spinal Anesthesia Delivery

A research study to assess the practicality of using haptic devices to train physicians to perform sub-arachnoid blocks is currently underway in Europe. The MedCAP study, as it is called, is utilizing the popular PHANTOM® force-feedback system from SensAble of Woburn, MA.

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

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Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Covidien Announces Global Launch of Mallinckrodt TaperGuard Line of ETTubes

Anesthesiologists, EMTs and other intubators, rejoice! Covidien has just announced the world wide release of a new line of endotracheal tubes called Mallinckrodt™ TaperGuard™. Designed to "substantially" reduce the risk of microaspirations thanks to its taper-shaped cuff, the tubes come in two models: TaperGuard™ and TaperGuard™ Evac (shown in the picture).

More details in the press release...

Product page: TaperGuard...

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GE's New Ultra Small Ultrasound May Become as Ubiquitous as Stethoscope

Yesterday at the Web 2.0 Summit in San Francisco, GE showed off their new handheld ultrasound device. The Vscan looks like a cross between an iPod and a cell phone, making it possibly the world's smallest ultrasound. Later today we'll be attending GE's healthymagination technology showcase in New York where further details and specs will hopefully become available.

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.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Tiny Portable Ultrasound from SonoSite Gets US OK

SonoSite (Bothell, Washington) just announced that the company received FDA approval to market the firm's tiny NanoMaxx ultrasound system throughout the United States. Weighing in at only 6 pounds (2.7 kilo) and with a battery life of 2 operational hours, the system is truly portable for busy clinics, ambulances, emergency rooms, and elsewhere that ultrasound is needed.

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

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Friday, September 18, 2009

Bloodbot, The Bright Future of Phlebotomy?

Here is a project from the folks at the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College London, and its Mechatronics in Medicine Laboratory, who are bent on developing an "active robot designed to take blood samples from the ante-cubital fossa..."

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)

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Thursday, September 10, 2009

A-Units Helps Anesthesiologists Keep Tabs on Billing Units

If you are an American anesthesiologist, and you do your own billing, now you have a simple choice. You can either buy everyone's ~~favorite~~ old-fashioned ASA Relative Value Guide ($75/$25), and calculate your charges based on the time spend in OR and on base units, or you can buy a new slick iPhone calculator that will do the work for you.

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...

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Wednesday, September 2, 2009

With AnestAssist, iPhone Now Models Anesthesia Pharmacology

Palma Healthcare Systems, a small company out of Madison, Wisconsin, has just released the AnestAssist pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modeling application for the iPhone. The software presents residents, anesthesiologists and intensivists with an easy to understand, and hopefully clinically useful, visual data of pharmacological behavior and drug interactions for the most commonly used anesthesia medications.

Anesthesiologists, CRNA's, and other clinicians involved with anesthesiology, from residents to the very experienced, will find AnestAssist a valuable tool for understanding and designing rational dosing strategies tailored to individual patients.
Mathematical models published by clinical researchers, which take into account patient weight, age, and gender, are used to estimate and chart:

Plasma Concentration

Effect Site Concentration

Probability of Effect (including interactions):

Analgesia: No response to laryngoscopy

Sedation: OAA/S < 2

Drugs modeled: Propofol, Remifentanil, Fentanyl, Alfentanil, and Sufentanil.

Interactions modeled: Propofol and any combination of Remifentanil, Fentanyl, Alfentanil, or Sufentanil.

Case library: design and build your own case library to record and demonstrate dosing strategies for a variety of patient types and drugs used.

Press release: Innovative PharmaPharmacodynamicaModeling Applicing Application for iPhone is a Powerful Educational and Planning Tool for Anesthesiologists...

Product page: AnestAssist...

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VIMEDIX Haptic Transthoracic Echocardiography Simulator Unveiled

Vimedix out of Montreal, Canada has released a new echocardiography simulator that features, among other things, force-feedback technology that allows the trainee to feel what working with a real patient is like.

The technology developed by VIMEDIX Virtual Medical Imaging Training Systems Inc. provides real-time dynamic imaging, using a mannequin, diagnostic probe and sophisticated software - with many echo features simulated for the first time in virtual reality - thereby enabling a realistic echo assessment of cardiac structures.

"Pathology recognition is an essential aspect of echo training," said Dr. Robert Amyot, the president and co-founder of VIMEDIX who teaches clinical cardiology and echocardiography at Montreal's Sacre-Coeur Hospital. "With traditional clinical education, exposure to pathologies depends on patient turnaround. Certain less common pathologies may thus be seen for the first time when a patient presents with it. In this setting, the clinician/sonographer may fail to identify the pertinent pathological findings because of lack of previous exposure. Simulation allows the trainee to be exposed to multiple pathologies, both common and uncommon ones. It allows the clinician to be trained to perform image acquisition, image interpretation, and clinical management through the use of various clinical scenarios."

Press release: Launch of Vimedix Transthoracic Echo Simulator System generates global interest in medical imaging, education communities...

Product page: Vimedix transthoracic echocardiography simulator...

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Thursday, July 23, 2009

Resposable Oxymeter Sensor Aims to Cut Costs, Waste

Masimo's Rainbow Resposable Sensor System has been approved by the FDA. The sensor, designed to be used with company's Masimo Rainbow® SET Pulse CO-Oximetry system that can "noninvasively measure blood constituents and fluid responsiveness that previously required invasive procedures," can either be washed for multiple patient use, or be thrown out once it has seen its days.

The new sensor system provides continuous and noninvasive measurements of hemoglobin (SpHb™), oxygen content (SpOC™), PVI™ for fluid responsiveness, and methemoglobin (SpMet®), in addition to oxygen saturation (SpO2), perfusion index, and pulse rate—at savings of about 50% compared to the existing single patient use adhesive Rainbow sensor.
The Rainbow Resposable Sensor System combines the best features of Masimo LNOP®, LNCS®, and Rainbow® sensors into an innovative two-piece design that includes a reusable sensor—enabling the portion that connects to the patient cable to be used on multiple patients - while the adhesive disposable sensor that attaches directly to the patient's finger is used on only one patient. This dramatically minimizes waste, enabling hospitals to reduce their costs safely, and effectively fulfill their 'green' initiatives.

The reusable portion of the two-piece system provides multi-patient use for cost-effectiveness, while the flexible cable design maximizes patient comfort, and enables easy, one-step cleaning. The snap-in-place connector design allows easy connection and reconnection to the same patient—and reuse on the next patient. The single-use disposable portion of system features an adhesive that keeps emitter and detector positions stable against the skin to assure the best in Masimo SET and Rainbow SET measurement performance. The design maximizes fit and comfort for the patient, while the protective covering minimizes contact with patient to reduce cross contamination risk.

Press release: Masimo Receives FDA Clearance for New Rainbow® Resposable™ Sensor System...

Product page: Rainbow Resposable Sensor System...

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Tuesday, July 21, 2009

MicroEye Real Time Blood Monitoring System

The Engineer Online reports on Probe Scientific, a firm out of Bedford, UK, that has developed a continuous blood composition monitoring device that doesn't draw blood from the patient. The MicroEye system connects via most venous catheters and is already approved in Europe.