Monday, June 29, 2009
LUCAS 2 Automatic Chest Compressor Gets US Green Light
The LUCAS™ 2 chest compression system from Jolife AB, out of Lund, Sweden, has just been approved by the FDA. The battery powered unit can be taken directly to the patient without the need for a compressed air supply, unlike the last model. The system can then pump the chest for up to 45 minutes, saving paramedics' time and much needed energy once the patient is revived and rushed to the hospital.
From the announcement by Medtronic:
LUCAS 2 builds upon the well-proven LUCAS™ 1 technology, but differs from its predecessor in that it is an electric rather than a pneumatic device. LUCAS 2 can be powered either by battery alone or using a wall or car electricity outlet. The battery is the latest in rechargeable, Lithium Ion Polymer technology and operates for up to 45 minutes (typical) on a single battery. LUCAS 2 is equipped with Smart Restart functionality. When a battery needs to be replaced, LUCAS 2 does not have to be powered down, only put into the pause mode, and when the new battery is inserted, the start position will stay the same within 60 seconds from the pause. Operation can be quickly resumed, saving time for medical personnel. LUCAS 2 offers other new features such as alerts and pauses to aid ventilation during compressions with an unsecured airway (e.g. bag-valve-mask) and quieter operation.
LUCAS 2 weighs only 17.2 lbs (7.8kg) and fits into a compact backpack measuring just 25.6h x 13w x 19.8d inches (65h x 33w x 25d centimeters).Within the past month, LUCAS 2 has also received a CE (Conformité Européenne) Mark in Europe and marketing approval from Health Canada. Physio-Control plans to begin shipping to the U.S. markets in the fall.
Here's a video loop demonstrating the operation of LUCAS 2:
Product page: LUCAS™2 Chest Compression System...
Press release: FDA Grants LUCAS™ 2 Chest Compression System 510(k) Clearance in the United States...
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Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Improve Your Ultrasound Skills With New SonoSite iPhone App
SonoSite has released an iPhone application, called SonoAccess™, to help clinicians improve their analytical and performance skills when using ultrasound. With the help of instructional videos and an accompanying image gallery, you can improve on your echo knowledge while on your train ride to work.
Features:
Scanning Technique Videos are designed to provide expert techniques and tips for point-of-care ultrasound applications.Video Case Studies provide an in-depth look into specific cases that you may encounter in your practice.
Clinical Image Gallery is designed to give you a look at expert ultrasound images for anatomy recognition and as a quick comparative reference for you to compare your results to.
Quick-Start Guides are abbreviated user manuals designed to give new SonoSite users a digital roadmap of their system's controls and features to help navigate the user interface.
The Reimbursement Guides are designed to provide general coverage and payment information for diagnostic ultrasound and ultrasound-guided procedures so you have accurate coding and billing information.
The SonoAccess News Feed keeps you up-to-date on the latest SonoSite news.
Watch video here demonstrating the app...
Product page: SonoAccess™ Ultrasound iPhone App
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Friday, June 19, 2009
Voice Activated SonoSite Ultrasound System Keeps Hands Free to Perform Procedures
SonoSite just released their SonoRemote for controlling the company's M-Turbo and S Series ultrasounds during interventional procedures like joint injections or central line placements. In addition to traditional style buttons, the remote control features voice recognition and can be programmed to understand commands in any language. So now you can hold the probe in one hand and the syringe in the other, and not have to fiddle with reaching over to the unit to take snapshots or change parameters.
Voice or touch activated
Programmable to your voice and language
Adjust system controls from a radius of 10 meters
No need to break the sterile field
Drop-tested to 3 feet
Works with M-Turbo® and S Series™
Press release: SonoSite Begins Customer Shipments Of Ultrasound Remote Control
Product page: SonoRemote
Flashbacks: M-Turbo™: New Portable Ultrasound from SonoSite ; SonoSite S-ICU™ Ultrasound Tool; S-Nerve™ from SonoSite; The SonoSite® MicroMaxx™; Titan
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Wednesday, June 10, 2009
aScope, a Single Use Intubating Scope from Ambu
Ambu, a Ballerup, Denmark company well known among anesthesiologists, has just released a single use intubating videoscope. The device, we think, will be particularly useful to those anesthesiologists that are on the go: performing anesthesia in ambulatory centers, private offices, GI suits, etc. The EMR personnel, with their hands always in body fluids, might also enjoy a clean scope and a nice view of the vocal cords.
Features of the aScope:
Lightweight ergonomic handle design for enhanced intubation comfort that fits small as well as large hands. The intuitive handle design gives enhanced comfort for health care professionals. Camera technology instead of fiberoptic bundle technology for robustness. Endotracheal tube retention rings for a stabile and secure parking. Anaesthetic channel with both a swivel for flexibility and a luer-lock for safe connection. No new operation techniques to use the new Ambu® aScope™. It is easy and uncomplicated. Packaged sterile and ready for use after connection with Ambu® aScope™ Monitor. Significantly lower start up investment. Single patient use only.
Press release: Ambu introduces single-use videoscope - Ambu® aScopeTM
Product page: Ambu aScope...
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Masimo Unveils New Pulse Oximeter Rad-8
Masimo is releasing a new pulse oximeter Rad-8, a device touted to be especially useful at clinics that diagnose sleep disorders. Of course, it would seem there's no reason that the device can't be used for other relevant application, such as postoperative or intraoperative monitoring, ICU stays, or even regular floor stays. Rad-8 is essentially a slimmed down version of Masimo's popular line of pulse oximeters.
From the press release:
The new Rad-8 combines the unmatched sensitivity and specificity of Masimo SET® Measure-Through Motion and Low-Perfusion pulse oximetry—clinically-proven to reduce false alarms by over 90% and increase capture of true desaturation events by 98%—with enhanced functionality to help clinicians better capture, analyze, and report vital oxygen saturation, pulse rate, and perfusion data for improved sleep disorder detection.The superior fidelity of Masimo SET has been clinically-shown to outperform other pulse oximeters in the accurate identification and quantification of brief dips in oxygen saturation due to apneas and hypopneas—an important marker and measure of severity for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) diagnosis and treatment. In fact, previous research conducted at Montreal Children's Hospital in Quebec found that using a Masimo pulse oximeter with very short averaging time was not only more accurate in detecting true desaturation events, including brief dips in oxygen saturation as well as larger ones, but could also "significantly reduce workload and improve reliability of desaturation detection" over other pulse oximeters. Study findings confirmed that Masimo detected 98.6% of true desaturations, while the N-395 detected only 45.3%, leading researchers to conclude that "the sensitivity and motion artifact rejection characteristics of the Nellcor N-395 oximeter are not adequate for a pediatric sleep laboratory setting."2
And, based on clinician input, Rad-8 now features an intuitive user-interface and easy menu navigation to save time and enable faster, easier set-up, and operation, while one-touch quick access buttons allow clinicians to engage special features in an instant. New user-selectable alarm settings make it quick and easy for clinicians to set and save configurations for specific patient monitoring needs and unique clinical applications. In addition, 72-hour trending, configurable Sleep and Home modes, and enhanced data collection/reporting compatibility make the new Rad-8 the ideal patient monitoring solution for sleep center, home, sub-acute, and transport applications.
Press release: Masimo Debuts New Rad-8® Pulse Oximeter to Largest Gathering of Sleep Specialists from Around the World at SLEEP 2009
Product page: Rad-8...
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Tuesday, June 9, 2009
World's Smallest TEE Probe Goes Multiplane
Philips is releasing a new multiplane transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) transducer that the company touts to be the world's smallest. Developed to make cardiac imaging better in pediatric population, the probe could also be of benefit to adults with esophageal strictures and other obstructive defects. The S8-3t microTEE transducer is part of Philips' iE33 echo system offerings, and is being presented this week at the 20th annual American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) in Washington, D.C.
Due to the larger size of previously available pediatric TEE transducers, small babies have been impossible to image during critical cardiac catheterization or surgical procedures. As a result, high-risk procedures have been done routinely on these tiny patients without transesophageal echocardiography images available to the interventionalist or surgeon."The microTEE probe is a major advance in our ability to provide intra-operative cardiac imaging in newborn babies and infants,” said Dr. Girish Shirali, M.D., director of pediatric echocardiography at Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Children’s Hospital. “We are delighted with the image quality, and the miniaturization of the probe has already proven invaluable to our pediatric interventionalists in high-risk cath lab procedures. Finally, our smallest and sickest patients can be imaged intra-operatively just like everyone else.”
Building on Philips’ existing 2D technology, the microTEE transducer is roughly one-third the size of previous pediatric TEE transducers, allowing physicians to ‘turn on the lights’ for the first time for their tinier patients and providing the images they need during interventional procedures. Available globally in summer 2009, the new microTEE is also entering trials for adult patients requiring TEE imaging but who have difficulty tolerating standard TEE probes.
Press release: Philips announces world's smallest multiplane transesophageal transducer
Product page: iE33 Echocardiography System
Bottom image: This ventricular septal defect on a 5.4 kg infant is viewed side-by-side in 2D and color flow Doppler modes available on the Philips microTEE transducer.
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Thursday, May 21, 2009
AV300 Portable System Helps Find Hidden Veins
AccuVein, a company out of Cold Spring Harbor, New York, is releasing to market a competitor to the popular VeinViewer from Luminetx. Both systems use infrared imaging to see hemoglobin below the skin. Designed to be portable and battery operated, the AccuVein AV300 can spot difficult to find IV sites for needle placement.
About the product from the manufacturer:
Hemoglobin in the blood absorbs infrared light. When the AccuVein AV300 is held about seven inches above the skin, veins appear noticeably different than the surrounding tissue. The vasculature shows up clearly on the skin's surface, aiding in vein location to collect a blood sample or administer IV medications.* Easy to learn and use – No pre-use calibration or adjustments are necessary- it can be used immediately.
* Small size –The AV300 fits in your hand and weighs only 10 ounces.
* Hands-free option –Either hand-hold the AV300 or set it in a hands-free accessory.
* No patient contact –Because the AV300 has been designed to be non-contact, it may not have to be sterilized after every use.
* Works in light or dark –Use the AV300 in light or darkly lit environments.
* Rechargeable battery –The AV300 doesn't need to be plugged into an electrical outlet.
* Real world ruggedness – Designed to take the wear and tear of hospital and field applications.
* Movement tolerant –Because the AV300 shows the veins in real time, when operated properly, the device can accommodate patient movement.
Video below the fold demonstrating the AV300:
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Wednesday, May 20, 2009
The Signos, Self Contained Handheld Ultrasound Gains FDA Approval
While we have reported on mobile handheld ultrasounds for phones, for those of you that have not joined the iPhone/Smartphone revolution, you are now in luck. 
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has just approved the Signos device, a handheld self-contained portable ultrasound imager with a probe. The system might come in handy as a quick initial diagnostic modality for intraabdominal processes, such as ectopics, AAAs, for carotid scans in ER in patients with ongoing TIA, as well as an assistive device for central line placements. For now, the system seems to be missing a Doppler for flow studies.
The Signos weighs half of a pound and is the size of most smartphones. It will be available with both a 3.5MHz or a 7.5MHz transducer that can be swapped. The company promotes this device for fast paced and active medical environments such as emergency departments and rural medical clinics.
Portable and Affordable: The Signos device is the size of a PDA, weighs less than one pound and features superb image resolution. The Signos is the world's smallest and most affordable ultrasound system available today.Signos Is Ready When You Need It: With a sleep time of up to 14 days and the ability to power up in less than 1 second from sleep mode, the Signos brings ultrasound to your triage diagnostic care whenever and wherever you need it allowing you to visualize acute pathology on the spot.
Increase Clinical Utility with Added Versatility and Applications: Increase the number of procedures and applications you can perform with either a 3.5MHz or a 7.5MHz transducer. Signostics makes switching from 3.5MHz to 7.5MHz frequencies simple with our easy to use screw on/off transducers.
See More, Do More with MotionScape and SectorView Technology: Signos uses MotionScape and SectorView technology to facilitate a wide range of high resolution clinical applications, including ultrasound guidance for needle placement, AAA exams, FAST exams, bladder volumes and more.
Image Collection: Using the included microSD card you can save up to 20,000 images on the Signos device. With the free SigViewer Software you can quickly and easily upload data and images to your computer for reports, archiving, printing or email.
Signostics Medical has not disclosed a price point or time line for for the Signos release as of yet, but their video support for the device indicates that this is something that is very close to being ready for commercialization.
Press release: Signostics Receives FDA Clearance for World's Smallest Ultrasound Product...
Product page: The Signos device...; Product brochure (.pdf)...
Signostics Medical: Signos
Flashback : Mobile Clinical Imaging On a Smart Phone
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Tuesday, May 5, 2009
LifeBelt CPR Device Wins in Design Contest
Pictured above is the LifeBelt® CPR, a device from Deca-Medics Inc., of Columbus, Ohio, which has recently won a $20,000 grand prize in the Create the Future Design Contest sponsored by NASA's Tech Briefs Media Group and Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp.
NASA Tech Briefs explains what the device is all about:
Developed by Thomas Lach of Deca-Medics Inc., Columbus, OH, LifeBelt overcomes a critical limitation of “hands-only” CPR: the average rescuer is only capable of producing effective chest compressions for about two minutes, far shorter than the typical eight to ten minute emergency response time. With LifeBelt, half as much force is needed, resulting in less fatigue and longer-duration compressions – increasing the likelihood of a successful resuscitation.The compact, lightweight device is designed to attach quickly, enabling a rescuer to start CPR in 15 seconds or less. An intuitive readout warns if the compression depth is too deep or shallow, giving the rescuer confidence that he or she is pushing properly.
“Most cardiac arrests don’t occur in a hospital or controlled environment,” said Mr. Lach. “They happen at home or at work. This is an easy-to-use product for all of us.”
Product page: LifeBelt...
Full story@NASA Tech Briefs: Life-Saving CPR Device Wins Create The Future Design Contest...
Press release: Deca-Medics Wins NASA Tech Briefs 'Create the Future' Competition With CPR Aid Designed In SolidWorks 3D CAD Software...
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NAVA (Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist) Ventilation Technology
MAQUET Critical Care has started running an educational campaign that highlights the company's NAVA (Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist) ventilation technology. NAVA is described as a mechanical ventilation method, controlled by brain signals (i.e. vagus nerve stimulation of the diaphragm), that might help patients in critical conditions by improving the interaction between the patient and the ventilator. The technology might also have the potential to avoid diaphragm disuse atrophy in critically ill patients. As part of the blitz, the company has just released a press statement and an article titled Institutional experience of NAVA in neuro and cardiovascular intensive care patients, which can be read here (.pdf).
More about this fascinating technology, taken from Maquet's website:
NAVA: Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist (NAVA) is a new approach to mechanical ventilation based on neural respiratory output.The act of breathing depends on rhythmic discharge from the respiratory center of the brain. This discharge travels along the phrenic nerve, excites the diaphragm muscle cells, leading to muscle contraction and descent of the diaphragm dome. As a result, the pressure in the airway drops, causing an inflow of air into the lungs.
Conventional mechanical ventilators sense a patient effort by either a drop in airway pressure or a reversal in flow. The last and most slow reacting step in the chain of respiratory events is used to sense the patient effort. Hence, creating a system that is sensitive to hyperinflation, intrinsic PEEP and secondary triggering problems.
With NAVA, the electrical activity of the diaphragm (Edi) is captured, fed to the ventilator and used to assist the patient’s breathing. As the ventilator and the diaphragm work with the same signal, mechanical coupling between the diaphragm and the ventilator is practically instantaneous.
SOME OF THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS
Improved synchrony: In NAVA the ventilator is cycled-on as soon as neural inspiration starts. Moreover, the level of assistance provided during inspiration is determined by the patient’s own respiratory center demand. The same applies for the cycling-off phase - the ventilator cycles off inspiration the instant it is alerted to the onset of neural expiration. By utilizing the Edi signal, maintenance of synchrony between the patient and the ventilator is improved.
Lung protection: With NAVA the patient's own respiratory demands determine the level of assistance. NAVA gives the opportunity to avoid over or under assistance of the patient.
Unique monitoring capability: The Edi signal is a new unique parameter in mechanical ventilation. It can be used as a diagnostic tool to monitor the electrical activity of the diaphragm (Edi). The Edi curve and its associated value can thus be used as a powerful monitoring tool in all ventilation modes, providing information on Respiratory Drive, Volume requirements and the effect of the ventilatory settings, and to gain indications for sedation and weaning.
NAVA for infants: The Edi signal provides a tool that allows the clinicians to interpret the background of the chaotic breathing pattern so often seen in the infants. The direct access to the respiratory center output gives prompt information on the effect of any intervention relating to ventilation of the lung. PEEP adjustment and the degree of unloading can now be based on informed decisions.
Patient comfort: With NAVA, the respiratory muscles and the ventilator are driven by the same signal. The delivered assistance is matched to neural demands. This synchrony between patient and ventilator helps minimize patient discomfort and agitation, promoting spontaneous breathing.
Decision support for unloading and extubation: The Edi signal can be used as an indicator to set the support level from the ventilator, and to optimize unloading. As the patient’s condition improves, Edi amplitude decreases, sulting in reduction in ventilator-delivered pressure. This pressure drop is an indicator to consider weaning and extubation.
Press release: VENTILATION PROVIDED BY BRAIN SIGNALS HELPS INFANTS IN CRITICAL CONDITION...
Technology page: NAVA...
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Monday, May 4, 2009
Magnus Operating Table from Maquet
MAQUET has just unveiled improvements to its Magnus operating table, a system that can position the patient into virtually any surgical position, and at the same time accommodate patients weighing up to 250 kilograms.
From the press release:
An optimum exposure area is achieved in combination with gravitational force and the operating table's extreme tilting and tipping functionality. The tilt angle of up to 80º and canting angle of up to 45º combined with the system's fully compatible modules open up virtually unlimited positioning possibilities. "This way a patient weighing up to 250 kilograms can be brought into any possible position. MAGNUS is thus fast approaching its vision of the "floating" patient," so Dr. Engel.This is of particular significance when it comes to minimally invasive surgery, as it is the table's extreme tilting and tipping function that makes surgical interventions even possible on an obese patient.
With its unique height adjustment range varying between 535 mm (21 Inch) and 1235 mm (49 Inch), the MAGNUS ensures ergonomic and thus relaxed working conditions even during longer operations. The benefits of individual settings are particularly evident during laparoscopic interventions: As the MAGNUS can be lowered further than any other table the surgeon can keep his elbows positioned comfortably at his side and is not forced to revert to a tiring position. The table's unique lowering functionality makes the commonly used step stool to decrease the distance to the surgical field a thing of the past. The larger abdomens of obese patients can be operated on the MAGNUS while maintaining a relaxed and comfortable posture. In contrast to laparoscopic operations, a high table position is required for hip replacement in the dorsal position. This way, the operation which may take up to 90 minutes can be performed in an upright position. If the table cannot be adjusted to the height required, the surgeon is forced to assume a bent over posture which generally results in tension and fatigue.
Besides its settings designed to cater to various indications, the MAGNUS can optimally adjust to the height of the surgeon. The advantage of this comes to the fore when putting the table in an international context: Whereas the height of the average male in Sweden is 181.5 cm (71,4 Inch), the average male in the Philippines is less than 164 cm (64,5 Inch).
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Monday, April 20, 2009
Mobile Clinical Imaging On a Smart Phone
Engineers at Washington University in St. Louis adapted a small ultrasound prove to interface with a Microsoft Windows mobile smartphone. Although the screen may be too small to diagnose anything properly, it is thought the concept will be used to scan a patient away from the clinic, with the data wirelessly sent to physicians with large screen computers for evaluation.
In order to make commercial USB ultrasound probes work with smartphones, the researchers had to optimize every aspect of probe design and operation, from power consumption and data transfer rate to image formation algorithms. As a result, it is now possible to build smartphone-compatible USB ultrasound probes for imaging the kidney, liver, bladder and eyes, endocavity probes for prostate and uterine screenings and biopsies, and vascular probes for imaging veins and arteries for starting IVs and central lines."You can carry around a probe and cell phone and image on the fly now," said Richard [William D. Richard, Ph.D., WUSTL associate professor of computer science and engineering]. "Imagine having these smartphones in ambulances and emergency rooms. On a larger scale, this kind of cell phone is a complete computer that runs Windows. It could become the essential computer of the Developing World, where trained medical personnel are scarce, but most of the population, as much as 90 percent, have access to a cell phone tower."
Zar [David Zar, research associate in computer science and engineering] said the vision of the new system is to train people in remote areas of the developing world on the basics of gathering data with the phones and sending it to a centralized unit many miles, or half a world away where specialists can analyze the image and make a diagnosis. Zar wrote the phone software and firmware for the probes; Richard came up with the low-power probe electronics design. He began working on ultrasound system designs 25 years ago, and in that span he has shrunk the electronics from cabinet-sized to a tiny circuit board one inch by three inches. A typical, portable ultrasound device may cost as much as $30,000. Some of these USB-based probes sell for less than $2,000 with the goal of a price tag as low as $500.Another promising application is for caregivers of patients with Duchene's Muscular Dystrophy. A degenerative disease that often strikes young boys and robs them of their lives by their late 20s, DMD is a degenerative disease for which there is no cure. The leading treatment to slow its progression is a daily dose of steroids. Patients often experience some side effects from steroids, which are dose related. These side effects include behavioral problems and weight gain. Researchers now know that physical changes in muscle tissue can indicate the efficacy of the steroids. Measuring these changes in muscle can be accomplished with ultrasound and may allow researchers to optimize steroid dosing to maximize efficacy while minimizing side effects.
"The idea is that caregivers, who otherwise have to transport a young person, often wheelchair bound, to a hospital or clinic on a regular basis for examination, can be trained to do ultrasound to track muscle condition," Zar said. "This could lower the dosage to the least effective amount to further increase quality of life of the patient and the caregiver and hopefully extend life. We're really excited about this application. The caregiver would only have to do a one-minute scan, transfer the data captured to the clinic, and the results would come back to the caregiver. A group at the WUSTL Medical School studying Duchene's Muscular Dystrophy is very interested in our devices and hopes they can incorporate them into their research plans."
Full story: Ultrasound imaging now possible with a smartphone ...
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PediSedate Helps With Sedation, May Create New Cultural Phenomenon
As many anesthesiologists and dentists are acutely aware, administering inhalational anesthetics to young uncooperative patients can be a tricky business.
Not seeing any advantage in having someone strap a mask to their face, children will often automatically reject it and proceed to star in an ad hoc theatrical production for the entire clinical staff.
In a stroke of genius, Dr. Geoffrey Hart brought together an immersive video game display, a pulse oxymeter, capnometer, and a nitrous oxide delivery tube to create an entirely new gaming experience. Pulling down the snorkel over the eyes and nose activates the video screen and allows the anesthetic to be introduced by the physician without all the huffing and puffing.
Product page: PediSedate...
(hat tip: Coolest Gadgets)
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Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Philips HeartStart MRx ALS Defib Gets Fresh Updates
Philips has just announced additional new enhancements to the company's popular HeartStart MRx cardiac monitor/defibrillator. The company says it has improved the signal analysis processing software in the unit, as as well as patient management tools, and that will allow for quick handover of patients from EMR to physicians and nurses in the ER.
From the press release:
The MRx now features the next-generation Q-CPR Measurement and Feedback tool as well as support system- or institution-wide quality improvements using robust retrospective data review capabilities. This update features the innovative new Q-CPR meter – already the winner of a Red Dot International Design award—which displays visual feedback directly where the caregiver is focused—on the patient’s chest.Q-CPR remains the only tool currently available that allows professionals to get feedback on ventilations as well as compressions. The first generation Q-CPR is supported by more published data than any other CPR quality-improvement tool, including studies in the Archives of Internal Medicine and Journal of the American Medical Association.
The enhanced HeartStart MRx also features multiple data management solutions designed to streamline the flow of patient information. Specifically, Philips’ Periodic Clinical Data Transmission collects ECG and vital patient information in the field and periodically sends this data to the receiving hospital, enabling physicians to analyze and track patients ahead of their arrival. Only the MRx has a built-in Ethernet port that allows for IP-based transfer of code event summaries at LAN speed. New file-forwarding software called Data Messenger has also been added to automate the transfer of clinical care event summaries for reliable review by medical directors.
The HeartStart MRx is the only monitor/defibrillator to offer Philips’ new DXL ECG Algorithm, which enables analysis of 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) data. Unlike other 12-lead algorithms, the DXL Algorithm identifies the STEMI-CA (Culprit Artery) and provides Critical Values. Philips STEMI-CA pinpoints the probable congested artery, while Critical Values highlight any of four distinct life-threatening conditions requiring immediate clinical attention. In addition, enhanced gender-specific criteria provide valuable information for diagnosing cardiac emergencies in women. These tools provide user-friendly data designed to speed triage, quickly mobilize resources and more efficiently prepare for treatment in the Cath lab.
Two additional tools available on the HeartStart MRx are the Philips Acute Cardiac Ischemia Time Insensitive Predictive Instrument (ACI-TIPI) and Thrombolytic Predictive Instrument (TPI) algorithms, which enable medics to alert and prepare the hospital ahead of the arrival of a suspected STEMI patient and/or bypass the closest hospital for a cardiac specialty center. ACI-TIPI provides a percentage score indicating the probability that the patient is experiencing acute cardiac ischemia. TPI provides mortality predictions in considering the use of thrombolytics to treat STEMI patients when percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is not readily available.
Press release: NEW ENHANCEMENTS TO THE PHILIPS HEARTSTART MRx SUPPORT FAST TRIAGE OF STEMI PATIENTS ...
Product brochure: Philips HeartStart MRx ALS Monitor
Product page: HeartStart MRx ALS Monitor for EMS...
Flashbacks: HeartStart MRx Monitor/Defibrillator Transmits Wireless Data
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Thursday, April 9, 2009
Nellcor OxiMax N-600x
Covidien has announced FDA approval of its latest pulse oximeter featuring an oxygen level alert system to help clinicians monitor unpredictable patients.
More about the device from the product page:
When weak or erratic pulse signals interfere with pulse oximetry readings, frustrated clinicians may try switching to another monitor or replacing the sensor, wasting time and money. The OxiMax N-600x pulse oximeter offers a better solution. It incorporates our latest Nellcor digital signal processing technology to deliver accurate, reliable SpO2 and pulse rate measurements even when low perfusion and signal interference are present.*In addition, when used with OxiMax adhesive sensors–now featuring our LoSat™ expanded accuracy range down to 60% SpO2–the OxiMax N-600x pulse oximeter allows improved patient assessment at the more challenging lower saturation levels common in infants with congenital heart disease (CHD). There is no need to order and stock separate sensors or upgrade software/hardware to attain this clinical benefit.
The OxiMax pulse oximetry system creates a communication link between the sensor and monitor that empowers the N-600x pulse oximeter to display valuable information to caregivers. The Sensor Messages function provides troubleshooting tips for optimal sensor application, and Sensor Event Report allows alarm event history stored in the OxiMax sensor to travel with the patient for quick assessment at various points of care.
* Simple, intuitive operation and easy-to-see display with dimmer and contrast adjustment.
* Compatible with the complete family of OxiMax Pulse Oximetry Sensors.
* Three display options: plethysmographic waveform, large numerics and customizable real-time trend.
* On-screen quick guide provides instant help to assist caregivers with monitor operation.
* Convenient selection of adult or neonate alarm limits, and user-configurable power-on settings.
* User-selectable fast-averaging mode (2-3 seconds) to more precisely track rapidly changing saturations.
* On-screen viewing of 24-48 hours of SpO2 and pulse rate trends taken at 2-4 second intervals; printing capability.
* Variable pitch beep tone enables clinicians to hear changes in SpO2.
* Backup speaker with escalating alarm tones.
* Interfaces with certain multiparameter monitors; real-time patient information and true physiologic waveforms are displayed on host system.
* Works with the Oxinet® III remote respiratory monitoring system to provide an easy-to-use, cost-effective monitoring solution for the general care floor.
* 7-hour battery life with battery guage for convenient portability.
Press release: Covidien Receives FDA Clearance for the Nellcor(TM) OxiMax(TM) N-600x(TM) Pulse Oximeter with OxiMax SPD(TM) Alert
Product page: OxiMax® N-600x™ Pulse Oximeter
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Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Continous Cuff-free BP Monitor from MIT
Important medical decisions regarding a patient's blood pressure are often based on an embarrassingly small amount of data. Blood pressure changes continuously throughout the day, hence a single reading, such as in a doctor's office, could be misleading by either vastly under or over estimating a patient's BP throughout an entire day. Currently doctors recommend keeping a blood pressure diary at home, but this is often inconvenient to the patient and sometimes the reliability is questionable.
To address this problem, Harry Asada at MIT has developed a continuous wearable cuffless blood pressure monitor that is worn on the wrist and finger of one hand. It works by measuring the velocity of patient's pulse from which the blood pressure can be calculated. Because blood pressure in an extremity changes depending on the height above/below the heart, the device contains accelerometers that can keep track of the hands position and adjust accordingly. The device transmits its data via radio or WiFi.
Asada says that the device may be ready for commercial use within the next 5 years.
Read the press release here...
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Rad-87 Pulse Oximeter Wins in Awards
Masimo has just been awarded a prize in the 2009 Medical Design Excellence Awards for its Rad-87 portable bedside pulse oximetry system. The product features a built-in wireless transmitter for sending live data to the Masimo Patient SafetyNet, a system for remotely monitoring patients in a central environment.
From the product page:
Featuring “gold standard” Masimo SET pulse oximetry, proven in more than 100 independent and objective studies to provide the most accurate and reliable SpO2 readings during motion and low perfusion Built-in wireless radio for bi-directional communication with the Masimo Patient SafetyNet® remote monitoring and clinician notification system Upgradable Masimo Rainbow SET technology platform lets you add total hemoglobin (SpHb™) and oxygen content (SpOC™) through simple field-installed software upgrades. Additional upgrades allow you to continuously and non-invasively measure carboxyhemoglobin (SpCO®), methemoglobin (SpMet®) and PVI™ A simple, user-centered design allows activation of many features with only a single touch. Easy-to-read high-contrast display eliminates confusion common with many bedside monitors. One sensor, multiple measurements. All Rainbow measurements can be displayed on the Rad-87 through a single noninvasive sensor. Alarms and alerts can be enabled at the bedside or remotely, via the Masimo Patient SafetyNet Remote Monitoring and Clinician Notification System.
Product page: Masimo Rad-87 ...
Press release: 32 Innovative Products Win Medical Design Excellence Awards...
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Monday, April 6, 2009
Needle Design Keeps You in the Cavity
A new needle design coming out of MIT could possibly save patients from potentially serious complications from over-excited needle pushers. The design consists of an S-shaped needle with a filament inside. When the needle is moving through solid tissue, the filament is buckled up inside ready to spring. The second the needle enters a hollow cavity the filament rapidly advances forward, which doubles as keeping the needle from moving further into the cavity in question as well as letting you know you're in. The device has been successful so far in preliminary testing.
The needle design looks to revamp blood draws, epidurals, chest tubes and even trochar placement for laparoscopic surgery. Word is that the device could be available in 3-5 years following testing.
Read more here...
Read the abstract here...
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Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Puritan Bennett 540, a New Covidien Ventilator With Smart Battery Technology
Covidien has released a new portable ventilator, the Puritan Bennett 540™, that's designed for longer operational ability, thanks to a new lithium battery. The ventilator's panel also displays remaining charge time in minutes. This gives providers more predictability when working on battery power as opposed to models that have a percentage based charge meters.
Features according to the company:
At 9.9 pounds, the Puritan Bennett 540 ventilator is compact and light. It comes with a dual bag, making it easy to carry by hand and in a backpack, or to attach to a wheelchair. A car charger and an external battery are also available for the unit, so the ventilator can be charged or used during road travel.The ventilator also features a quick and reactive flow trigger for patient comfort, minimizing the work of breathing, with the added benefit of the patient being able to set PEEP (positive end expiratory pressure).
* Small and lightweight (6.0” H x 9.25” W x 12.4” D, and 9.9 lbs)
* Pressure and volume ventilation
* Invasive and noninvasive ventilation
* Up to 11 hours*(depending on settings and other factors) of patient mobility (with internal lithium-ion battery)
* Real time battery life indicator
* Integrated low pressure oxygen
* Single- or double-limb breathing circuit
* VTE monitoring with double-limb circuit
* Waveform screens
* Adults and children 5 kg or greater
* Remote alarm capabilities
Product page: Puritan Bennett 540™ Ventilator
Press release: Covidien Announces U.S. Launch of Puritan Bennett 540(TM) Portable Ventilator
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