Friday, May 9, 2008
No Spillage VantageCath Gets FDA Approval
VantageCath is a new peripheral IV catheter designed to not only prevent unexpected needlestick injuries, but also to eliminate the spillage of blood during the IV placement. The device is a product of a firm called Advantage Medical Devices from Solana Beach, CA.
From the product page:
The VantageCath is an innovative peripheral Intravenous (IV) Catheter Safety System designed to significantly reduce blood borne pathogen exposure without compromising the "pop and glide" that users want and need. Utilizing a patented "closed hub" design, blood is contained during the entire cannulation and needle retraction process. This eliminates the need to tamponade above the site of the IV catheter and allows the provider to have both hands free to secure the IV and attach tubing using sterile technique.In addition to the protection from blood borne pathogen exposure delivered by the VantageCath, there are many features that providers and patients will appreciate:
Built-in saline lock
Improved flash for confident cannulation
Safe and easy blood draws
Rapid delivery of life saving drugs -- 20% reduction in tubing distance
Eliminates need to loop tubing
Built-in needle-free access
Flawless needle retraction mechanism
Rotating L-Tube allows for easy access to luer-lock port Frontline providers have had to make do with the safety engineered IV catheters made available to them in the clinical setting; compromising their relationships with patients who must endure multiple sticks, a bloody mess and the risk of an infection. The VantageCath offers a significant improvement in protection and utility. More importantly, the opportunity to gain back the confidence that the patient's IV start will be safe and effective.
The video:
Product page: VantageCath...
Press release: Advantage Medical Devices Receives FDA Clearance for VantageCath...
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Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Study: Kids Love Zingo No Needles Local Anesthesia
William T. Zempsky, MD, from the Connecticut Children's Medical Center, and colleagues from five other hospitals just published a randomized, double-blind study in the latest issue of Pediatrics, that has shown that a "needle-free powder lidocaine delivery system was well tolerated and produced significant analgesia within 1 to 3 minutes," in pediatric patients scheduled to undergo venipuncture or cannulation. 
The system used in the study was Zingo™ lidocaine powder intradermal injector from Anesiva, Inc., a South San Francisco, CA company. The system, that uses compressed gas to accelerate the lidocaine particles under the skin, was approved by the FDA in August 2007, " to reduce the pain associated with peripheral IV insertions or blood draws in children three to 18 years of age."
To learn more about Zingo™, head on to this product page @ Anesiva...
Abstract: Needle-Free Powder Lidocaine Delivery System Provides Rapid Effective Analgesia for Venipuncture or Cannulation Pain in Children: Randomized, Double-Blind Comparison of Venipuncture and Venous Cannulation Pain After Fast-Onset Needle-Free Powder Lidocaine or Placebo Treatment Trial PEDIATRICS Vol. 121 No. 5 May 2008, pp. 979-987
Zingo™ prescribing info (.pdf)...
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McSleepy: Automated Anesthesia System
Canadian Researchers at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec and the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) have developed an automated anesthetic system and believe they were the first in the world to perform a surgery with such a machine. The new system, named 'McSleepy' - in honor of the nicknames given to the doctors on the TV show 'Grey's Anatomy' - will administer drugs and monitor vital signs for patients undergoing surgery. So far, the system has been used during seven operations, and according to Dr. Thomas Hemmerling, principal developer for the system at McGill University, the preliminary results show that "...it is actually better in terms of stability of anesthesia than us at this point".
Think of "McSleepy" as a sort of humanoid anesthesiologist that thinks like an anesthesiologist, analyses biological information and constantly adapts its own behavior, even recognizing monitoring malfunction.The anesthetic technique was used on a patient who underwent a partial nephrectomy, a procedure that removes a kidney tumor while leaving the non-cancerous part of the kidney intact, over a period of three hours and 30 minutes. To manipulate the various components of general anesthesia, the automated system measures three separate parameters displayed on a new Integrated monitor of anesthesia (IMATM): depth of hypnosis via EEG analysis, pain via a new pain score, called AnalgoscoreTM, and muscle relaxation via phonomyographyTM, all developed by ITAG. The system then administers the appropriate drugs using conventional infusion pumps, controlled by a laptop computer on which "McSleepy" is installed.
Using these three separate parameters and complex algorithms, the automated system calculates faster and more precisely than a human can the appropriate drug doses for any given moment of anesthesia. "McSleepy" assists the anesthesiologist in the same way an automatic transmission assists people when driving. As such, anesthesiologists can focus more on other aspects of direct patient care. An additional feature is that the system can communicate with personal digital assistants (PDAs), making distant monitoring and anesthetic control possible. In addition, this technology can be easily incorporated into modern medical teaching programs such as simulation centers and web-based learning platforms.
More from AOL Health: Canadian researchers develop automated anesthesia system dubbed McSleepy
Press Release: McSleepy hopes to revolutionize anesthesia practice
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Friday, April 25, 2008
VitalJacket: Heart Monitoring Shirt
In an attempt to make heart monitoring less visible and bulky for individuals requiring continuous monitoring of their heart, BioDevices, SA, has a unique solution. The company has developed a T-shirt which continuously monitors heart rate and ECG waves. This is an ideal solution for elderly patients and has a lot of potential for fitness applications as well.
The Vital Jacket® is a wearable vital signs monitoring system that joins textiles with microelectronics. It was designed and developed to be a usable pragmatic approach for different clinical and normal life scenarios, in hospitals, home or on the move, that need continuous or frequent high quality vital signs monitoring from the patient or healthy subject. The concept was designed and specified based on the long tradition on biomedical instrumentation and telemedicine of the IEETA institute of the University of Aveiro, Portugal (www.ieeta.pt/sias).The Vital Jacket® HWM mobile device is an intelligent wearable garnment that is able to continuous monitor electrocardiogram (ECG) wave and Heart Rate for different fitness, high performance sports, security and medical applications.
There are currently two versions, HWM100 that stores data on a SD memory card for posterior analysis in a PC and, HWM200 that allows on-line visualization using a smartphone/PDA.
More from talk2myShirt
More from product page: VitalJacket
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Monday, April 21, 2008
VENTIlogic Promises Intelligent Home Ventilation
Weinmann Geräte für Medizin GmbH + Co. KG (as Weinmann company is officially known) is planning to profile its line of ventilators at the upcoming annual convention of the German Society of Anesthesiologists and Intensive Care Medicine. The highlight of the event will be a presentation of the company's new VENTIlogic ventilator, a device designed for at home respiratory support.
This new blower can be integrated into a larger system called "Ventilation Workstation":
It features one of the most innovative home ventilation devices (VENTIlogic) developed by the company interacting with a monitoring unit, transcutaneous blood gas monitoring, an optional blood gas analysis and a suction pump for secretion removal. The most important ventilation and blood gas parameters are shown in curves and trend diagrams on a monitor. All the components will be presented on a special trolley for the system's mobile temporary use, for example, during post-operative ventilation, in the intermediate care unit or in nursing homes or rehabilitation centers. "We would like to show users what a complete mobile system solution looks like and the benefits it offers," said Jörg Mielenz, product and ventilation specialist at Weinmann.The innovative VENTIlogic is the first "intelligent" home mechanical ventilator whose patented TAV (Timed-Adaptive Ventilation) mode anticipates the patient's respiratory pattern and thus significantly increases therapy compliance. Under controlled ventilation of patients with a weakened respiratory pump, "respirator fighting" can often be observed. The patient unconsciously begins to breathe against the rhythm of the ventilator, which puts a greater strain on the respiratory pump. This "fighting" is so unpleasant that the patient's therapy compliance declines. "A potentially high unloading of the respiratory pump was often connected in the past with lower therapy compliance and consequently with low therapeutic effectiveness." Mielenz said. "Ventilators that are triggered by the patient's spontaneous breathing and are therefore found to be more pleasant, however, relieve the respiratory muscles to a lesser extent and lead to hyperventilation of the patient." The innovative TA mode in VENTIlogic makes it possible for the first time to combine the high compliance of spontaneous ventilation modes with the high unloading (about 90%) of controlled ventilation modes.
When combined with the new oxygen valve VENTI-O2 plus, the VENTIlogic ventilation device can safely and reliably provide up to 15 liters of oxygen to the patient, for example, during the weaning phase. A change in the safety concept for VENTIlogic has made this possible. From now on the device fulfills the requirements of the current ISO EN 60601-1 norm for fire protection even as it applies to the delivery of large volumes of oxygen. For compliance purposes, the air-tightness of the air and oxygen conducting components in the device was improved, an optimized power unit was installed and new fire-resistant materials were used. The optimized "new" VENTIlogic will be available as of the middle of May.
The last statement is for the German audience. We are not aware that the device has been OK'ed by the FDA or by the Canadian authorities.
Product page: VENTIlogic...
Press release: Ventilation Systems newly defined -- Weinmann at DAC (.pdf) ...
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Thursday, April 10, 2008
World's First Bluetooth Pulse Oximeter
Via Turner Medical, we learned that Plymouth, Minnesota based manufacturer Nonin Medical just released the world's first wireless pulse oximeter that should easily interact with other devices through the emerging Bluetooth Medical Device Profile (MDP) protocol.
Store & Forward MemoryEnsures ultimate versatility by allowing patients to take readings outside of the home and transmit the time-stamped data once they return. The Onyx II 9560's memory storage provides up to a minimum of 20 single point measurements.
SmartPoint™ Technology
SmartPoint Technology eliminates the guesswork of determining which oximetry values to use for analysis. Using a sophisticated algorithm, it provides a fast and accurate snapshot of the patient's SpO2 and pulse rate. The Onyx II 9560 sends the SmartPoint spot-check measurement typically 30 seconds from turn-on.
Extended Range
The Onyx II 9560 provides an extended range of up to 100 meters (Class I).
Patient Proof
Unmatched durability for the home care environment, we've made the Onyx II 9560 rugged to take a beating day after day. The most widely used fingertip oximeter comes with no wires or cables to hassle with, an automatic turn on/turn off, and as convenient and easy-to-use as possible.
Power Saver
Unlike traditional Bluetooth devices, the Onyx II 9560 has a new power saving feature that automatically adjusts transmitted power based on distance from the main unit. This unique feature allows for approximately 600 spot checks on 2 AAA batteries.
Press release: Nonin® Medical unveils world's first Bluetooth®-enabled, wireless fingertip pulse oximeter ...
Product page: Onyx II 9560
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Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Philips HD7
Philips is introducing in the United States its new general purpose, modestly priced ultrasound system, the Philips HD7:
The system provides grayscale and color Doppler imaging with simple one button optimization, as well as Tissue Harmonic Imaging. In addition, the HD7 features a wide array of transducers, an adjustable flat panel LCD monitor, proven system architecture, and advanced imaging, measurement and quantification technologies.The Philips HD7 system addresses basic scanning needs while adding new technology and design advances that help improve image quality. Developed with clinicians in mind, the ergonomic, easy-to-use system can meet the demands for high-volume use in cardiovascular, OB/GYN, anesthesiology, oncology, electrophysiology, stress echo, pediatric, orthopedic, urologic, emergency and other applications.
Like all Philips ultrasound systems, the HD7 has a broadband digital beamformer to capture and preserve more tissue information than conventional narrowband systems and its wide dynamic range and digital focal tuning provide exceptional sensitivity and detail resolution. Features such as iSCAN one button image optimization, multiple transducer ports, DICOM connectivity, and easy data recording to CD or USB, position the HD7 well against other modestly priced ultrasound systems. In addition, optional off-line QLAB quantification software capability allows clinicians to perform post-examination image review and analysis on a PC. Further enhancing the system’s usability is a Study Guide on disk that quickly equips clinicians to use the advanced features of the HD7.
The system can accommodate a range of Philips' transducers for all kinds of clinical applications.
Product page: HD7 Ultrasound System...
Press release: Philips HD7 ultrasound system now commercially available in the United States...
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Friday, March 28, 2008
Portable Vents from Versamed, Now Part of GE Healthcare
Globes is reporting that the Israeli company Versamed Medical Systems Inc., a maker of portable ventilators, was just acquired by GE Healthcare for an undisclosed amount. The firm's main product is the iVent201 blower, which comes in four models each designed for different environments such as intensive care unit or at-home respiratory support.
iVent201 IC +AB Intensive Care and Non-invasive Ventilation with Adaptive Bi-Level ModeA fully featured ventilator with Pressure Control mode (A/C or SIMV), Volume Control mode (A/C or SIMV), CPAP/PSV and Adaptive Bi-Level (non-invasive or invasive ventilation).
Software packages included are Pressure, Flow and Volume Waveforms, Trending and Respiratory Diagnostics.
Internal Oxygen Mixer with Sensor, High and Low Pressure OxygeniVent201 IC Intensive Care
A ventilator featuring a variety of mode capabilities including Pressure Control (A/C or SIMV), Volume Control (A/C or SIMV) and CPAP/PSV.
Software packages included are Pressure, Flow and Volume Waveforms, Trending and Respiratory Diagnostics.
Internal Oxygen Mixer with Sensor, High and Low Pressure OxygeniVent201 AB Non-invasive Ventilation with Adaptive Bi-Level Mode
A ventilator featuring Adaptive Bi-Level (both non-invasive or invasive ventilation) and CPAP/PSV.
Software packages included are Pressure, Flow and Volume Waveforms, Trending, Respiratory Diagnostics.
Internal Oxygen Mixer with Sensor, High and Low Pressure Oxygen
iVent201 HC Home CareA ventilator designed specifically for care in the home with Volume Control mode (A/C or SIMV) and CPAP/PSV.
This vent uses Low Pressure Oxygen.
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Thursday, March 20, 2008
Ornim Oxygen Saturation System FDA Approved
Ornim Medical, out of Lod, Israel, just received FDA approval for its non-invasive cerebral oxygen monitor for use during surgeries. Back in January, we've profiled OrNim's Targeted Oximetry as a potential diagnostic modality not just for the brain, but for monitoring oxygenation of other organs, such as viscera or extremities.
From Globes Online:
OrNim's Ultrasound Tagged Light technology - UTLight, transmits a beam of light through tissue to measure the absorption of light by oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin. The system tags the light with ultrasound beams enabling to bypass superficial tissue, and measure absolute oxygen saturation levels within the monitored tissue.Shechter explains, "If the blood in the area marked by the ultrasound is red and oxygen-rich, it absorbs more tagged light. If the area is light and oxygen-poor, more tagged light is reflected back to us. In this way, we can precisely measure oxygen levels."
More at Globes...
FDA press release: Ornim receives FDA 510(K) clearance (.pdf)...
Flashback: OrNim's Targeted Oximetry
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Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Pulse!! BreakAway's Educational Game
Via Medical Education Blog at the University of Saskatchewan, we learned about BreakAway Ltd., a Hunt Valley MD company, specializing in a variety of educational games, all based on a proprietary technology platform that creates a variety of medical, military, first-responder, and other environments.
Here's how the company describes its Pulse!! game, that creates an immersive environment for the health care training:
Pulse!! is the first ever, immersive virtual learning space for training health care professionals in clinical skills. Cutting-edge graphics recreate a lifelike, interactive, virtual environment in which civilian and military heath care professionals practice clinical skills in order to better respond to injuries sustained during catastrophic incidents, such as combat or bioterrorism.Pulse!! is being developed in partnership with Texas A & M University - Corpus Christi and is funded from a federal grant from the Department of the Navy's Office of Naval Research.
In terms of other medical sims, BreakAway has also developed pediatric pain management game to distract children from pain of medical procedures. And as far as the first responder simulators go, the company has couple of products designed for training of emergency staff for management of casualties of terrorist attacks and other disasters.
Check out this promo of company's medical training platform:
Products page with videos: Serious Games for Healthcare - BreakAway...
Products page with videos: Serious Games for Homeland Security - BreakAway...
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Friday, March 7, 2008
FloWave 1000 Monitor Promises Noninvasive Cardiac Output
One EKG lead. One pulse oximeter. Some secret stuff. And presto! Profit... and, of course, noninvasive cardiac output monitoring. Woolsthorpe Technologies, a Brentwood, Tenn. company, 
is reporting that its hemodynamics device FloWave 1000 is now being evaluated in clinical trials in Vanderbilt University Medical Center and in Saint Thomas Research Institute in Nashville, and in the Texas Heart Institute in Houston. The device, based on a single paired ECG lead, dual pulse oximetry sensor, and a secret proprietary algorithm, is designed to extrapolate patient's cardiac output, cardiac index, stroke volume, heart rate, saturation, and more.
The device has been around for at least 4 years now, as this article from 2004 in Nashville Business Journal testifies. But since the company is putting out perky press releases, and The Tennessean reports about the company as the greatest thing since the sliced bread, our pulse and cardiac output go up slightly. Let us hope there is enough blood flow in the company to deliver on its promises.
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Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Fabric-based Electrodes for a More Comfortable ECG Experience
The FDA just gave approval to Textronics, Inc to market their new textile-based ECG electrodes, which were awarded with a US patent only two weeks ago. Unlike typical ECG electrodes, these don't use adhesives to stick to the skin, and are purported to be more comfortable than the "old" variety. The hairy members of Medgadget editorial team are particularly relieved, as we occasionally end up removing red dots from ourselves, while trying to apply these electrodes to diaphoretic patients.
“Our textile electrodes can be worn comfortably against the skin, as part of a seamless garment, fabric chest strap or elastic wrist band,” explains Textronics CEO Stacey Burr. “We’re offering the medical community a more comfortable and less cumbersome solution that can improve patient compliance by eliminating skin irritation and other discomforts that are commonly experienced during ECG monitoring, especially in extended wear applications.”Textronics uses its patented technology to knit conductive sensing fibers directly into stretchy fabrics that can monitor physiological conditions comfortably and accurately. The company’s textile electrode garments, straps and wristbands are also machine washable and reusable. They can be used for a wide range of ECG monitoring and recording applications, including cardiac event recorders, stress testing, Holter monitoring, trans-telephonic pacemaker monitors, and respiration sensing devices.
Press release: TEXTRONICS, INC. RECEIVES FDA CLEARANCE ON TEXTILE ELECTRODE ...
Press release: TEXTRONICS, INC. AWARDED PATENT FOR TEXTILE-BASED ELECTRODES ...
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Tuesday, February 19, 2008
ShakerScope for Jungle Laryngoscopy
The ShakerScope is a project that was conceived by a Welsh doctor working his craft in remote parts of Africa. One of the constant problems Dr. David Williams had to overcome was the necessity of batteries to power certain medical devices, including the light on a laryngoscope. Realizing that a small LED light can be powered by something other than batteries, the idea for a kinetic powered laryngoscope was conceived.
TCT News Magazine, a publication for the product development industry, has an article on how the Shakerscope came to be. A snippet:
With funding granted by the Welsh Assembly Government, David approached PDR (The National Centre for Product Design and Development Research) to redesign the device. PDR, an accredited Centre of Excellence for Technology and Industry Collaboration based at the UWIC campus in Cardiff, took the device back to first principles and developed it from initial concept design through to functional product utilising its own extensive in-house technologies, equipment and expertise.It was clear to the design team that the product had applications in the developed as well as developing world, greatly expanding its potential market and increasing its attractiveness to investors. As a reliable self powered light source the device could be used for other essential examinations and procedures in clinics and surgeries across the world.
A brief was developed that demanded the rapid development of a self powered device, suitable for multiple procedures without recharging. Charge time should be minimised and the light generated must be as powerful as that already available through battery powered devices.
Initial design work was undertaken to greatly improve the efficiency of the device and to create a range of initial concepts that hinted at a sophisticated design and package that could be equally at home in a snowfield or desert through to modern GP’s office or paramedics backpack.
With a final concept agreed, the first stages of the design and engineering process highlighted a requirement for a compact, light, robust, waterproof and shock resistant instrument that was strong enough to endure all types of potential damage whilst being small enough to transport manually with ease. It also became apparent that the utility of the product could be greatly extended by the addition of interchangeable medical device attachments to inspect body cavities such as ears, eyes and throat. A range of detachable device heads, including laryngascopes, ophthalmoscopes and ostoscopes, were conceptualised and developed. These offered the potential of providing significant advantages to users in cost, space and weight compared to conventional devices, which require a separate power and light source for each application.
More from TCT News...
Device home page: ShakerScope
NOTE: This is Medgadget's 5,000th post. Thanks to all our readers for support, patronage, and inspiration. It was and is a blast!!!
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Thursday, February 14, 2008
DRE Envoy PDM (Patient Data Management) Wireless Monitor System
DRE Inc. just released a new wireless patient telemetry system that lets the doctor or nurse carry this flat screen around, while monitoring the vitals on up to six patients.
Unlike traditional telemetry systems, which typically resemble desktop PCs, all central station components of the Envoy PDM are housed in an all-inclusive device that is similar to the size and appearance of a 15-inch computer monitor. The Envoy PDM also features an easy-to-use touchscreen that eliminates the need for a keyboard and further decreases the size of its footprint.In addition to being a telemetry system, the Envoy PDM is a patient data management system that surgeons can use to compile patient information such as medical history, medications and treatment. The patient database helps telemetry operators compare onscreen vital signs with demographics of a patient.
The Envoy PDM seamlessly integrates with the DRE Waveline Plus, a seven-parameter patient monitor. Vital signs from up to six DRE Waveline Plus monitors can be tracked and stored on the Envoy PDM in real time. Vital sign data is sent to the Envoy PDM via a wireless transmitter that attaches to the back of the Waveline Plus. The transmitter allows surgeons to transport the Waveline Plus from pre-operation to surgery and through recovery while maintaining the wireless link between the monitor and the Envoy PDM.
Press release: DRE Introduces Wireless Telemetry/Patient Data Management System
Product page: DRE Envoy PDM (Patient Data Management) Wireless Monitor System
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Tuesday, February 12, 2008
SmartCart from EnovateIT
EnovateIT, a Ferndale, Michigan medical systems company, will be unveiling a new medication cart at the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) meeting in Orlando from February 24 through 28.
Some of the features of the cart from a press release:
Multiple computing platforms - notebooks, tablets, All-in-Ones, Thin-Clients Replaceable monitors - supports VESA based alternative monitors Net weight of 120lbs with full drawers Large 16"x16" work surface with raised edge to help retain spills 4.5" lockable casters Integrated keyboard light for usage in a dark environment UL & CE certified Basic off-the-shelf SW solution to control the automated storage Standard Windows® based computing platform - easy integration HL7 ready - for integration with other hospital information systems (HIS) Batteries - dual Lithium-Ion: providing maximum runtime without recharging Smart power management including movement detection sensor
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Wednesday, January 30, 2008
OrNim's Targeted Oximetry
OrNim, a Lod, Israel company, has developed a non-invasive laser-based sensor for direct monitoring of oxygen levels within the brain. The company is trying to break into a lucrative market of cerebral perfusion monitoring, currently dominated by such devices as INVOS Cerebral Oximeter from Somanetics Corp. Unlike its competitiors, OrNim believes its monitor could potentially be used for monitoring a variety of organs, from brain to viscera.
From the company's technology page:
... pulse oximetry is an optical based technology that is used to measure oxygen levels within the arterial blood. It works by attaching a non-invasive probe to a patient (usually placed on the ear, finger, or toe) which transmits a beam of light through the patient’s blood vessels. This technology works by measuring the differences in absorption of different wavelengths of light by oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin. Pulse oximetry has markedly improved medical care – particularly in the fields of anesthesiology and intensive care – and as a result has been rapidly adopted by the medical community. However, pulse oximetry is subject to a number of limitations – most notably, the technology cannot penetrate deep tissue, it is sensitive to ambient light levels and remains limited to peripheral perfusion (e.g. the finger). Tissue oximetry, a technology capable of penetrating deep tissue, remains qualitative in nature (i.e. it cannot provide an absolute measurement of blood oxygen saturation).OrNim is introducing a breakthrough technology that enables localized, quantitative measurements of oxygen saturation levels from deep tissue volumes. OrNim’s sensors are capable of performing Targeted Oximetry - allowing caregivers the ability to pinpoint specific regions of the body, bypass peripheral tissue, and measure oxygen saturation levels within the monitored tissue.
The ability to locally monitor tissue oxygenation is particularly important in the instance of monitoring oxygen saturation within cerebral tissue. The Company’s technology is capable of filtering out the contribution of external tissue to the measured signal - thereby providing a “clean” reading of oxygen saturation from only the tissue that is targeted.
This is a revolutionary application as prior methods of quantitatively measuring oxygen in specific deep tissue tended to be invasive (i.e. requiring a surgical procedure), narrowly localized, and subject to environmental interference.
In addition to monitoring tissue oxygenation, Targeted Oximetry is inherently capable of monitoring other vital parameters. As a result, the technology can also be used to detect the presence and extent of hemorrhages within the monitored tissue, or changes in blood perfusion to the tissue.
With quantitative cerebral oximetry, patient outcome can be improved. Additionally, intensive care (ICU) patient stay and costs associated with patient treatment can be significantly reduced. It is essential to determine a patient’s absolute oxygenation for managing his/her therapy. In cases where the patient’s condition is unknown prior to start of procedure, qualitative modalities are inefficient.
OrNim’s first product will assist physicians in preventing and reducing neurological damage that frequently occurs during traumatic brain injury, stroke, or following cardiac arrest.
More at MIT Tech Review...
Company page: OrNim...
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Tuesday, January 29, 2008
New OR Computer and JOCAP XL Program from MAQUET
MAQUET GmbH & Co. KG from Germany has release a new version of JOCAP XL 7.1 for its popular online recording system that "allows the perfusionist to turn his attention to what really matters." The software is designed to run on the company's new OR Computer, reports German Healthcare Export Group:
JOCAP XL has become established as the standard thanks to its comprehensive display and evaluation options as well as its open interfaces to other systems. The system includes interfaces to all common heart-lung machines and other peripheral devices, such as blood gas analysis and anesthesia monitors. Together with the new OR Computer, JOCAP XL offers advantages.The program can now be operated via a touch screen and, if required, a keyboard is displayed on the 15” screen to allow data to be entered. As there is no need for an external keyboard, cleaning of the OR Computer is easier and any clutter at the perfusionist’s workstation is kept to a minimum.
According to the manufacturer, the OR Computer is the only device of its kind with an integrated emergency power supply which ensures that the system remains fully functional even in the event of a short-term power failure; it also goes without saying that the system meets all medical standards. The OR Computer can be directly connected to the hospital’s information system via LAN connections (Ethernet) allowing data for administration and archiving to be exchanged easily. Furthermore, the OR Computer has manifold inputs for network, USB and audio connections. Data can also be optionally saved to CD-ROM and DVD using the integrated burner.
The well-known JOCAP XL user guidance system has been further optimized. Using the clearly laid out directory, the individual input screens and displays can be selected directly in the drop-down selection menus. Perfusionist’s also set great store by the overview module, which allows all the important parameters to be checked at a glance on a single display; individual displays no longer have to be called up. The data is synchronously updated every 12 seconds and displayed in both graphic and tabular format. Prior to the operation, the perfusionist imports patient data including age, height, weight and patient number from the HIS. Alternatively, these can be entered manually or edited. This information is recorded together with details on the OR team and the devices, disposable products and implants used. In addition, the patient’s history, potential risk factors, allergies and medication are also entered. Input screens to mark important events during the operation such as the opening and closure of the thorax, cannulation and the admixture of medication are also important for the purpose of documentation. Alongside recording and monitoring, JOCAP XL offers a wide range of possibilities for statistically printing and evaluating the recorded data for comparisons and reports.
Product page: OR COMPUTER ...
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Friday, January 25, 2008
z.one ultra System
KLAS, a technology consultancy, has released its 2007 Best in KLAS report that features a ranking of what they believe are the top 20 overall medical technology companies (plus a ranking within specific fields). ZONARE Medical Systems, Inc. (Mountain View, Calif.) is one of the companies chosen, as the top hand carried ultrasound (HCU) vendor for its z.one ultra System.
Zone Sonography technology has enabled ZONARE Medical Systems to bring its unique, patented Convertible Ultrasound platform to the industry providing premium image quality and performance together with greater portability at an attractive price to value ratio compared to conventional ultrasound systems. Clinicians are able to convert the z.one system, at the touch of a button, from a full-featured, cart-based system into a premium compact ultrasound system, optimizing its versatility in a variety of clinical settings, without sacrificing image quality or performance.Unlike most other HCU systems, the z.one system's Zone Sonography software-based architecture allows its performance to continue to improve as greater processing power becomes available. System upgrades can be downloaded via the internet, allowing for fast, convenient advances in clinical capabilities, enabling clinicians to cost-effectively maintain a state of the art premium ultrasound system.
Press release: ZONARE RANKED BEST IN KLAS AS HAND CARRIED ULTRASOUND VENDOR IN 2007 TOP 20: YEAR-END REPORT
Product page: z.one
Top 20: 2007 Best in KLAS report can be conveniently purchased for $2,500 from KLAS...
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Thursday, January 24, 2008
Reliant® Noninvasive Cardiac Output Monitor Gets FDA OK
Reliant® from Israel-based Cheetah Medical, Inc. has been approved by the FDA, according to a report at Globes and a press release. The device promises the accuracy of measurements of cardiac output equal or better to traditional Swan-Ganz catheter. The device functions via a proprietary NICOM® technology, that is based on a traditional bioimpedance analysis (changes in voltage of electrical currents traversing the patient's chest), plus BIOREACTANCE® technology, an analysis of frequency related effects:
The NICOM® ICU (Intensive Care Unit) and CCU (Critical Care Unit) is a non-invasive Cardiac Output monitor based on Haemodynamic Reactance Mapping, intended for the measurement and display of Cardiac Output and ECG (electrocardiogram), both at rest and under medical tests.In ICU, non-invasive Cardiac Output monitoring by the NICOM® provides haemodynamic information, which assists in diagnosis and therapy of heart patients by establishing the patient's baseline haemodynamic status for optimization of drug titration. The NICOM® contributes to the reduction of procedures involved with invasive PAC (Pulmonary Artery Catheter) by replacing it whenever the non-invasive NICOM® product can be utilized and also by enabling earlier removal of PAC.
The NICOM® approach incorporates a novel front end concept together with a unique electrode concept, placed on upper and lower positions of the thorax.
The NICOM® system allows superior accuracy of better than ± 5% as found in preclinical study versus Cardio Pulmonary Bypass Pump. It should be noted that the acceptable bias limit for the Swan-Ganz in the medical community is ± 20%.
A low-level electrical current is emitted and received by adjacent electrodes, while the response to the current flow produces the Haemodynamic Reactance waveform.