ENT Archive

Friday, November 20, 2009

Let Draeger Polaris Be Your Guiding Light

We are continuing to profile the latest gadgets that are being showcased at the Medica 2009 in Düsseldorf. This beautiful line of cold OR light systems, appropriately dubbed Polaris, comes from Drägerwerk AG & Co., a company better known to everyone as Dräger.

Details from the press release:

Compared with conventional light sources, the smaller LEDs of the Polaris system are considerably more energy-efficient than conventional light sources. An LED light source has a life span of about 30,000 hours (corresponding to about seven to ten years of service life in the operating room), while the life span of a conventional light source is about 1,000 hours (corresponding to about four months of service life in the operating room). The slight amount of lost heat from the LEDs is dispensed through the top of the housing.
The different Polaris models are distinguished by their illuminating power. They can be used as an individual OR light or as a satellite in multiple-light systems, and can also be equipped with an integrated camera.

This new product design received the red dot design award 2008 which, according to the Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen, is based on criteria such as innovation, functionality, quality and ergonomics.

The 108 light-emitting diodes of the Polaris (700 model) distribute light with a color temperature of 4,600 Kelvin. "Cold light" (without long-wave infrared content) is generated by means of a phosphor layer on the semiconductor and focused via an optical system. The LEDs are installed in the reflectors in pairs.

The individual light paths form a light cylinder which has an illumination depth of about 1,100 millimeters and a variable diameter of 220 to 290 millimeters. This ensures that the light of each LED can be focused on the OR field and that several surgeons can work simultaneously on the OR field without noticeably reducing the brightness.

Press release: Precision lighting with the new Dräger Polaris...

Product brochure... (.pdf)

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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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Wednesday, October 21, 2009

ThumBlade Scalpel Safety System

Here's an interesting new take on improving the safety for scrub techs, nurses and surgeons. ThumBlade™ scalpel system from Precision Medical Devices Inc. (Marlboro, NJ) is a no contact, disposable safety sheath that covers blades, and allows activation of the scalpel with just one hand. So no more sharps and no more mosquito use to mount a blade.

Medgadget has obtained the following details about the device:

Featuring patent pending innovative thumb activation independent mechanisms, PMD’s ThumBlade™ safety scalpels enable one-handed activation smoothly and safely by right or left handed practitioners with no contact with the exposed blade. This activation affords an easy, natural opening motion while keeping the other fingers out of the way. The safety sheath is made from high quality ABS composite with a completely flat and smooth top, providing a stable platform for better control during the procedure. The extra sharp blades are stainless steel, pre-sterilized, and disposable after single use. The blade sheaths and packaging are color coded by size for easy counting and safe use. The stainless steel handles are pre-sterilized for first use and can be re-sterilized and re-used. These handles, available in both #3 and #4 fitments, are premium length and back-weighted for the grip and feel practitioners prefer.

Product page: ThumBlade™ safety scalpel system...

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Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Single Chip Stereo Endoscopy from Visionsense Coming to an OR Near You

Visionsense out of Orangeburg, New York, a company that makes single chip 3D endoscopic vision technology, has raised $8M in VC funds to begin full scale marketing of its unique technology in the US and Europe. The firm's Visionsense Stereoscopic Vision System, designed to improve depth perception and understanding of complex surgical anatomy, can be used for a variety of complex surgeries, such as skull-base and keyhole neurosurgical cases, as well as a wide range of laparoscopic procedures.

Camera Control Unit (CCU) – The CCU consists of a single Pentium PC with proprietary Visionsense hardware and software.

3D Stereoscopic Display - The CCU connects to a stereoscopic display with flexible arm for multiple viewing angles (requires glasses).

Video Cart - specifically designed to maximize surgeon ergonomics and minimize the footprint in the operating room.

The VSII is designed to work with:

Cameras - The VSII uses various configurations of cameras specifically designed for transnasal and keyhole neurosurgical applications. Currently, there are 2 lengths (170mm and 300mm) and 2 angles (0 and 30 degree). The cameras are able to be sterilized and are reusable for 40 procedures.

LED Light Source - The VSII uses its own customized light source which uses a few watts of power to illuminate the surgical field.

Digital Recording/playing/editing procedures, in both mono and stereo

Product page: VSII -Visionsense Stereoscopic Vision System

Flashback: Single Chip Stereo Endoscopy from Visionsense

(hat tip: Globes)

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Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Touch Controls Is The Latest Feature in Hearing Aids from Starkey Labs

Starkey Laboratories has released a new line of hearing aids that sport a touch sensitive pad, similar to that on most laptops, which allows the user to control the volume and change between different sets of settings all without any buttons. Inspired by the Apple iPod scroll wheel, the S Series™ BTE with Sweep™ Technology is water resistant, which probably means you can take a shower while wearing one. Another nifty feature is the ability of the hearing aid to recognize the standard tones produced by telephones. This means you can use any phone as a remote to control the settings.

Features of the four models in the S Series from the product page:

Traditional hearing aid buttons, switches and dials are often difficult for patients to find and manipulate. With Sweep Technology, there is no mechanical movement required for activation, no push buttons that oxidize and fail with time, and no openings around the volume control wheel that allow moisture and dirt to enter the hearing aid. The sweep surface is a single seamless control, giving patients full access to volume, memory and standby controls — smarter technology that makes patients' lives simpler.

The new S Series BTE is a flexible option that can be fit with standard earmolds or open with thin tubing. The instrument includes Advanced HydraShield™, Starkey's proprietary moisture and corrosion protection system, as well as T2, giving patients the ability to adjust hearing aid volume or memories with a touch-tone phone. The instrument was designed for optimal patient acceptance, utilizing the same design language as the award-winning S Series receiver-in-canal (RIC).

The new BTE with Sweep Technology rounds out Starkey's S Series with Drive Architecture™ line of hearing instruments, which already includes completely-in-canal, in-the-canal and in-the-ear styles, along with a full RIC family, in four technology levels. Drive Architecture triples the processing power of previous platforms, enabling industry-leading feedback cancellation, superior integrated noise management, live real ear measurement, and much more. It is engineered from the ground up to deliver maximum performance, comfort and personalization.

Here's a video showing the touch control pad in use:

Press release: Starkey Introduces Sweeping Changes to Hearing Aids; Touch Screen Meets Hearing Aid in New S Series BTE

Product page: S Series

S Series brochure...

Starkey's technical paper on the Sweep technology...

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Tuesday, October 13, 2009

SoundBite, a Cochlear Hearing Aid Without The Implant

Cleveland Clinic has released its annual Top 10 Medical Innovations, a list that answers the question: "What game-changing medical technology, device, or therapy do you see breaking through in 2010?" At the top of the list is SoundBite, a bone conduction hearing system from Sonitus Medical, a firm out of San Mateo, California, that may bring some serious competition to the cochlear implant market, specifically for people suffering for a single sided deafness. Currently awaiting FDA approval, the system uses teeth as a sound conducting medium, instead of a cranium where cochlear aids are being typically implanted nowadays. Being much less conspicuous, the system should be a popular choice if it gets regulatory approval.

Merging the well-known principles of bone conduction together with advanced wireless and sound processing technology, SoundBite is the world's first non-surgical and removable bone conduction hearing system, which is designed to transmit sound via the teeth. The SoundBite hearing system consists of both a behind the ear device, housing the receiver, wireless transmitter, and attached microphone, and a discreet, removable, custom-fit retainer-like device. An inductive charger unit is provided to charge the behind the ear device and retainer.

SoundBite is designed to detect sounds using a small microphone placed within the open ear canal of the impaired ear. The nearly invisible, thin tube microphone is attached to the transmitter unit worn behind the ear. This microphone placement in the pinna or outer ear is intended to allow the SoundBite hearing system to capitalize on the natural acoustic ability of the outer ear to capture and direct sound into the open ear. SoundBite system hearing is intended to provide clear, high fidelity sound and is designed to restore normal hearing to patients.

From the microphone, SoundBite hearing system will receive sound in the transmitter unit worn behind the ear. This nearly invisible, digital audio device wirelessly transmits sound to the removable dental retainer-like device, which is custom fitted by a partner dentist for optimal comfort and function. The retainer uses advanced technology and specialized electronics to produce imperceptible vibrations that are conducted via the teeth and bones, to the both cochleae. No surgery is required.

Press release: Sonitus Medical Technology Ranks #1 on Cleveland Clinic's 'Top 10' Medical Innovations for 2010...

Product page: SoundBite hearing system...

Cleveland Clinic: Top 10 Medical Innovations for 2010...

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Wednesday, September 23, 2009

ImThera's Targeted Hypoglossal Neurostimulation Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Hypoglossal nerve stimulation for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea is a promising technology being pursued by a number of companies, including big firms such as Medtronic. The big idea is that muscles of the upper airway relax more than necessary in some OSA patients, the passage gets blocked and air can't flow repeatedly during sleep. Hence hypoglossal stimulation, properly timed to one's breathing, can help to relieve the obstruction. ImThera, a start up out of San Diego, California, is now reporting that it has developed a new neurostimulation solution for people that failed to find a less invasive therapy for their obstructive sleep apnea (i.e. CPAP mask) The aura 6000 implant provides night time electric stimulation to the hypoglossal nerve. The firm has yet to receive regulatory approval to market the device.

Components of the aura 6000:

Implanted
A multi-contact electrode specific to the Hypoglossal nerve. The electrode connects to the IPG via a lead wire.

An implantable pulse generator (IPG) enclosure which contains the electronics and the RF receive-transmit antenna. It is externally programmable, specifically for each patient, and re-chargeable.

External

Patient's controller, charger and programmer device. The external controller interfaces to the IPG for patient functions and to the physician's computer for set-up and programming.

Physician's PC including the aura600 Clinical Manager software.

Product page: aura 6000...

Press release: ImThera Medical Completes Development of Targeted Hypoglossal Neurostimulation Treatment for OSA... (.pdf)

Flashbacks: Apnex Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation for OSA ; Inspire II Implantable Nerve Stimulator for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

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Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Nucleus 5 Smallest Cochlear Implant Gets US OK

Cochlear, Ltd (Lane Cove, NSW, Australia) has won FDA approval to market the Nucleus 5 device for people with severe-to-profound hearing loss. The titanium device is the smallest of its kind. Nucleus 5 sports a two way remote control, telephone connectivity, and proprietary sound processing technology.

Smallest sound processor — for a comfortable and discreet fit. The Nucleus 5 Sound Processor is smaller than any other and designed to fit comfortably and securely. Yet, it is tough and secure enough for any situation.
Features the most flexible options to anticipate your needs – from an extensive selection of wearable options for every age and lifestyle, to music, phone and entertainment accessories and easy connection options, we’ve anticipated your everyday needs.

Thinnest titanium implant design — Ideal choice for all ages. The Nucleus 5 System features the thinnest titanium implant in the industry. It is 40% thinner than our previous generation and 30% thinner than any other titanium implant available.

Nucleus 5 is the world’s most water resistant allowing you to relax around water or play by the pool. With the industry’s only International Protection Rating of IP44 18 you have the assurance that your sound processor can keep up with your active lifestyle, even around water.

The exclusive two-way remote assistant is an added bonus to your system. Gives you the added flexibility and control of being able to adjust your settings easily from the remote assistant or directly on the sound processor – and gives parents the added peace of mind that their child is hearing their best.

Also allows the easiest bilateral use. With the Nucleus 5 System if you have chosen to go bilateral (with cochlear implants for both ears) your two sound processors can be easily and simultaneously controlled with the exclusive two-way remote assistant.

Product page: Nucleus 5...

Press release: Cochlear Americas Announces FDA Approval of the Nucleus(R) 5 System

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Thursday, August 6, 2009

MED-EL's Vibrant Soundbridge Middle Ear Implant Gets EU OK

MED-EL out of Tyrol, Austria has received European approval to market the Vibrant Soundbridge middle ear implant system for children and adolescents. The device features a single point connection to the skull, so the system can remain permanent as it accommodates the patient's head growth.

From the product page:

The implanted part of the Vibrant Soundbridge is called the VORP (Vibrating Ossicular Prosthesis) and consists of an internal coil, a magnet to hold the Audio Processor over the implant, a demodulator, the conductor link and the innovative technology of the Floating Mass Transducer™ (FMT™).
The signal from the Audio Processor is transmitted to the VORP and transformed into mechanical vibrations by the FMT.

The VORP is implanted during a surgical procedure in which the FMT is attached to a vibratory structure of the ear. When activated, the FMT vibrates in a controlled manner, specific to each patient's hearing needs, causing the structure of the ear to vibrate. It conducts a wide frequency range up to 8000 Hz.

The FMT, a tiny magnet, lies at the core of this advanced technology.

The externally worn Audio Processor (AP) is attached to the patient's head, behind the ear, by a magnet which is attracted to a magnet within the implanted VORP.

The Audio Processor includes a microphone to pick up sound from the environment, sound processing circuitry to modify the output signal to the patient's specific requirements, a battery to power the device and high-quality, fully digital signal processing.

The Audio Processor is designed to have a battery life of approximately one week.

Product page: Vibrant Soundbridge

Press release: VIBRANT SOUNDBRIDGE received market approval for the implantation in children and adolescents within Europe and countries that recognize the European CE mark

Flashbacks: MED-EL Corporation's new Cochlear Implant System ; DUET Electric-Acoustic Hybrid Hearing Aid Undergoing US Trials...; Earworm: A Symphony Borne of Science...

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Tuesday, August 4, 2009

FDA OK's PlasmaBlade for Tonsil and Adenoid Tissue Removal

Peak Surgical out of Palo Alto, California has received FDA approval for its tonsil and adenoid tissue dissection device. The PEAK PlasmaBlade TnA, which features interchangeable tips, is based on the recently introduced PlasmaBlade system that aims to replace the Bovie as a standard dissection and coagulation device. The primary advantage of PEAK's technology is the low thermal footprint of the cutting tip, leading to less damage to the tissue around the dissection site.

All of the PlasmaBlade tissue dissection surgical devices are used in conjunction with PEAK Surgical’s PULSAR Generator, which supplies pulsed waveforms that produce short plasma-mediated electrical discharges through the PlasmaBlade. Because the radiofrequency is provided in short on-and-off pulses with low duty cycle, and the blade is insulated, heat diffusion and associated heat damage to surrounding tissues is limited, resulting in less collateral damage and more precise tissue dissection. In contrast, most radiofrequency-based surgical devices use continuous voltage waveforms and un-insulated electrodes to cut tissue.
The PlasmaBlade provides surgeons with a single device that offers:

* the precision of a traditional scalpel;
* the bleeding control of traditional electrosurgery technology;
* minimized thermal damage;
* the ability to quickly and easily cut through all types of soft tissue, including skin, fat and muscle;
* the ability to operate in a wet or dry surgical field.

Product page: PlasmaBlade Family...

Press release: PEAK Surgical Introduces PEAK PlasmaBlade™TnA...

Flashbacks: PlasmaBlade Finds New Uses With New Attachments; PlasmaBlade System Gets FDA Go Ahead; Peak PlasmaBlade Wants to Be The New Bovie

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Monday, July 27, 2009

Plato's Cave: New 3D Visualization System

A new radiology visualization platform, called Plato's Cave, has been implemented at The Methodist Hospital in Houston. The engineers and clinicians have pulled expertise from a number of companies in the industry to develop a system that can be utilized for advanced radiology readings or as a technology to perform preoperative surgical planning for advanced cases, such as intracranial aneurysms or facial surgery. The system uses a projector to display images on a screen and specialized glasses to show them in three dimensions. The physician can use a traditional video game controller to navigate through the volumetric visualization.

In Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave,” prisoners saw shadows on a cave wall as reality and blindly accepted it as fact. One day, a prisoner escaped and actually saw the outside world; thus, his experience gave him a more expansive view of reality. Butler calls his venture “Plato’s Cave” because this new visual approach to medicine opens up a whole new world for physicians and patients.
Currently, radiation oncologists have limited views of individual slices of the body. However, with this technology, physicians can see inside a patient’s body. By using “Plato’s Cave,” these physicians can maneuver around organs in all directions, allowing them to see more clearly how radiation is deposited around tumors, adjacent organs, arteries, veins, and lymphatics.

“Previously, when we were planning a patient’s treatment, the data might have indicated that a higher than desired dose of radiation would be delivered to a particular organ such as the spinal cord; yet, we were unable to visualize the precise location of that dose or divert it,” Butler said. “Now, I am able to actually see the distribution and have the option to maneuver the excess dose away from the area and deposit it elsewhere.”

Surgeons can also use this technology to their advantage. It will give them the ability to visualize, before the patient arrives in the operating room, potential anatomical obstacles that could complicate performing a procedure.

“For instance, if a surgeon is performing a liver resection, we can simulate removing part of the patient’s liver, and with the push of a button determine how much of the remaining liver will be viable after the operation,” Butler said. “If it’s 20 percent or greater, the procedure can be performed; if less, it cannot. This will take surgical planning to a whole new level.”

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Pressure Alert for ETTubes

Another medically related entry to the James Dyson Award contest is the Pressure Alert for endotracheal tubes, a device intended to prevent the overinflation of the cuff balloon. Currently anesthesiologists and others have to use either their fingers to feel for pressure in an external balloon, or to use a specialized manometer that measures an internal pressure. The proposed system aims to take any guessing out of the process. If proven feasible, the same device, of course, can be used for trachs, double lumen endotracheal tubes, or even for endobronchial blockers.

The “Pressure Alert” is a unique adaptation for a medical device called an Endotracheal Tube, which is inserted into the patient’s airway allowing them to breathe during anaesthesia. The airway is sealed to prevent leaks by inflating a balloon called a “Cuff”. If the “Cuff” pressure is too high, it could bruise/split the trachea. Currently, a safe pressure is judged by feeling a “Pilot” balloon, but even seasoned anesthetists can misjudge this delicate procedure. “Pressure Alert” is the first device that gives a “pop-up” warning (patent pending), integrated into the pilot balloon to alert the user that pressure is too high, both at the start and during the operation. Additional USPs 1. The familiar mechanism helps user improve existing technique 2. The device offers instant recognition of potential danger 3. Requires no retro-fitting 4. Cost-effective production and lower environmental impact 5. Reduces patient recovery-times & risk of injury

Video showing off the prototype device:

Link: Pressure Alert for an Endotracheal Tube ...

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Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Feabsorption Laser Induced Fluorescence Helps Image Ear Canal in 3D

Custom fitting hearing aids to individual ears is subject to imperfection. In the process, it is possible to cause damage to the ear canal because of the silicon mold making process that is currently used. Now research out of MIT has led to a new digitizing tool that can scan and create excellent 3D reconstructions of the insides of a person's ear.

MIT Technology Review reports:

Hart developed the new scanning technique "completely by accident" while experimenting with emission reabsorption laser induced fluorescence (ERLIF) as a way to measure the film thickness of engine oils, in order to understand oil consumption and engine wear. In the process, he figured out that he was getting very accurate 3-D measurements of the films. "It's so accurate," he says, "you can measure anything in 3-D."

ERLIF works on the principle that light is scattered differently depending on the depth of a liquid. Hart uses a fiber-optic camera inserted into the ear and wrapped by a liquid-filled balloon that expands to conform to the ear's shape. Measuring the light absorption of dyes in both the liquid and the balloon yields an exact 3-D picture of the ear's shape and dimensions.

Friday, June 19, 2009

SomnoDent MAS Helps Open Airway for OSA

SomnoMed out of Crows Nest, Australia has been showing off its SomnoDent MAS device for obstructive sleep apnea at Sleep 2009 in Seattle this week. Worn while sleeping, the MAS is two custom shaped acrylic plates connected to each other, that are fitted over the teeth by a dentist, that force the lower jaw a bit forward. In other words, the device delivers what anesthesiologists call the "Jaw Thrust."

Features:

A streamlined design with minimal bulk, which maximizes the size of the lingual space and reduces gagging.

An excellent fit in both upper and lower arches.

The unique design provides anterior and posterior contact, which provides a stable occlusion and prevents tooth movement and minimises termpero-mandibular joint discomfort and injury caused by bruxing.

The MAS is constructed in two separate pieces that allow patients to open and close their mouths. This allows clear speech, yawning and drinking without requiring the patient to remove the appliance. The ability to communicate clearly while wearing the device is particularly appreciated by patients and their partners.

The small form factor of the MAS and absence of anterior retaining mechanism helps patients sleep with their mouths closed. This minimises excessive salivation, dribbling, dry mouth and other common side-effects from wearing oral appliances.

The high-quality fit of the SomnoDent® MAS provides excellent levels of retention and ensures that there is limited to no damage to existing teeth, crowns or bridgework. Additionally, patients can titrate the device (if required) and it is easy to clean and disinfect. While it is exceptionally durable, its acrylic construction allows it to be easily repaired.

The device is titratable and allows for each individual patient's optimal protrusion position to be found. One that is both effective and comfortable to the patient.

Product page: SomnoDent® MAS

(hat tip: ProactiveInvestors)

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Thursday, May 14, 2009

Digital Subtraction Angiography on a Single Image

Analyzing angiography sequences typically requires viewing a series of black and white images and noticing the differences the contrast medium created as it passed through the obstructions in the vessels. To help with visualization and to improve diagnosis, Siemens is releasing a new digital subtraction angiography (DSA) software, the syngo iFlow, that automates the process to produce a color image highlighting the path of the contrast medium.

From a Siemens press statement:

The syngo iFlow application, for example, can be used to enhance pre-procedural and post-procedural imaging of patients under treatment for leg stenosis. Flow deviations and the increased utilization of collaterals can more easily be detected prior to intervention, since anomalies more readily attract the physician's attention due to their specific colors. Following the intervention, the success of a balloon dilatation or stent implantation of a stenosis is readily visible due to the improved flow.
In order to obtain a color image, syngo iFlow takes the time to maximum opacification of each individual pixel, starting with the injection and subsequently visualizing the distribution of the contrast medium through the vessels. These time measurements are then represented by a color allowing visualization of the complete vessel tree in one image.

Press release: Siemens sets a new standard in subtraction angiography

Product brochure: syngo iFlow (PDF)

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Wednesday, May 13, 2009

BrainLab's Digital Lightbox Getting an Upgrade

BrainLab AG is planning on releasing an updated version of its Digital Lightbox multitouch clinical display. Still reminding us of a giant iPhone, the unit interfaces with EMRs to display and manipulate clinical images easily and intuitively, essentially making the keyboard or any other interface device unnecessary.

Here's what the company tells Medgadget about the new features in the latest release of the Digital Lightbox scheduled for this summer:

The new Video-input feature allows the integration of data on the Digital Lightbox, when it is located in the OR, from sources like micro-, endo- and arthroscopes; and video signals can be streamed from the OR and displayed on the Digital Lightbox when it is positioned in surgeons' offices or meeting rooms. This feature extends the range of application into new medical subspecialties, strengthening the value of Digital Lightbox as a core multi-disciplinary platform for hospital information networks.
When version 1.0 came to the market, a number of customers wanted the Digital Lightbox in rooms dedicated for teaching, patient education, tumor boards and internal meetings. The new External Display-out feature makes it possible to connect the Digital Lightbox to one or more additional displays or projectors, in or outside the room. This makes it more versatile for use in situations when large groups of medical experts come together and the even the 30" display of the Digital Lightbox isn't big enough.

Digital Lightbox also serves as the viewing display and remote control for VectorVision flex, combining an image-guided surgery platform with large-scale viewing, and fast data access and manipulation.

Here's a company video demonstrating the system:

Product page: Digital Lightbox

Flashback: Digital Lightbox Brings Minority Report to The OR (No Precognition Capabilities)

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Wednesday, April 29, 2009

New Brachytherapy Set for Better Dose Deliverance to Patients

Varian Medical Systems has introduced a new bronchoscopic brachytherapy applicator set, the Centering Intraluminal Applicator™, that the company says will increase treatment precision and aid comfort for patients suffering from bronchial cancer.

According to the press release, the new system features a novel catheter that enables a centered position of the source in the lumen of the trachea or the bronchus, all the while maintaining an open airway for better ventilation. This 3-centering catheter is designed such that it can be partially or fully extended, thus allowing for a variety of conformations to adapt to each patients unique anatomy.

"This new applicator set helps clinicians to optimize the dose distribution thanks to its ability to center the source at the middle of the bronchial lumen," says Claudia Andres-Zindler, brachytherapy applicator product manager. "Crucially, it also allows the patient to breathe unaided during treatment."

Features of the Centering Intralumninal Applicator™ include:

X-ray contrast strip to display the longitudinal axis and the spreading of the baskets.

Seldinger guide wire to insert and guide the centering catheter with the baskets into the desired position.

4.7 French catheter with a diameter of 1.59 mm for the source transfer.

Press release : Varian Introduces Brachytherapy Applicator Set to Optimize Precision and Comfort of Bronchial Cancer Treatments...

Varian Medical Systems - Brachytherapy...

Flashback : TargetScan Aims for Precise Brachytherapy

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Thursday, April 9, 2009

Provent Nose Plugs Win Medical Design Award

Ventus Medical Inc. out of Belmont, California won a prize in the Rehabilitation and Assistive-Technology Products category in this year's Medical Design Excellence Awards. The company markets novel nose plugs that help those suffering from obstructive sleep apnea sleep better. By using a valve to increase intranasal pressure when breathing out, clinical studies have shown that patients can use the devices all night for much relief.

Provent™ Professional Sleep Apnea Therapy is a removable nasal appliance placed just inside the nostrils and held in place by adhesive tape. The Provent nasal appliance increases resistance to breathing out (expiration or exhalation) by directing exhaled breath through small holes. The expiratory resistance created by the Provent nasal appliance helps maintain an open airway during sleep.

In clinical studies, the Provent nasal appliance has been shown to help patients with obstructive sleep apnea
(OSA) reduce the number of breathing interruptions (apneas and hypopneas) during the night as compared to when the patients slept without the appliance.

The Provent nasal appliance is a prescription-only device and should be used only after consultation with a
licensed healthcare professional.

Product page: PROVENT™ Professional Sleep Apnea Therapy ...

2009 MDEA Winners...

Press release: 32 Innovative Products Win Medical Design Excellence Awards...

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Monday, April 6, 2009

Oticon Introduces New Hearing Products

Oticon, out Somerset, New Jersey, last week released a new set of hearing products, including two new lines of hearing aids and a system to wirelessly listen to music, television, or speak over the phone with much ease. The ConnectLine wireless system features Bluetooth connectivity to send digital audio straight to the hearing aids, be it coming from a television or a phone plugged into the transmitter box.

ConnectLine is the only system that connects wirelessly and seamlessly to TV and landline phones enabling effortless transitions between functions with just the push of a button on the hearing instruments’ companion device, Streamer. The new “plug and play” ConnectLine TV Adaptor and ConnectLine Phone Adaptor complement and optimize the wireless capabilities of Oticon’s premium RISE-based Dual and Epoq hearing solutions.
The small and attractive ConnectLine TV Adaptor connects to the audio output of any TV. It has a range of up to 30 feet and runs on its own power supply. Users enjoy high quality audio streaming binaurally through their hearing instruments – listening at their own preferred volume and without the latency delay experienced with off-the-shelf Bluetooth transmitters. There is no need to recharge the ConnectLine TV Adaptor and there are no additional gadgets or loop installations required. After an initial pairing with the Streamer device, the ConnectLine connects automatically whenever the Streamer is activated.

ConnectLine Phone Adaptor turns any landline phone into a cordless Bluetooth phone. The ConnectLine Phone Adaptor can be especially beneficial for seniors who want to continue using their current landline phone. Users simply press the phone button on the Streamer to pick-up or end the call. The ConnectLine Phone Adaptor does not interfere with the ability of other household members to use the landline phone as usual. Users can connect to a landline or cell phone with the same Streamer. The Streamer pairs with up to eight devices.

The Mini Power BTE significantly expands fitting potential for moderately to severely hearing impaired people with a range of small, robust, 13 Battery solutions. Available across the company’s Epoq, Vigo and Hit product families. The compact mini power solutions feature FM compatibility, long battery life and an array of features and price points.

The Epoq XW, W and V Mini Power BTE Power solutions feature advanced wireless capabilities and extended 10 kHz bandwidth for enhanced performance in the most difficult listening situations. The state-of-the-art Spatial Sound compression system helps to maintain the naturally occurring interaural difference between the signals arriving at the two ears, a key to a user’s ability to localize sound.

With the addition of the Bluetooth Streamer, Epoq Power solutions connect wirelessly to Bluetooth-enabled communication and entertainment devices including landline and cell phones, televisions, MP3 players, personal computers, laptops and radios. Sound is streamed wirelessly from the Bluetooth devices to the user’s hearing devices.

This two-ear advantage is further enhanced with the new ConnectLine™ Phone Adapter that makes any landline phone Bluetooth-compatible. The ConnectLine™ TV Adapter allows users to understand television at a volume that works for them anywhere in the room without disturbing other viewers.

Vigo Pro and Vigo Mini Power BTEs deliver an unsurpassed combination of style, features and performance in a mid-priced hearing solution. The Hit Pro and Hit Mini Power BTEs offer cost-conscious users who require higher amplification straightforward solutions that combine design, size, performance, handling capabilities and value.

The new Mini Power BTEs are fully compatible with a range of FM solutions including the sleek Amigo R12 FM receiver, the Oticon FM 9 adapter and the slim DAI adapter AP 900.

The compact mini power solutions feature a 13 battery for longer battery life and comfort without compromising the hearing solution’s sleek, aesthetic appeal.

The Hit family’s two product lines, Hit and Hit Pro, round off Oticon’s portfolio of modern, discreet and great sounding hearing solutions based on the company’s industry-leading RISE platform. With a selection of features normally found in far more expensive hearing devices, Hit and Hit Pro are solid choices for new and experienced users looking for high quality entry-level hearing solutions.

Hit and Hit Pro give hearing care professionals reliable and affordable hearing solutions with all of the model choices needed to fit mild to severe-to-profound hearing losses up to 105 dB HL. The sophisticated RISE platform gives Hit and Hit Pro the highest bandwidth (8kHz) of any entry-level hearing device, for unmatched sound quality as well as such highly desired features as outcome based automatic decision making, adaptive directionality, noise management and dynamic feedback cancellation.

Both Hit and Hit Pro offer the largest selection of styles of any entry level hearing instrument – from tiny RITE and CIC to Power BTE hearing aids with size 312 and 13 battery options. Open fittings are available as RITE style or as Corda 2 thintube adaptors. Available in ten vibrant colors for BTE and RITE, Hit is available beginning April 1.

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