Medgadget

My Lab One Portable Ultrasound from Esaote Makes Debut

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:46:33 -0800

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

From the press release:

The automatic rotation of the image according to the position of the system, an ergonomic probe equipped with controls, a long life battery, all add up to making this ultrasound an extraordinary innovation in the medical system arena.
MyLab One is a “dedicated” ultrasound, which reflects perfectly today’s need for diagnostic capabilities in many different fields of application: from Radiology to Cardiology, from to Orthopaedics, Anaesthesia, Sports Medicine, etc… or in first-aid, emergency, vascular screening as well as in general practices.

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

Product page: Esaote ultrasound...

PETMAN Humanoid Walking Robot

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:24:25 -0800

At Boston Dynamics out of Waltham, MA, engineers are building a robot that can walk naturally and simulate the motion of a real human. The PETMAN project is intended to develop a platform on which to test chemical protection suits for the US Army. With an ambitious schedule to develop the robot, the team already built the legs and torso that can walk on their own. We can't help but see an amazing set of prosthetic legs, as shown in this video:

Project page @ Boston Dynamics: PETMAN ...

(hat tip: MassDevice)

Covidien Announces Global Launch of Mallinckrodt TaperGuard Line of ETTubes

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:02:40 -0800

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

More details in the press release...

Product page: TaperGuard...

Emergency Mobile Hospital System for Combat, Civilian Rescue Use

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:03:46 -0800

Via the Engineer Online we discovered that EADS North America, out of Russellville, Arkansas, makes innovative mobile hospitals, one of which was recently sold to the Royal Thai Air Force. The modular TransHospital system allows for the creation of a clinical facility from six beds up to just about any size imaginable. Each unit can be setup within four hours by a six man crew and can then function autonomously for 72 hours. Add a source of power and water and setup a supply line, and you've got yourself a real hospital during emergency situations.

Here's a couple videos showing the setup and some features of the TransHospital:

TransHospital shelters are designed for autonomous operations - equipped with self-contained air, water, gasses, communications systems, electrical wiring and medical equipment.

EADS customizes and deploys turnkey shelter systems that allow for modular expansion to meet specific mission applications.

Mobile shelter systems from EADS are conceived, and operationally field-proven, in a full range of climatic conditions, from hot and dry desert areas to humid tropical zones and extremely cold environments.

EADS shelter systems are highly mobile, extremely adaptable and rugged - enabling them to be deployed for a wide variety of medical, command post and logistics uses.

Product page: TransHospital® Future Combat Support Hospital

(hat tip: The Engineer Online)

Tiny Portable Ultrasound from SonoSite Gets US OK

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:56:09 -0800

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Product page: NanoMaxx

Flashback: NanoMaxx Tiny 6 Lb. Ultrasound System Unveiled

NanoMaxx Tiny 6 Lb. Ultrasound System Unveiled

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 10:37:30 -0800

SonoSite announced this morning the release of a new portable ultrasound NanoMaxx system that weighs only 6 pounds. The company claims that this point-of-care ultrasound produces imagery similar in quality to the firm's flagship M-Turbo model. Designed for mobile applications (such as private offices, emergency rooms or EMRs, central line accesses on the floor, etc.), the system sports battery with two hour life. For this model the company offers a comprehensive line of transducers that deliver "high resolution diagnostic imaging across a range of clinical applications to support clinical diagnosis and to guide interventional procedures." Ready to be distributed internationally, the device still needs final approval from the FDA to be marketed in the US.

Features from the announcement:

One Button Technology Optimizes Workflow
Based on SonoSite’s 4th generation Turbo technology platform, the NanoMaxx system incorporates proprietary, advanced imaging algorithm technologies, including ColorHD™ to deliver exceptional image quality in a lightweight, rugged form factor.

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

Designed to Help Hospitals Meet New Standards of Care
Clinical studies have proven that bedside ultrasound increases the accuracy of interventional procedures and it is now recommended by two government-based agencies1 and three US medical societies.2 At introduction, the NanoMaxx tool is available with a complement of five transducers to support a wide range of examinations and procedures including thoracic assessment for hemothorax, hydrothorax and pneumothorax, vascular access, needle aspirations and injections, as well as abdominal, cardiac, nerve, OB/Gyn, musculoskeletal, small parts and vascular scanning.

The clinical capabilities of the NanoMaxx will help eliminate the risk and cost of transporting patients to the imaging lab for many examinations and procedures.

Mount it. Carry it. Or Use it on a Stand
The small footprint of the NanoMaxx system, along with its space-saving solutions, enables seamless integration with a variety of exam-room configurations. It can be wall mounted, placed on an exam table, or used from a highly maneuverable stand. Physicians can easily carry the NanoMaxx tool from room-to-room, to a satellite office, the operating room or to a field site for immediate use.

Built to Last
The NanoMaxx system’s highly integrated architecture and ruggedized design, including the industry’s first elastomeric bumper for extra durability, allows it to be used in the most austere and demanding environments. A magnesium shell that is significantly stronger and lighter than plastic helps to protect the system against accidental droppage. As with all SonoSite systems, the NanoMaxx ultrasound tool and its transducers are built to withstand a one meter drop test.

Product page: SonoSite NanoMaxx...

Press release: SonoSite Introduces The 6 Lb. NanoMaxx - A Breakthrough Ultrasound Tool Aimed At Reducing Patient Safety Risks And Healthcare Delivery Costs...

LUCAS 2 Automatic Chest Compressor Gets US Green Light

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:10:32 -0800

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...

Voice Activated SonoSite Ultrasound System Keeps Hands Free to Perform Procedures

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:09:42 -0800

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

Spiderman Your Way Down During Hospital Fires

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 10:50:42 -0800

Hospital fires are not an uncommon occurrence, as one of our editors has learned having to evacuate his patients twice within just a few short months. As hospitals have become bigger and taller, the potential of dispersed people becoming trapped on different floors is only growing. Spider International, a small company out of London, UK, has developed a compact evacuation system that can rapidly bring people down to Earth on a steel cable.

The Spider Lifeline to Safety can save lives when staircases and fire exits have become impassable, or circumstances such as disability make using conventional exits impossible. It comes in to its own as a last resort and can save your life.
The ground-breaking device employs fall-arrest technology to lower people to safety down the exterior of a building using a harness and strengthened steel cable. The system allows users to descend at a regulated speed ensuring a quick exit to safety, at a pace that does not endanger the user or other people evacuating the building.
Spider Lifeline to Safety is suitable for use in all buildings providing safe exit from any height whether a two storey
house or a 50 storey office building. The device is capable of multiple evacuations, with adults able to carry their
children and a fast return of the harness to the evacuation point for immediate re-use.

The Spider Lifeline to Safety has been designed to work in all conditions and does not need any external power
source for operation. The Spider Lifeline to Safety has been rigorously tested and also includes an emergency
braking system as well as a double security mechanism for maximum safety.

Spider Lifeline product brochure...

Spider International homepage...

Flashbacks: Evacuate Babies Efficiently with BabyScatt; Evacusled for Efficient Hospital Evacuations; Emergency Evacuation Chair, Bed

Artículo Medgadget Original en Inglés

aScope, a Single Use Intubating Scope from Ambu

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 13:02:00 -0800

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...

Ambu aScope datasheet...