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)

From the press release:

In a clinical study of more than 150 patients, DuraSeal spine sealant was shown to be superior at achieving an intra-operative watertight seal, compared with the control group, which consisted of conventional methods of dural closure such as sutures or fibrin sealants. DuraSeal spine sealant achieved an intra-operative watertight seal 100% of the time, compared with 64% of the time by the control group. The safety results between the two groups were similar, given the patients' medical conditions and the nature of the complex spinal procedures performed.

The new sealant is a 100% synthetic hydrogel that provides excellent tissue adherence, is absorbed by the body and is easy to apply. Stored at room temperature, DuraSeal spine sealant takes only two minutes to prepare and three seconds to set, which enables surgeons to achieve an intra-operative dural seal quickly.

Press release: Covidien Introduces First FDA-Approved Spine Sealant ...

Product page: DuraSeal ...

All that one has to do in using the device is align the side of the iPhone to the standard tracings we use routinely, and the position sensor built in the iPhone will do the rest.

The precision of the device itself is 1/10th of a degree, far more precise than the precision of the measure as determined in everyday practice and the literature.

Measures are logged for further use and may be sent by e-mail to the surgeon or staff for recording purposes, with the levels of the measured curve, type of curve and patient id or number. A calibration procedure was also implemented to accurately measure the angle with the horizontal plane as in the sacral slope.

Product page: CobbMeter ...

The Trumpf OR table has been designed especially for this integration and is equipped with a onepiece carbon tabletop, which can be replaced by a segmented universal tabletop. The table column enables the two tops to be exchanged easily. The carbon tabletop is transparent to X-rays and thus ensures that there will be no disruptive artifacts in the images. It is suitable for interventional procedures and minimally invasive surgery. The integration of the OR table with the Siemens angiography systems also make fast rotations and 3-D imaging possible with the surgical C-arm. The modular design of the segmented tabletop enables extremely flexible positioning of the patient, particularly important in orthopedics and neuro surgery. Complicated positions, such as the chest side position, can be achieved quickly with great precision as well as comfort for the patient and staff.

Along with the integrated Trumpf OR table, Siemens continues to offer its Artis tables for the entire Artis zee series, which are available in three designs: as a standard table, a table with Trendelenburg tilting and one with Trendelenburg and lateral tilting.

Press release: Siemens integrates Trumpf's OR table in its Artis zeego and Artis zee ceiling angiography systems...

Product pages: TruSystem 7500, Artis zee, Artis zeego

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...

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)

Features from the product page:

Unique Seal Technology

Provides a cleaner procedural field protecting physicians, staff and patients by reducing the amount of blood in the field.

Allows separation of guidewires and other devices during complex procedures.

Click-open and Click-close Design

Allows single handed operation

Unique proximal cap is easily depressed for both opening and closing the lumen.

Distinctive wide “bulls eye” opening in the proximal cap allows for easy insertion of devices along with the ability to separate multiple guidewires and other devices during complex cases.

Ergonomic Design

Practical design allows the Guardian to fit comfortably in a physician’s hand.

Subtle finger tabs have been added for improved handling characteristics.

Actual device length 92mm.

8 French Lumen

Allows multiple or large therapeutic devices to be inserted during procedures.

Secure Device Lock

Rotating lock-nut has been designed to provide an additional mechanism for securing device position. Lock-nut functions similar to a tuohy borst™ style valve.

Here's a demo animation showing how one operates the device...

Press release: Vascular Solutions and Zerusa Limited Announce FDA Market Clearance for the Next Generation Guardian II Hemostasis Valve...

Product page: Guardian II™...

Guardian II™ brochure...

The RNS is placed under the skull and the electrodes are connected to relevant regions in the brain in order to provide stimulation. The device is controlled wirelessly through an adapter on a laptop which allows a clinician to view the patient's electrocorticographic (ECoG) activity in real-time and the ability to upload the patient's ECoGs that have been stored in the RNS neurostimulator.

The purported design advantage with the RNS system versus other anti-epileptic systems currently employed is that the RNS system does not constantly electrically stimulate the brain, but rather monitors specific regions in the brain for an uptick in electrical activity and only shocks when there is indication of an upcoming seizure. This means the RNS is monitoring more and shocking less.

Singularity Hub : Implant that Shocks Brain to Treat Epilepsy in Clinical Trials...

Company Profile : NeuroPace...

Flashbacks : NeuroPace: Maybe First Since Jesus to Prevent and Treat Epilepsy; Neural Modeling Aims to Explain Seizures

LifeBond's technology functions through the rapid and biocompatible in situ cross-linking of structural proteins. As they cross-link, proteins in the physiological environment undergo a process of gelation to form an adhesive hydrogel matrix. The properties of the cross-linking reaction and the hydrogel matrix can be controlled to fit a variety of applications.

LifeSeal GI is comprised of LifeBond sealant provided in a specialized two-component applicator syringe. The mixed sealant is applied to anastomosis staple-line junctures in the GI tract to fortify the attachment and prevent leakage until full function is restored. The applicator thoroughly mixes the two components as they are applied and evenly dispenses the sealant onto the staple-line juncture. The sealant can be applied manually or as a gas-assisted spray.

Application of LifeSeal GI onto the staple line moderates tension on the staple line because it stabilizes the tissue sections in relation to each other and adds adhesive strength to the junction. Furthermore, LifeSeal GI seals off the staple holes and narrows the spaces in between each staple. Thus, leakage, bleeding, and tearing at the staple line can be reduced, especially in diseased and fragile tissue.

LifeSeal Surgical sealant is provided in a variety of specialized two-component applicators. The mixed sealant is applied to a wound site or staple-line juncture to prevent fluid or blood leakage until full physiological function is restored. The applicator thoroughly mixes the two components as they are applied and evenly dispenses the sealant onto the wound site or staple-line juncture. The sealant can be applied manually or as a gas-assisted spray. The precise application method can be altered to optimize sealant use for specific applications.

Links: Lifebond technology page; LifeSeal SLR; LifeSeal Surgery

(hat tip: ISRAEL21c)

During minimally invasive or traditional open surgery, Medtronic’s Nerve Integrity Monitor (NIM®) systems enable surgeons to identify and confirm motor nerve function and monitor major motor nerves throughout the body, such as cranial nerves in a patient’s head, face and neck. If there is a change in nerve function, the NIM system provides visual and audible warnings to alert the surgeon and operating room staff. This helps reduce the risk of nerve damage during surgery, improving safety and peace-of-mind for patients and surgeons.

The NIM 3.0 systems are the first and only nerve monitors in the marketplace that fully enable:

* Simultaneous monitoring during bipolar cautery
* Artifact detection software that distinguishes artifacts (false signals) from true nerve signals
* Stim Bur technology that combines stimulation with Medtronic’s electric Visao® High-Speed Otologic Drill
* Real-time continuous monitoring of nerve function via APS™ (Automatic Periodic Stimulation)* that provides early warning of a change in nerve function

With completely redesigned software, the new NIM 3.0 systems are easier to use and more convenient for the operating room than prior models. Users can navigate easily and quickly between three simple modes: Setup, Monitoring and Reports, and use default or custom settings. In addition, the new systems include multiple reporting options that can be easily saved for patient records.

The NIM-Response 3.0 monitors up to four channels of nerve-muscle combinations at a time and is frequently used in skull-based and head and neck procedures. With the NIM-Neuro 3.0, neurotologists and neurosurgeons can monitor up to eight channels of nerve-muscle combinations during complex and delicate surgeries, such as glomus tumor removals. In the future, Medtronic expects a new microscope overlay for the NIM-Neuro 3.0 will help bring monitoring within the surgical field by importing the NIM signal through a high-end microscope as the surgeon operates.

Press release: Medtronic Launches New and Innovative Intraoperative Nerve Integrity Monitors for Surgeons