Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Brain Surgery With MR Guided High Intensity Focused Ultrasound
Performing tumor ablations in the brain can be a very risky venture since getting to the diseased site requires avoiding blood vessels and fragile tissue. Radiation therapy has become a common alternative to going invasive, but it suffers from unnecessary radiation exposure to the patient. High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), a technology already commonly used for uterine fibroids, has been looked at as a possible alternative for intracranial ablations. Now clinicians at the University Children's Hospital Zurich successfully performed the first transcranial MR guided HIFU procedure.
From the University of Zurich:
The HIFU system ExAblate® 4000, developed by the cooperation partner InSightec, Tirat Carmel Israel, has been combined with a 3 Tesla high field GE MR-scanner. The two systems together provide a platform for image-guided, non-invasive interventions. Since September 2008 ten patients were treated at the Children's Hospital Zurich with this new neurosurgical procedure in the context of a clinical study. All interventions were completed successfully and without complications. This novel technology now opens up new horizons allowing to develop non-invasive intervention procedures for a variety of brain diseases including brain tumors.The whole surgical procedure is planned and monitored in real time by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The HIFU beams produced by 1024 transducers are transferred through the intact skull of the patient into the brain and concentrated onto a focus of 3 to 4 millimeters in diameter. Thus, sharply defined targets deep inside the brain are coagulated by heating them up to a focal temperature of 60 degrees Celsius. The temperature increase during the sequential "sonications", each lasting 10 to 20 seconds, is continuously displayed and controlled on precise MR-temperature distribution maps. The whole surgical procedure lasts several hours and is performed without anaesthesia. Patients are awake and fully conscious during the intervention.
The following video of ExAblate Brain device treatment has been released by the company:
Press release: Successful neurosurgery with transcranial MR-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound
InSightec's HIFU brain surgery info page...
Flashbacks: FDA Expands Indication for Insightec's Uterine Fibroid System ; Ultrasound That Seals Punctured Lungs; Noninvasive Palliation of Pain of Bone Mets; ExAblate Making Waves in US; ExAblate 2000
(2)
Friday, June 19, 2009
Braingate Neural Interface Developing Into Wireless Version
The Braingate project has begun recruiting participants to assess the new wireless version of the brain-computer interface. Dubbed as Braingate2, the new system is meant to be completely implantable, receiving power and maintaining communications via a wireless connection. Power and control of the device is delivered via RF, while the signal from the brain interface comes back via an infrared laser shining through the skull.
More from Singularity Hub...
Medgadget's archives of Braingate coverage...
Link: Braingate2 project page...
(0)
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
US Trial of Libra Deep Brain Stimulation System for Parkinson's Is Moving Along
St. Jude Medical has announced that all the 136 patients in a study testing the effectiveness of Libra DBS for symptoms of Parkinson's have been implanted with the device. The deep brain stimulation system targets either the subthalamic nucleus or globus pallidus interna regions of the brain involved in muscle movement.
From a St. Jude Medical statement:
Ongoing at 15 medical centers in the U.S., this randomized, controlled study is evaluating the St. Jude Medical Libra and LibraXP™ DBS systems, to determine the devices’ safety and effectiveness in controlling many of the motor symptoms of advanced Parkinson’s disease. The study is following 136 participants who have lived with the disease for more than five years and whose symptoms were insufficiently controlled with medication alone.“Ultimately patients benefit from the development of new technologies,” said Michele Tagliati, M.D., associate professor of neurology and division chief of movement disorders at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York who enrolled the first patient in the study. “We are hopeful the Libra deep brain stimulation systems will prove effective at reducing the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and provide additional tools to better control this debilitating condition.”
The Libra and LibraXP neurostimulators are constant current devices. The systems consist of a neurostimulator – a surgically implanted battery-operated device that generates mild electrical pulses – and leads, which carry the pulses to a targeted area in the brain.
“The progressive nature of Parkinson’s disease often leads patients to a point where medication management alone can no longer adequately control the symptoms of the disease,” said Bruno Gallo, M.D., assistant professor of neurology at the University of Miami in Florida and an investigator in the study. “Because these patients often become unable to care for themselves, we need to look for additional methods of treating this debilitating condition in order to help improve a patient’s quality of life.”
Press release: St. Jude Medical Completes Implants in U.S. Study of Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease
Flashbacks: Libra DBS for Parkinson's Going Live in Europe; Libra DBS Showing More Promise in Study; European Union Approves Deep Brain Stimulation Systems for Parkinson's; St. Jude Receives Patent for Anti Depression Neurostimulation Method
(0)
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
BRYAN Cervical Disc Gets FDA Approval
BRYAN® Cervical Disc, a product of Medtronic Sofamor Danek we first profiled back in 2007, has now been approved by the FDA. The implant, composed of a polyurethane and titanium discs designed to fit between adjacent vertebral bodies in the neck, is indicated "in skeletally mature patients for reconstruction of the disc from C3-C7 following single-level discectomy for intractable radiculopathy and/or myelopathy," according to the FDA.
From the FDA info page on the product:
How does it work? Once the diseased disc is removed, the BRYAN® Cervical Disc is placed in milled pockets in the adjacent vertebral bodies. The device consists of two main metal pieces separated by a polyurethane part.When is it used? The BRYAN® Cervical Disc is intended to be used to replace a cervical disc from C3-C7 following removal of the disc for intractable radiculopathy and/or myelopathy (conditions that result from a diseased or bulging disc). The patient should have failed at least 6 weeks of conservative therapy before receiving this device.
What will it accomplish? The device should help stabilize the operated spinal level. Unlike a fusion procedure, the BRYAN® Cervical Disc is designed to allow motion at the operated spinal level. The effects of the diseased disc removal should include pain relief and improved function.When should it not be used? The BRYAN® Cervical Disc should not be implanted in patients with the following conditions:
* Active systemic infection or infection at the operating site;
* Allergy to titanium, polyurethane, or ethylene oxide residues;
* Osteoporosis defined as a DEXA bone mineral density T-score equal to or worse than -2.5;
* Moderate to advanced spondylosis characterized by bridging osteophytes, marked reduction or absence of motion, or collapse of the intervertebral disc space of greater than 50% of its normal height;
* Marked cervical instability on radiographs (e.g., radiographic signs of subluxation greater than 3.5 mm or angulation of the disc space more than 11 degrees greater than adjacent segments);
* Significant cervical anatomical deformity or compromised vertebral bodies at the index level (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, or compromise due to current or past trauma);
* Significant kyphotic deformity or significant reversal of lordosis; or
* Symptoms necessitating surgical treatment at more than one cervical level.
FDA approval : BRYAN® Cervical Disc - P060023...; Approval Order (.pdf); Summary (.pdf); Labeling (.pdf)
Flashbacks : Medtronic's Bryan® Cervical Disc System; Medtronic's Cervical Discs Deliver Good News to the Company
(0)
Siemens Introduces Cappa C-Nav System for Navigating the Body Without Radiation
At the upcoming Congress of the European Federation of National Associations of Orthopaedics and Traumatology (EFORT), to be held June 3 - 6, 2009 in Vienna, Siemens is planning to unveil a new navigation system for orthopedic and neurological surgeons called Cappa C-Nav. We think this technology can potentially improve outcomes and increase precision for a number of open and percutaneous procedures, such as spinal fusions and hip screws.
Siemens describes its technology:
For surgical interventions, physicians increasingly use modern navigation technologies comparable. With Cappa C-Nav, Siemens Healthcare offers an optical navigation system that is especially suitable for spinal as well as trauma surgery. The new navigation system enables surgeons to perform interventions with greater safety and precision. Additionally, the method also minimizes radiation exposure to the patient as well as the OR staff.
The development of new technologies is propelled forward by the increasing trend toward minimally-invasive operations. Siemens’ years of medical engineering expertise in the OR arena follows this trend and is now offering intra-operative imaging and optical navigation technology. Especially orthopedics and trauma surgeons will benefit from this innovative idea.Precision is a substantial pre-condition in the OR in general, but in particular in spinal and trauma surgery as well as in orthopedics. In spinal surgery for example the new method helps to accurately position pedicle screws in the spine; in orthopedics navigation technology is used to support online visualization during stabilization of degenerated bones. Prior to the operation, the surgeon creates a 3D X-ray data set of the region of interest. This data set is used like a map for orientation during surgical intervention. The surgeon navigates during the operation by using so-called optical tracking via a special stereo camera. The surgeon is able to use the navigation system easily and by himself via a sterile user interface. The surgeon’s instruments and patient’s body region of interest are provided with differently arranged small reflecting marker spheres. The camera continuously acquires the position of these spheres and informs the navigation system of their location. This enables the surgeon to proceed with even greater accuracy during the operation by virtually testing the length of the screws, for example. Also the ability to continuously check the progress and results of an operation may save patients the need for a second surgical intervention.
Cappa C-Nav is optimally tailored for the mobile C-arm Arcadis Orbic 3D and, if needed, can be retrofitted for these systems.
Press release: The optical navigation system Cappa C-Nav facilitates minimally-invasive surgical procedures... (.pdf)
Flashbacks: iGuide CAPPA Knows Where the Tip of the Needle Is
(0)
Thursday, May 28, 2009
ViRob, a Cavities Crawler
At the upcoming ILSI-Biomed Israel 2009 conference (June 15-17 in Tel Aviv), researchers from the Medical Robotics Laboratory at the Israel Institute of Technology (Technion) will be showing off a microrobot called ViRob, that has only a 1millimeter diameter and can crawl through vessels and cavities, when controlled by an external magnetic field. The big idea behind the ViRob device is that it can be used to deliver pharmaceutical payloads to precise locations or pull a microcatheter through tortuous terrain.
Here's what organizers of ILSI-Biomed Israel 2009 conference tell Medgadget:
Researchers are currently examining the possibility of using ViRob as a treatment for lung cancer—the world’s deadliest cancer. ViRob could assist in targeted drug delivery to lung tumors as well as take samples from different areas within the body. In addition, a number of these micro robots could simultaneously treat a variety of metastases. Researchers also plan to install additional equipment on the robot, including cameras, miniature tongs and other miniature equipment.ViRob measures 1 millimeter in diameter and 14 mm in its entirety was developed in the lab of Prof. Shoham in the Medical Robotics Laboratory at the Israel Institute of Technology. The robot moves using an external electromagnetic ignition system, stimulated by an electromagnetic field with frequency and volume that do not agitate the body, enabling it to maneuver in different spaces and surfaces within diverse viscous fluids. The vibration created by the magnetic field propels the robot forward, as the tiny arms protruding from a central body grip the vessel wall. A basic prototype of the ViRob, which can move as fast as 9 mm per second, has been developed thusfar.
Link: ILSI-Biomed Israel 2009...
White paper from Technion...
A few videos below the fold demonstrating the ViRob:
(1)
Friday, May 22, 2009
Medtronic's Deep Brain Stimulation Devices Approved for Parkinson's and Essential Tremor
The FDA has given Medtronic approval to market the Activa RC and Active PC deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices, featuring the option of rechargeability, and indicated "for the treatment of the symptoms of advanced Parkinson's disease and essential tremor."
From the press release:
Both Activa RC and Activa PC devices provide bi-lateral stimulation (to both sides of the brain) and offer a more advanced approach to device programming, and additional tools for capturing history relevant to the patient's therapy. New programming options provide greater ability to fine tune the stimulation field and give patients more options to optimize their settings compared to previous DBS devices. Additionally, information about patient symptoms and side effects can be stored in the device, which is helpful to physicians in determining the best programming settings for each patient.These next generation devices also have a hand-held patient programmer, which features new advancements, including an LCD screen that provides valuable information such as the level of battery charge. The programmer allows patients to alternate between stimulation settings pre-programmed by their clinician so they can customize their therapy based on their activity.
Activa PC is powered by a primary cell (non-rechargeable) battery that does not require any regular maintenance from the patient to provide continuous stimulation for multiple years. The Activa PC neurostimulator represents a 20 percent reduction in size and weight compared to previous bi-lateral devices and has similar battery life.
Activa RC is the first and only rechargeable DBS neurostimulator in the world and lasts for nine years before replacement is necessary. Patients need to recharge the device at home on a regular basis depending on their stimulation settings. Activa RC, also significantly smaller than previous bi-lateral devices, is expected to be used for select patients who have high-energy stimulation requirements.
Both Activa RC and Activa PC were approved in Europe in August 2008. Activa PC has become the most widely used device in Europe for bi-lateral DBS therapy.
Check out this video, released by Medtronic, that shows patients implanted with the Activa DBS device...
(0)
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Libra DBS Showing More Promise in Study
St. Jude Medical has released results of a Canadian study evaluating the effectiveness of the firm's deep brain stimulation (DBS) system for treatment of drug resistant depression. The device is designed to send electrical signals to the Brodmann Area of the brain via implanted electrodes, a modality that looks more and more promising to alleviate symptoms in patients with advanced depression.
This study profiles 21 patients with DBS therapy in the area of the brain known as Brodmann Area 25, most of whom have completed one year of post-surgery evaluation. At six months, 62 percent of the patients experienced at least a 40-percent decrease in symptoms of depression as measured by a standardized test called the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. Of these patients, 92 percent maintained this improvement at their last follow-up visit (typically at one year). Additionally, 71 percent of all patients in the study exhibited at least a 40-percent decrease in symptoms of depression as measured by the Hamilton scale.Ongoing at three leading Canadian academic medical centers, the study utilizes the St. Jude Medical Libra® Deep Brain Stimulation System to deliver stimulation to an area of the brain known as Brodmann Area 25, which appears to become overactive in severely depressed people.
Patients in the study had suffered from depression for an average of 20 years, had tried in excess of 12 depression medications and were considered disabled or unable to work at the time of enrollment. At the 12-month evaluation point, eight of the study patients had returned to daily life activities such as school, work and sustaining relationships with family and friends, and two patients were considered to be in remission.
Press release: Patients in St. Jude Medical Deep Brain Stimulation for Depression Pilot Study Demonstrate Sustained Improvement in Depression Symptoms
Flashbacks: St. Jude Receives Patent for Anti Depression Neurostimulation Method; St. Jude Begins Trial of Deep Brain Stimulation for Depression; European Union Approves Deep Brain Stimulation Systems for Parkinson's; Libra DBS for Parkinson's Going Live in Europe
(0)
Friday, May 15, 2009
MRI Assisted Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy for Brain Tumor Treatment
Monteris Medical out of Kalamazoo, Michigan has received FDA approval for the firm's AutoLITT (Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy) system for destroying brain tumors from within. Using a standard 1. 5T MRI scanner, the surgeon places the MRI compatible laser probe through a transcranial burr hole, directly at the location of the tumor. The laser is then used to laterally heat up and burn out tumor tissue while cooling the environment on the opposite side of the laser's direction, thereby preventing surrounding tissue from being damaged.
More about the AutoLITT from Monteris:
The AutoLITT procedure is performed with the patient in a standard 1.5T MRI scanner. The treating physician visualizes and controls the treatment procedure in real-time.
The thin probe is inserted into the tumor through a small “burr hole” in the skull. The probe tip emits laser energy sideways (radially) to heat tissue in one direction while cooling to remove heat from all other directions. The unidirectional focus enables the physician to “steer” the heat to the tumor and avoid neighboring healthy tissue.
MRI signals measure temperature in and around the tumor, enabling the physician to “see” the tumor and the thermal damage as it happens. The real-time feedback information gives the physician the ability to precisely control the treatment.
Various positioning and monitoring devices enable the physician to precisely control the procedure remotely and without moving the patient in the MRI.
The combined technologies enable physicians to selectively treat the tumor tissue they want to kill while avoiding damage to other tissue.
Press release: Treating Untreatable Brain Tumors: FDA Approves New Laser Surgery (.DOC)
Product page: AutoLITT System
Below the fold you can watch a short animation demonstrating the use of the device:
(0)
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)
(1)
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)
(0)
Monday, May 11, 2009
Lab-on-a-Tube for Multimodality Neuromonitoring Post Brain Injury
Understanding the state of the intracranial environment is important in patients following traumatic brain injury. Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have created a "lab-on-a-tube" device that can drain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) while monitoring the pressure, oxygen content, temperature, and glucose within the intracranial space. The researchers describe the new device that uses sensors wrapped into a helix in the March 20th issue of Lab on a Chip.
From the paper:
The new LOT offers numerous advantages over existing approaches: (a) only one hole is needed to place the LOT, hence it is less invasive; (b) the diameter of the LOT can be contracted or expanded to safely lie within intracranial and intravascular locations, thus minimizing the potential trauma associated with existing technologies; (c) the use of a single device is less expensive and less complicated when compared with the use of multiple individual sensors; (d) the LOT can provide both focal (brain tissue) and global (CSF/blood) information, which is an improvement over the cerebral microdialysis (MD) technique that is limited to focal neurochemical information;3,4 and (e) the buried spirally-rolled microchannels can not only deliver in vivo calibration solution for the biosensors, but also allow convection-enhanced and targeted drug delivery to be realized.
Full article in Lab on a Chip: A novel lab-on-a-tube for multimodality neuromonitoring of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Images: Side 2: Conceptual drawing of a novel lab-on-a-tube for multimodal neuromonitoring of patients with traumatic brain injury. The lab-on-a-tube can measure pressure, oxygen, temperature and glucose information as well as drain CSF simultaneously.; Side 2: Schematic drawing of LOT. PVDF-TrFE film with pressure sensor, Kapton film with glucose, oxygen and temperature sensors, and parylene microchannels were stacked, bonded and rolled spirally to form a tube. Center: Photographs of fabricated devices: LOT (ID = 1.5 mm; OD = 1.7 mm) is anchored through customized bolted ventricular and connected to LabView monitoring system and CSF drainage bag.
(hat tip: gizmag)
(0)
Friday, May 8, 2009
Occipitocervical Fusion Module from Medtronic
Medtronic has announced the US launch of the VERTEX SELECT Reconstruction System Occipitocervical Module. The system, which includes implants and tools, is designed for posterior fusions that require the skull to be stabilized to the neck.
More from Medtronic:
Conditions of the spine, such as degenerative disease, can lead to instability and pain for patients. To treat the instability, surgeons perform a spinal fusion, which involves joining two bones together, such as the occiput and vertebrae. Nearly 40,000 posterior cervical fusions are performed each year, of which approximately 10 percent involve occipitocervical fusions.Used with the existing VERTEX® Reconstruction System, the VERTEX SELECT Occipitocervical Module offers adjustability through multiple plate designs, rods, screws, and hooks that gives surgeons more options during surgery, enabling them to tailor the procedure to each patient’s needs. Additional enhancements to the VERTEX SELECT Reconstruction System will be released in the near future to further expand the system.
Press release: Medtronic Introduces the VERTEX SELECT™ Reconstruction System Occipitocervical Module ...
(0)
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
PEEK PREVAIL Cervical Interbody Device for Spinal Fusions
Medtronic has released a new device that promises to make cervical spine fusions less problematic. The PEEK PREVAIL eliminates the need to implant a metal stabilization plate that protects the graft and uses only two screws as anchors.
More about PEEK PREVAIL from the press release:
Biomechanical data suggest that the PEEK PREVAIL Device, with two integrated bone screws, provides construct rigidity similar to that obtained by the traditional fixation techniques of a threaded cage or plating.Made of polyetheretherketone (PEEK), the new implant is invisible on x-rays, which allows the surgeon to view the spinal fusion during a follow-up visit. Featuring an “I-beam” shape with a two-screw configuration, the device incorporates a Nitinol wire locking mechanism to keep the screws securely in place.
“The specific advantages of the PEEK PREVAIL Cervical Interbody Device over other techniques—such as zero profile and device design—makes this an exciting option for today’s spinal surgeon,” said Dr. Richard A. Hynes, president and medical director of the B.A.C.K. Center in Melbourne, Florida.
The PEEK PREVAIL Cervical Interbody Device is indicated for use in patients with cervical disc disease from the C2-C3 disc to the C7-T1 disc. Cervical disc disease is defined as intractable radiculopathy (radiating pain) and/or myelopathy (weakness) with herniated disc and/or osteophyte formation on posterior vertebral end plates producing symptomatic nerve root and/or spinal cord compression.The PEEK PREVAIL Device is to be used with autograft and implanted via an open, anterior approach. This cervical device is to be used in patients who have had six weeks of nonoperative treatment.
Press release: Medtronic Introduces the PEEK PREVAIL™ Device for Neck Surgery ...
(1)
Monday, May 4, 2009
Magnus Operating Table from Maquet
MAQUET has just unveiled improvements to its Magnus operating table, a system that can position the patient into virtually any surgical position, and at the same time accommodate patients weighing up to 250 kilograms.
From the press release:
An optimum exposure area is achieved in combination with gravitational force and the operating table's extreme tilting and tipping functionality. The tilt angle of up to 80º and canting angle of up to 45º combined with the system's fully compatible modules open up virtually unlimited positioning possibilities. "This way a patient weighing up to 250 kilograms can be brought into any possible position. MAGNUS is thus fast approaching its vision of the "floating" patient," so Dr. Engel.This is of particular significance when it comes to minimally invasive surgery, as it is the table's extreme tilting and tipping function that makes surgical interventions even possible on an obese patient.
With its unique height adjustment range varying between 535 mm (21 Inch) and 1235 mm (49 Inch), the MAGNUS ensures ergonomic and thus relaxed working conditions even during longer operations. The benefits of individual settings are particularly evident during laparoscopic interventions: As the MAGNUS can be lowered further than any other table the surgeon can keep his elbows positioned comfortably at his side and is not forced to revert to a tiring position. The table's unique lowering functionality makes the commonly used step stool to decrease the distance to the surgical field a thing of the past. The larger abdomens of obese patients can be operated on the MAGNUS while maintaining a relaxed and comfortable posture. In contrast to laparoscopic operations, a high table position is required for hip replacement in the dorsal position. This way, the operation which may take up to 90 minutes can be performed in an upright position. If the table cannot be adjusted to the height required, the surgeon is forced to assume a bent over posture which generally results in tension and fatigue.
Besides its settings designed to cater to various indications, the MAGNUS can optimally adjust to the height of the surgeon. The advantage of this comes to the fore when putting the table in an international context: Whereas the height of the average male in Sweden is 181.5 cm (71,4 Inch), the average male in the Philippines is less than 164 cm (64,5 Inch).
(0)
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Injectable Bone Graft for Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery
DePuy, Inc., a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, announced the launch of an injectable bone graft replacement made specifically for minimally invasive spine surgery (MIS). The product, HEALOS Fx, is composed of the same mixture as an older product of DePuy, HEALOS, but instead of being sold in pre-sized strips, it is sold as a moldable, mixable, and injectable compound. The material is meant to be injected by cannula into hard to reach sites in order to provide a scaffolding for bone marrow formation and osteoprogenitor cell growth.
From the press release:
HEALOS Fx is a ready-to-use fibrous material that can be molded for open applications or injected via cannulas of differing lengths to reach difficult implantation sites in minimally invasive or small void surgical environments. The original form of HEALOS, which exists as pre-formed strips of varying sizes, has been available for more than seven years in the U.S. and has been used in more than 65,000 procedures nationwide.The new HEALOS Fx is a bone graft option for precise placement into difficult-to-reach surgical sites, particularly around pedicle screws and the interbody space, said Kornelis Poelstra, M.D., Ph.D., University of Maryland Shock Trauma, Baltimore. In addition, since the chemical composition of HEALOS and HEALOS Fx is identical, the compelling safety and performance records of the graft material have been well established."
HEALOS Fx, which has a cohesive consistency when saturated with the patient's bone marrow, provides both a continuous scaffold for bone formation and the osteoprogenitor cells needed to initiate new bone growth. The material is resorbed and remodeled into new bone as part of the healing process. HEALOS Fx was designed using proprietary DePuy Spine nanotechnology which promotes osteoprogenitor cell attachment and maturation. HEALOS Fx comes with a self-contained mixing and delivery device that allows for a smooth, simple mixing motion to create a uniform graft material in less than one minute.
Press Release: Depuy Spine Launches Healos® Fx Injectable Bone Graft Replacement - For Minimally Invasive Spine Procedures
Product Page: HELOS Fx
(0)
Monday, April 27, 2009
TissuePatch Surgical Sealant Films
A company rep for British based Tissuemed Ltd. contacted Medgadget to let us know about the firm's product, a surgical sealant called TissuePatch, now on display at Hospitalar, the largest and leading medical trade fair in Latin America. The device, approved and distributed in the European Union, comes in two forms:
-- TissuePatch3, which is indicated for closure of air leaks after thoracic surgeries, as well as for " low pressure or oozing bleeding or fluid leakage following surgical procedures on soft tissue," and,
-- TissuePatchDural, which is indicated for use to "seal and reinforce against CSF leakage in neurosurgery."
Here's more about the product from the company:
More adherent than surgical glues, TissuePatch is easy to apply, requires no preparation and is effective within 30 seconds of contact. Most impressively the effective volume of foreign material used to achieve the desired surgical outcome is dramatically less than that required for equivalent coverage with any traditional liquid or fleece-type of product.
Its elasticity and conformability also means it works like a surgical ‘cling-film’ and has been optimised to address the very specific demands of different surgical environments and tissue types. It is also transparent to allow operators to visualise the underlying tissues. In fact, if it wasn’t for the logo printed within the multilaminate film, it would be almost invisible once in contact with the tissues.
Currently CE marked and being used in a variety of surgical applications this innovative device is ideal for sealing air leaks in lung surgery, cerebro-spinal fluid leaks in brain and spinal surgery and on a variety of organs in general surgery where blood and fluid leakage need to be prevented.
To learn more about the fused multilaminate technology behind this device, check out this .pdf file: TissuePatch3...
Product page: TissuePatch Surgical Sealant Films...
(0)
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Barricaid Anular Reconstruction Device Gets EU OK
The European Union has given CE Mark of approval to Intrinsic Therapeutics, a Woburn, Massachusetts firm, to market its Barricaid® ARD device. The prosthesis is designed to serve as a partial disc replacement to reconstruct the fibrous ring surrounding the edge of intervertebral discs.
To learn more about the device, head to this product page for Barricaid® that also features an animation demonstrating the implantation of the device.
Press release: Intrinsic Therapeutics Announces CE Mark for Barricaid Anular Prosthesis ...
(0)
Monday, March 30, 2009
Libra DBS for Parkinson's Going Live in Europe
St. Jude Medical is reporting that the company's Libra deep brain stimulation devices have been implanted into initial set of European patients to treat Parkinson's disease.
The announcement was made at the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies and the Société Française de Neurochirugie joint annual meeting in Marseille, France.“We have initiated a limited launch of these systems in Europe and have recently completed implants in Austria, Germany and Greece,” said Chris Chavez, president of the St. Jude Medical Neuromodulation Division. “We look forward to expanding the availability of these systems in order to help physicians meet the needs of their patients.”
First implants were performed by Professor François Alesch, M.D., at the Medical University of Vienna, Vienna Austria, Professor Jan Vesper, M.D., at the University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany, and Professor Damianos Sakas, M.D., at the Evangelismos General Hospital, Athens, Greece.
“Deep brain stimulation is a safe surgical treatment for advanced Parkinson’s disease,” said Dr. Alesch, a professor of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery at the Medical University of Vienna. “The availability of the Libra DBS systems allows us to choose the system that best meets the needs of the individual patient.”
“In properly selected patients, deep brain stimulation therapy can provide extremely good results,” said Professor Alfons Schnitzler, M.D., at the University of Düsseldorf. “For these patients, DBS may reduce akinesia, rigidity, tremor and levodopa-induced motor complications resulting in a significant improvement in their quality of life.”
The Libra and LibraXP™ neurostimulators are constant current devices and feature the highest battery capacity of any DBS devices in their class, which may maximize the time between device replacement procedures. The systems consist of a neurostimulator – a surgically implanted battery operated device that generates mild electrical pulses – and leads which carry the pulses to a targeted area in the brain. The system functions in a manner similar to a cardiac pacemaker by influencing the irregular nerve signals responsible for the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. This therapy can be non-invasively adjusted by a clinician to meet individual patient needs.
Flashback: European Union Approves Deep Brain Stimulation Systems for Parkinson's...
(4)
» NeuroVasx Gets CE Mark for cPAX Aneurysm System (March 27, 2009)
» Cardinal's Endura Scrubs for the Modern Clinician (March 19, 2009)
» Apnex Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation for OSA (March 16, 2009)
» Genesis IPG Now for Chronic Angina (March 11, 2009)
» MRI May Replace X-Rays for Catheterizations (March 3, 2009)
» Inspire II Implantable Nerve Stimulator for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (February 27, 2009)
» Medtronic's Reclaim Deep Brain Stim Approved for Some OCD Sufferers (February 20, 2009)
» Spinal Implants with CleanFUZE Silver Ion Antibacterial Technology (February 17, 2009)
» BeamPath NEURO CO2 Flexible Laser Helps Remove Brain Tumor from Fragile Spots (February 2, 2009)
» Wood Boring Wasps Inspire New Neurosurg Probe (January 27, 2009)
» European Union Approves Deep Brain Stimulation Systems for Parkinson's (January 26, 2009)
» Amimon's High Definition Wireless Video Goes Clinical (January 5, 2009)
» FDA Clears Polyzene-F based Embolic Microspheres (December 30, 2008)
» Image Guided Spine Navigation Systems Improve Spine Surgeon's Screw Placement (December 15, 2008)
» Medtronic to Seek FDA Approval of Brain Stimulation Device for Epilepsy (December 15, 2008)
» SmartBolts Help Avoid Tightening Errors (December 5, 2008)
» Somatom Definition Flash: All Around Dual Nature CT (November 24, 2008)
» Thinking Aloud...Interfacing With Speech (November 24, 2008)
» TruSystem 7500: New OR Table from TRUMPF (November 21, 2008)
» New Scanning Methods Detect Brain Trauma (November 21, 2008)
» Developing the Next Generation of DBS Devices (November 20, 2008)
» Valeo Silicon Nitride Ceramic Spacers Get CE Mark (November 17, 2008)
» PlasmaBlade Finds New Uses With New Attachments (October 29, 2008)
» Infrascanner, an Intracranial Hematoma Detector, Goes on Sale in Europe (October 21, 2008)
» Bion Implantable Nerve Stimulator for Chronic Headache (October 14, 2008)
» Wellex Interspinous Process Medical Device Wins CE Mark (October 10, 2008)
» The BeamPath NEURO System: First Flexible CO2 Laser Scalpel (September 23, 2008)
» Eon Mini, World's Smallest Spinal Cord Stimulator, Makes Clinical Debut (September 17, 2008)
» Live Wireless Monitoring of Chemical Activity of the Brain (September 16, 2008)
» Brain Stem Meets MARVEL (September 15, 2008)
» Solex Goes for The Jugular: New Heat Exchange Catheter Gets FDA OK (September 10, 2008)
» Digital Lightbox Brings Minority Report to The OR (No Precognition Capabilities) (August 19, 2008)
» Long Lasting Spinal Cord Neurostimulator from St. Jude Gains Approvals (August 13, 2008)
» Color Changing Crystals for Detecting Brain Trauma (August 11, 2008)
» Physio-L Lumbar Artificial Elastomeric Disc Gets EU OK (August 7, 2008)
» Hydrogel as a Repair Device for Torn Cartilages (August 4, 2008)
» NeuroPace: Maybe First Since Jesus to Prevent and Treat Epilepsy (August 4, 2008)
» V Series Neuro Clot Retrievers from Concentric (July 30, 2008)
» Force-feedback Offerings from Haption (July 28, 2008)
» PlasmaBlade System Gets FDA Go Ahead (July 24, 2008)
» SlimFuse Cervical Plate Goes On Sale (July 24, 2008)
» CombiCarrier II Wins Silver for Good Design (July 18, 2008)
» Daysimeter Helps to Study Light's Effects (July 15, 2008)
» G-Wire: Visually Positioned Guidewire for Faster, Safer Procedures (June 30, 2008)
» Battling Migraines From the Inside and Out (June 27, 2008)
» Smart Brain-Computer Interface Learns with the Brain (June 27, 2008)
» LDR Receives 510(k) for Spinal Transforaminal Approach Implant (May 29, 2008)
» SpineAssist Gets New FDA Approval (May 28, 2008)
» The Third Install in the US of Aquilion ONE CT from Toshiba (May 21, 2008)
» Demand Is High for Brilliance iCT, a 256-Slice CT from Philips (May 19, 2008)
» neuroArm Performs First Surgery (May 19, 2008)
» Peak PlasmaBlade Wants to Be The New Bovie (May 7, 2008)
» Gore Receives EU's CE Mark for PRECLUDE Vessel Guard (May 7, 2008)
» LimiTorr Volume Limiting Cerebral Spinal Fluid Drainage System (April 29, 2008)
» New Data Shows that Deep Brain Stimulation Useful for Severe, Treatment Resistant Depression and OCD (April 28, 2008)
» St. Jude Receives Patent for Anti Depression Neurostimulation Method (April 22, 2008)
» World's Smallest Spinal Cord Stimulator Approved in US, Europe (April 14, 2008)
» AutoLITT Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy System (April 2, 2008)
» Ornim Oxygen Saturation System FDA Approved (March 20, 2008)
» Spinal Non-fusion Technology from Raymedica (March 17, 2008)
» Canada OK's Oxiplex® Gel Adhesion Barrier for Spine Surgery (March 5, 2008)
» What Drives the NeuroArm (February 22, 2008)
» Leica M720 OH5: Another Premium to Be a Neurosurgeon (February 22, 2008)
» Eon Promises Longer Lasting Neurostimulation (February 14, 2008)
» St. Jude Begins Trial of Deep Brain Stimulation for Depression (February 8, 2008)
» OrNim's Targeted Oximetry (January 30, 2008)
» Total Recall (January 30, 2008)
» Brain Stimulation Device for Stroke Victims Fails Clinical Trial (January 25, 2008)
» Penumbra System Approved in US for Post Stroke Revascularization (January 15, 2008)
» Surgilux: Surgery Without Stitches (January 2, 2008)
» In the Works: Photoacoustic Tomography Device (December 17, 2007)
» Somatom Definition AS: The World's First Adaptive Computed Tomograph (December 6, 2007)
» AquilionONE CT from Toshiba Cleared by FDA (November 27, 2007)
» FusionOptic™ Technology from Leica (November 16, 2007)
» Tessellation of Brain MRI Images to Help with Surgical Planning (November 13, 2007)
» Non-Contact 3D Med Display (November 7, 2007)
» NeuroArm Robot Promises to Revolutionise MRI-guided Neurosurgery (November 7, 2007)
» Wireless EEG Powered by Body Heat (October 31, 2007)
» X-STOP® IPD® Procedure (September 28, 2007)
» Scientists Develop Better Gauging of Brain Blood Flows (September 12, 2007)
» The Top of Your Head is Apparently Worth $4000 (August 30, 2007)
» Vagus Nerve Stimulation Shows Success in Study (August 20, 2007)
» Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy for MCS (August 17, 2007)
» Implant for Potential Treatment of Epilepsy (August 15, 2007)
» Treating Cancer with Electric Fields (August 3, 2007)
» Medtronic's Cervical Discs Deliver Good News to the Company (July 18, 2007)
» MEMS-based Pressure Systems from ISSYS (July 10, 2007)
» 3-D Ultrasound Provides Window on the Brain (June 21, 2007)
» Auditory Nerve Implants Improve on Cochlear Implants (June 19, 2007)
» EndoSite 3Di Digital Vision System Now Used for Thoracic and Neuro Cases (June 15, 2007)
» Lets Get It On: Liquid Web Connects Nerves to Eletrodes (June 14, 2007)
» Neurosurgeons, Just Cut Out the Glowing Tissue (June 13, 2007)
» Miniature Neurosurgical Robot Wins Award (June 5, 2007)
» Simultaneous Imaging of the Brain by MRI and PET (May 25, 2007)
» Medtronic's Bryan® Cervical Disc System (May 25, 2007)
» NeuroArm: Navigating the Future of Surgery (April 18, 2007)
» StaXx® FX Structural Kyphoplasty System (April 18, 2007)
» Flexible Electronics for Brain Injury Research (April 6, 2007)
» NovoTTF-100A for Glioblastoma Multiforme (March 30, 2007)
» World's First 'Spinal Transplant' Completed (March 26, 2007)
» iPlan® BOLD MRI Mapping (March 1, 2007)
» Pilot Study of Genesis® Neurostimulation System in Angina (February 28, 2007)
» Expanded Endonasal Approach is Safe and Efffective in Peds (February 22, 2007)
» Cyberkinetics Requests Humanitarian Waiver to Sell Nerve Growth Stimulation System (February 21, 2007)
» 3mensio™ Technology: Medical Visualization and Surgical Planning Software (January 26, 2007)
» Axiom Artis dBA Twin (January 24, 2007)
» New Ideas on Developing Thought-Controlled Artificial Limbs (January 19, 2007)
» Second Sight Medical Retinal Prosthesis Receives FDA Approval for Clinical Trials (January 10, 2007)
» ActiveCare DVT®: Goes with Patient; Goes to Cleveland (December 27, 2006)
» ELANA: Nonocclusive Intracranial Bypass Surgery (December 20, 2006)
» Robots Provide 24/7 Care for Stroke Patients (November 17, 2006)
» Thought-Driven Computer Control by ALS Patient (October 16, 2006)
» Teenager Plays Space Invaders with His Mind (October 11, 2006)
» H2S Offers Hope in Total Circulatory Arrest (October 10, 2006)
» RestoreADVANCED™, PrimeADVANCED™ Neurostimulators (October 9, 2006)
» MPH® Hemostatic Technology (October 3, 2006)
» PRESTIGE® Cervical Disc System (September 21, 2006)
» The Arctic Sun® (September 13, 2006)
» Preemptive Treatment of Seizures by VNS? (September 5, 2006)
» Leksell Gamma Knife® PERFEXION™ System (August 11, 2006)
» Live Surface, A Software for Surgeons (August 2, 2006)
» More Neuroendovascular Fun: The Penumbra Stroke System (July 18, 2006)
» O-arm™ Imaging System (July 10, 2006)
» Cyberonics VNS System in the Literature (July 6, 2006)
» Ultrasound Technology for Counting Emboli (June 26, 2006)
» Utah Electrode Array to Control Bionic Arm (May 24, 2006)
» Eon™ Rechargeable Neurostimulation System (May 8, 2006)
» The Northstar Stroke Recovery System (May 5, 2006)
» Neurosurgical News (May 4, 2006)
» The SpineJet, A Water Scalpel (May 1, 2006)
» Deep Brain Stimulation Shows Promise in Treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (April 27, 2006)
» I-space Medical Imaging (April 25, 2006)
» Scan2Knit (April 19, 2006)
» Just Call Her the Robo-Chick (April 6, 2006)
» Medtronic RestorePRIME Neurostimulation System (March 30, 2006)
» Wireless C-Arms from Xograph (March 3, 2006)
» Neurological Devices: Developed enough for a 2-page AP Article (February 28, 2006)
» Fonar 360°™: A Room-Size MR Scanner (November 14, 2005)
» New C-Spine Surgery Technique Developed (November 7, 2005)
» Operating Suite Opens for "Nose Jobs" (October 19, 2005)
» First Human Implants of BioDisc™ (September 6, 2005)
» Machines, software model helping to create better spinal implants (July 27, 2005)
» Onyx Liquid Embolic Approved by FDA (July 22, 2005)
» Novalis® Shaped Beam Surgery (June 27, 2005)
» Adaptive Prosthetics (April 28, 2005)
» DARPA Encourages a Prosthetic Revolution (April 12, 2005)
» DuraSeal™ (April 11, 2005)
» Trilogy™ Technology for Image-Guided Radiosurgery (April 8, 2005)
» Cervical-Stim® by Orthofix (March 28, 2005)
» The BioScanIR System (March 23, 2005)
» Virtual 3D surgical patient (February 10, 2005)
» Oscillating field stimulator for injured spinal cords (January 17, 2005)
» BrainGate Neural Interface System (January 14, 2005)
» Charite (December 24, 2004)
» IGSonic (December 14, 2004)
