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:

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...

Zilico is developing a new system with two applications to provide “real time” results for women undergoing both these types of test, removing several weeks of waiting for a diagnosis. The system consists of a portable hand-held device, a single use disposable sleeve and docking station. This system is safe, painless, and accurate.

Zilico was formed in 2006 as Aperio Diagnostics Ltd and has focused on developing a commercially manufactured device for the first of its applications, aimed at the colposcopy market. Clinical data on 500 women has demonstrated superior performance over existing diagnostic procedures. A multi-centre clinical trial started in April 2009.

1. Disposable sleeve - replaced for each patient
2. Wipe-clean surfaces - suitable for examination rooms
3. Wireless operation
4. On-board user interface - for ease of operation
5. Ergonomic design
6. Built-in QC tests

Product page : Zilico APX...

(hat tip: MTB Europe)

The primary goal for Lap-Pak is to reduce bowel packing time by 50%. Use of Lap-pak during laparotomies ensures interoperability with retractors, facilitates monitoring of bowels, and maintains tissue temperature and hydration.

The Lap-Pak device is a one-piece device constructed from a soft and flexible material that is easy to position. It contains a stable body support that evenly distributes pressure. Side and bottom flaps contour against the abdominal walls to prevent movement and allow for varied cavity sizes. The dual top flaps shield the bowels while maintaining visibility of the intestines as well as internal temperature and moisture. The product will be offered in three sizes designed to fit over 80% of adults.

Press release: Seguro Acquires Worldwide Rights to Johns Hopkins Abdominal Surgery Device...

Product page: Lap-pak...

As detail and resolution increases surgeons will see and perform better. For this reason I set out to see if images 4 times the resolution ofHD could be obtained through our surgical scopes and if the next generation of Hollywood 4k cameras could be used for surgery. In a pilot project we successfully connected the camera of the future to our surgical scope and obtained the highest resolution surgical images of body ever directly in the procedure.

By increasing resolution to this level we allow the surgeon to be actually immersed in images that surpass the live surgical experience. The resolution approaches that of the human eye but it is combined with 10 fold magnification through the telescopes which operate just inches away from the disease. The progress from regular surgical film technology is like comparing sitting in an HD home theater to watching a video on a cell phone.

Amazingly, the surgeons in the conference were able to visualize the surgery they were watching better than if they had been in the operating room live. If it can transform the immersive experience of the movies with unprecedented realism wouldn't you want that degree of vision in your surgeon's hands? By combining unprecedented resolution and magnification the surgical images were beyond what a surgeon would have standing live in the operating room. Those in the audience predicted this technology would further revolutionize minimally invasive surgery as it becomes incorporated into the OR of the future.

Link: World's First "4k" Laparoscopy Performed- Surgery in 4X HD!

For critical care clinicians, Vscan can offer an immediate look beyond patient vital signs with the potential to identify critical issues, like fluid around the heart, which could be a sign of congestive heart failure. And for cardiologists, Vscan provides a dependable visual evaluation of how well the heart is pumping at a glance, so they can treat patients more efficiently.

More from GE...

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)

So far, conventional analog mammography and digital full-field mammography was only able to display the three-dimensional anatomical structure of the breast on a two-dimensional level. This made diagnosis more difficult and limited the possibility of the physician identifying certain types of tumor; since, anatomical structures could overlap and obscure lesions. The 3D tomosynthesis technology in the Mammomat Inspiration overcomes these limitations: The technology acquires several projections of the breast from different angles using a fast detector based on amorphous Selenium (aSe) and uses this raw data to generate a 3D volume set. This enables a better analysis of the type and size of lesions as well as microcalcifications compared to conventional methods. Tomosynthesis increases the sensitivity and specificity of mammography, as well as improving tumor differentiation and classification.

Tomosynthesis differs from conventional mammography in the same way that, for example, a CT scan differs from a classical X-ray image. During the examination, the X-ray tube moves in a 50-degree arc around the breast, taking 25 low-dose images. The images are then used as raw data to construct high-resolution 3D images. High spatial resolution and a wide acquisition angle result in the production of mammography images with unparalleled image quality.

Press release: Siemens releases first mammography systems equipped with 3D tomosynthesis

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

A-Lap™ is a pure 5mm laparoscopic innovation and first of its kind 3D retractor/displacement device. A-Lap™ comes packaged with a dedicated soft flexible port, or may be deployed through an existing skin incision. Features include an atraumatic mesh controlled by an intuitive handle design allowing the user to manipulate and lock-in the degree to which the device is opened. This accommodates for multiple applications, including intra-abdominal retraction, liver retraction, lung retraction and anyplace where atraumatic tissue or organ displacement is required. When opened, there is no volume loss as compared to traditional laparoscopic retractors, or “fan” technology and is not limited by their associated single plane retraction.

Check out this video to understand how useful this device can really be:

Product page: The A-Lap...