Medgadget

Hitachi Offers Its Own Take on Ultrasound Elastography

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:41:35 -0800

Major ultrasound companies Siemens, GE, and Philips have all offered differing flavors of ultrasound elastography, and now Hitachi has entered the market with Hitachi Real-Time Tissue Elastography (HiRTE). Elastography is a technology that uses ultrasound to tell clinicians about the relative tissue hardness, approved in Europe for identifying firmer, possibly cancerous, regions of soft tissues such as liver, breast, and prostate. It uses the visualization of the propagation of mechanical waves through the tissue to derive either a shear wave velocity or a Young's modulus as a measure of tissues stiffness. Hitachi's claim about the measurement being real-time is in comparison to other providers of elastography which require post-processing of static images either at another workstation or after the image is taken. The Hitachi application will be part of its compact platform Hi Vision Avius.

From Diagnostic Imaging:

Hitachi Medical Systems has been a pioneer in the clinical development of elastography and is offering its own version of this technology, Hitachi Real-Time Tissue Elastography (HiRTE), as a key application on its new compact ultrasound platform, Hi Vision Avius, which follows last year's launch of the Hi Vision Preirus.
The application is part of a package of advanced product features on the new machine, including established technologies such as Hi Rez+ (tissue adaptive filtering), HdTHI (high-definition dynamic tissue harmonic imaging) and Hi Com (frequency and spatial compounding), as well as new features such as RVS (real-time virtual sonography). The latter is a software application that uses magnetic tracking sensors on the ultrasound transducer to display real-time freehand ultrasound images alongside synchronous other images.

Elastography may also have applications in cases of rectal cancer.

More from Diagnostic Imaging: Elastography advances feature prominently among ultrasound exhibits...

Product page: Hitachi Real-time Tissue Elastography (HI-RTE)

Virtobot Performs Virtual Autopsies

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:43:14 -0800

Virtobot is the name of a forensic robot used at the University of Bern's Institute of Forensic Medicine to perform virtual autopsies. In the futuristic Virtopsy laboratory, the robot scans the contours and texture of the human body by projecting light bars on it and acquiring high definition images. These data are combined with the CT images acquired by the scanner in the same room. A three dimensional image of the body is then reconstructed that can be used during forensic examinations and be preserved as long as necessary. Additionally, the robot can also perform CT guided biopsies. The US forces have already installed a Virtopsy laboratory at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware to assess the cause of death of soldiers sent back from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Video of the Virtobot in action:

Press release: Digital future heralded for forensic medicine...

The Virtopsy Project on Youtube...

Cook's NavAlign IVC Filter Placement System Gets Femoral Access Option

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:18:16 -0800

At the annual scientific meeting of the Society of Interventional Radiology in Tampa Bay, Florida this week, Cook Medical is launching a version of its NavAlign inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement system. Already on the market since the fall of 2009, the NavAlign system is now available with femoral access option to complement the jugular access model.

From the press release:

NavAlign, available for Cook Celect® and Günther Tulip® filters, incorporates a hemostasis valve to minimize blood loss. With an accompanying multipurpose dilator, radiopaque sizing marker bands and flushing sideports designed to decrease fluoroscopy time and contrast medium amounts, the NavAlign system is ideal for physicians using image guidance to place IVC filters to help protect patients from DVT and pulmonary embolism (PE), a life-threatening condition that can kill one out of three individuals if left untreated.

Press release: Cook Medical Expands Next-Generation NavAlign™ System for IVC Filter Placement with Femoral Access Option ...

Duraspan Biomimetic Coated Hemodialysis Catheter

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:29:10 -0800

r⁴ Vascular out of Maple Grove, Minnesota has released a new catheter for patients on long-term hemodialysis. The Duraspan catheter aims to prevent thrombus accumulation thanks to its biomimetic coating that discourages clot formation.

A novel coating on the catheter surface mimics the glycocalyx layer found on natural endothelial tissue surfaces in vessel walls. Laboratory tests of the Duraspan™ catheter have demonstrated an 87% reduction in platelet adhesion and thrombus accumulation compared to uncoated catheters.
R4 is committed to improving dialysis patient catheter outcomes according to r⁴ Vascular's President, Don Geer, "physicians have long thought that if one was able to make the catheter less recognizable as a foreign object in the body it could revolutionize catheter-based hemodialysis. Developing the catheter, r⁴ Vascular engineers utilized stealth coating technologies, approaching the thrombus problem by camouflaging the catheter in a biomimetic coating." The catheter is available in either a 3.5cm tip stagger or a 7cm tip stagger version, providing reduced recirculation.

Press release: New Dialysis Catheter Reduces Thrombus Accumulation... (.pdf)

Product page: Duraspan™ Coated Dialysis Catheter ...

Duraspan Coated Dialysis Catheter product brochure...

Olive Medical's New Disposable High Definition Endoscopy Camera

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:08:25 -0800

Dr. Steven Palter of Docinthemachine was given a chance to check out a new disposable HD endoscopic video camera. The device, made by Olive Medical of Sandy, Utah, has a 1080p resolution and will cost around $300 once regulatory clearance has been obtained.

Here's from Dr Palter's post:

I had a chance to speak with them about the system and they claim they are using a native HD imaging sensor chip. if so, they would be the first surgical camera system to do so. All other HD systems available today do not natively sense in 1080 but rather employ post imaging processing to upscale and modify the image. Their camera unit also includes integrated still image capture software eliminating the need for yet another $10,000-$30,000 box - although with obviously less features (no video, printer, etc).

Here are two videos, one made with a "market-leading endoscopic camera" and the other with the new disposable HD cam. Olive isn't saying which one is which, so judge for yourself:

Docinthemachine: First Disposable Single Use HD Endocopic System-DITM Exclusive...

Product page: Olive Single-Use HD Camera ...

marLED Surgical Lights from KLS Martin

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 02:29:47 -0800

By perusing through the latest stuff coming out of Germany, we found a little press release from Gebrüder Martin GmbH & Co.KG, also known as KLS Martin Group, that profiled the company's new generation of operating lights, named marLED.

This operating room fixture runs on what the company calls "Second-Generation LEDs" and is designed to minimize formation of shadows and to deliver a cold, bright light. Furthermore, the marLED can be equipped with KLS Martin's surgiCam SD and HD camera systems, for an intraop procedure recording. The camera can be seen in the picture below.

From marLED product page:

In this brand-new product line, high-performance LEDs are used as a basis for effective problem solution even where surgical field illumination is difficult. By using a new overall approach in terms of design as well as lighting technology, it was possible to overcome the limits of existing solutions and set new standards regarding shadow prevention and color fidelity. The radically new optical and housing concept also makes a lasting contribution towards facilitating the surgeon's work. The innovative, modern design with its symbiosis of ergonomics and technology gives the operating room a pleasing, state-of-the-art atmosphere.

Maximum adaptation of the light field

Space-saving design creates room for movement

Compatibility with laminar flow systems

Ergonomic and perfectly easy operation with sensoTouch and sensoGrip

Cool light and excellent shadow compensation

Variable color temperature

Product pages: marLED; surgiCam

Press release: The marLED Lights from KLS Martin ...

Panasonic Unveils New Rugged Mobile Computer

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 09:43:30 -0800

Today Panasonic is unveiling its new business tablet meant for clinicians and medical personnel to use in office and around the hospital. Last week in San Francisco we got a chance to check out the C1 Business Rugged Toughbook. The 12.1" computer can be used as a standard laptop or converted into a touch tablet for use with a pen or directly with your fingers. The 1280x800 WXGA screen is multi-touch sensitive, so you can use finger gestures to intuitively manipulate images and other documents. Some of the interesting features of the C1 Toughbook include a handstrap on the back of the unit which makes holding it easy in tablet mode, a round touchpad which can be used like an iPod scroll wheel, and space for two hot swappable batteries. The hard drive is easy to pop out as well, so you can take all the sensitive data with you while grabbing a sandwich at the cafeteria without bringing the whole machine.

The strangest thing about the laptop is its unusual proportion between size and weight. Basically, it looks larger than it weighs. Because it is a rugged laptop, which means it can be dropped on concrete and have water splashed at it, it has some empty space within to cushion any blows and channels to direct liquids into a port hole on the bottom. And so it's considerably fatter in depth than other machines in this range. But when you hold it, it's impressively light and comfortable. That's because at 3.2 lbs (3.7 lbs with two batteries), it's the lightest 12.1" convertible laptop on the market.

We asked Kyp Walls of Panasonic to give a quick tour of the device to our readers:

Full feature list of the Panasonic C1 Toughbook, under the fold:

Skinput Makes Poking Yourself Productive

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 05:32:27 -0800

Since medicine's early days doctors have employed the technique of percussion, utilizing different resonating frequencies of various parts of the body to diagnose disease. Amazingly this phenomenon is being adapted by researchers at Microsoft and Carnegie-Mellon to turn the human arm into an input device.

The technology, dubbed "Skinput," is an armband that utilizes piezoelectric sensors that can recognize and differentiate taps and movement of different locations on the forearm via transmitted acoustic waves. Reportedly, the system can detect up to 5 different points with 95.5% accuracy. The technology can be used to control devices such as PCs and iPods via Bluetooth.

Its most exciting application comes into play when it is combined with a pico projector on the arm band. This turns the users arm into an interactive device, with projected buttons that can be used to navigate menus, play games and make phone calls.

Medically, we can see this technology used in the operating room as a way for a surgeon to remotely control ~~the stereo~~ equipment while still remaining sterile. The potential for consumer applications appears enormous. We caution our readers to be wary of the dangers of Skinputting and driving.

Project page: Skinput: Appropriating the Body as an Input Surface...

RoSS Simulator Preps Surgeons to Use da Vinci Robot

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:45:25 -0800

Researchers from Roswell Park Cancer Institute and State University of New York at Buffalo, developed a surgical simulator to help train physicians to operate the da Vinci robot. The RoSS Robotic Surgical Simulator has been turned into a product and commercialized by a spinoff called Simulated Surgical Systems of Williamsville, NY. Practicing physicians and students can train on common tasks like suturing and knot tying, and even perform complete procedures like radical prostatectomies and hysterectomies.

Features of the device:

Stand-alone surgical simulator that is independent of a surgical robot, vision cart

Cost of operating the RoSS is minimal as no consumables or disposables are required

The RoSS data management system allows performance analysis and measurement tools to objectively measure and record performance

User does not require monitoring thus enabling maximum flexibility and opportunity for training

Surgical procedures can be rehearsed

New surgical procedure modules can be added to the RoSS

RoSS does not require an operating room environment and can be set up in a location most advantageous to access and training needs

RoSS has a monitor which allows a user or tutor to observe the procedure

Comprehensive curriculum to train for motor, and cognitive skills required to operate surgical robot

Suite of simulated surgical procedures for fellow or resident to follow, and recreate the surgical steps of an expert surgeon

Press release: Introducing RoSS, a "Flight Simulator" for Robotic Surgery ...

Product page: RoSS Robotic Surgical Simulator ...

GE's Vscan, World's Smallest Portable Ultrasound, Now Available Worldwide

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:56:00 -0800

GE Healthcare is finally releasing the much awaited Vscan pocket sized ultrasound. Many in the industry hope that this device offers a chance for physicians to make a move from stethoscopes to portable imaging devices, bringing advanced visualization to any examination room. The unit weighs one pound and is only 3 inches (7.6 cm) wide and 5.3 inches (13.5 cm) long, offering both standard black and white imaging, as well as colored blood flow doppler. GE is touting Vscan's size and capabilities for cardiologists to transthoracically view myocardium, pericardium, and heart valves, and for primary care physicians, as well as OB, ER, and others, to scan the liver, kidney, aorta and peripheral vessels, babies in the womb, and anything else the transducer can penetrate.

Features from the product FAQ:

An online portal provides Vscan users with training tools for the product and basic clinical
applications with sections about imaging technique, anatomy and trouble shooting

Intuitive user interface that can be controlled using the thumb

Intelligent workflow enhancements

Battery charger station and battery life of one hour scanning - good for up to 30 patients based on
average of 2 minutes per scan

Voice annotation

USB docking station

Link to a PC for organization and export of data

Gateway software with services tools and remote diagnostics

Here's our video from a GE event introducing the Vscan:

Press release: GE Healthcare Introduces Vscan™ Pocket-sized Visualization Tool for Point-of-care Imaging

Product page: Vscan ...

Flashbacks: A Closer Look at GE's Vscan Pocket Ultrasound ; More Details About The New GE Vscan Ultrasound System; GE's New Ultra Small Ultrasound May Become as Ubiquitous as Stethoscope