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)

The controller unit is plug-and-play with easy start-up. Its compact size saves table space and the simple controls eliminate the need for lengthy training. The controller is completely silent since it does not require a cooling fan. All video settings are preprogrammed, so no complicated and time consuming set-up is necessary. A single cable leads from the controller to the ergonomic handpiece. The handpiece includes the tip deflection lever, working channel port, suction valve, and buttons for taking photos and illumination adjustment. High-powered LEDs are incorporated inside the handpiece. These LEDs eliminate the need for costly replacement bulbs.

Link: Innovative New Video Bronchoscope with DeepVu Technology ...

(hat tip: German Healthcare Export Group)

The device--the Alair Bronchial Thermoplasty System--if approved would be the first non-drug treatment approved by the FDA. The product is made by Asthmatx Inc., a closely held firm based in Sunnyvale, Calif., and is designed to be used in adult asthma patients whose disease isn't well controlled on both short- and long-acting medications.

Specifically, the panel voted 6 to 1 that the treatment be approved with conditions, including a registry of patients treated to track the long-term safety and effectiveness of the device. The FDA typically follows the advice of its panels but isn't required to. If approved, the device could be on the market during the first half of 2010.

The FDA noted that about 22 million Americans have asthma and about 4,000 people die each year "in spite of optimal medical management." About 500,000 people are hospitalized with asthma exacerbations annually in the U.S.

Dow Jones Newswires: FDA Panel Backs Novel Device To Treat Severe Asthma...

Technology page: Bronchial Thermoplasty...

Flashbacks: Bronchial Thermoplasty Does Well in AIR2 Trial ; The Alair® System for Bronchial Thermoplasty™; Alair System May Become Option for Asthmatics

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)

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...

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)

From the product page:

With BLVR, a physician uses a bronchoscope to direct treatment to the most damaged areas of the patient’s lungs. The treatment delivers a precisely proportioned proprietary mixture of drugs and biologics which, when combined at the treatment site, form a bioabsorbable gel. The gel is comprised of clotting proteins that deliver the treatment, an antibiotic to prevent infection and drugs designed to remodel damaged areas of the lungs—actually using the body’s natural scar formation response to permanently collapse the diseased areas. This reduction in lung volume creates more space for adjacent healthier parts of the lungs to function more effectively. The gel polymerizes quickly after delivery so it does not migrate to non-targeted areas of the lung. In addition, since no implant remains in the body, it obviates the risks of long-term infection, implant migration or tissue reaction.

Aeris Therapeutics has completed Phase 2 clinical trials of BLVR. Results indicate that BLVR is well tolerated and is associated with significant improvements in breathing function, symptoms and quality of life.

System info page: Biologic Lung Volume Reduction System

Press release: Broncus Technologies' Exhale Stent and Other New Devices to Prompt Robust Growth In Emphysema Treatment Market, According to Millennium Research Group

From the product page:

The Seeker Steerable Biopsy Needle™ allows you to make fine adjustments in intra-parenchymal needle trajectory using the joystick controlled stylet. This promotes increased targeting accuracy and decreases repetitive needle passes.

The Seeker Steerable Biopsy Needle™ lumen features a large cross sectional area made possible by a thinner walled needle design. This offers the potential to collect more tissue, facilitating a more reliable diagnosis.

Video demonstrating the movement of the Seeker needle:

Press release: Broncus Technologies' Exhale Stent and Other New Devices to Prompt Robust Growth In Emphysema Treatment Market, According to Millennium Research Group...