Medgadget

Interview With Dr. Mike Wilkinson, Chief Medic of 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:17:13 -0800

The Winter Paralympic Games are currently going on in Vancouver and fearless athletes are out on the snow and ice pushing their bodies (and some medgadgets) to the limit. Gene Ostrovsky, one of our editors, spoke with Dr. Mike Wilkinson, Chief Medical Officer of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, about the effort required to provide medical services for such an event. Here's the full interview:

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GE Healthcare Releases Clinical IMAGES iPhone App for Radiologists

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:33:03 -0800

GE Healthcare has released an iPhone app aimed at radiologists which shows off sample images and videos from GE Healthcare imaging systems. It was demonstrated recently at RSNA 2009. Currently almost a hundred images and videos from the OPTIMA450W MRI system are included, and the app will be updated periodically adding image sets from other products including x-ray, ultrasound and PET systems.

Although GE boldy states "Radiologists, there is an iPhone app for you too!", we suspect it will be of more use in the hands of sales representatives. From the press release:

"There are times when you could only meet the radiologist at the hallway of the hospital for 30 seconds. Now with this application we can show them right there more than 100 clinical images and videos".

Nevertheless it is a nifty marketing tool and it might come handy the next time you are shopping for a new MRI system for your hospital.

See the following video for a demonstration of the app:

Press release: Radiologists, There Is An iPhone App For You Too!

Link: Clinical IMAGES in the iTunes app store...

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Energized Condoms Coming Soon? A New Method for Transdermal Delivery of Nitric Oxide

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:35:28 -0800

The New York Times profiles research by Harvey A. Liu and Kenneth J. Balkus Jr. of the University of Texas at Dallas to create a therapeutic nitric oxide releasing bandage. Nitric oxide can play a significant role in peripheral vasodilation, relaxation of pulmonary vasculature, and other physiological processes, such as penile erection. Therefore, an effective method of delivering this free radical should allow the development of new types of vascular stockings, bandages, and other therapeutic (or recreational) devices.

A snippet from NYT:

As they describe in a paper in Chemistry of Materials, the researchers use a zeolite, an aluminosilicate mineral that has a three-dimensional cage structure. Zeolites have been shown to be able to store and release nitric oxide and other chemicals. They embed the mineral in fibers of a biocompatible polymer, polylactic acid, as they are spun and form a tissue-like mat. The fibers are then infused with nitric oxide; by controlling the porosity of the fibers, the researchers could control the release of the gas.

The researchers say the resulting material could be incorporated into socks for diabetics that would deliver nitric oxide through the skin. It might also prove useful before transplants as a wrapping for organs to help preserve them outside the body for longer.

CareFusion AVAmax Vertebral Balloon Kyphoplasty Device

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:15:11 -0800

CareFusion of San Diego, California has announced the release of the AVAmax Vertebral Balloon that can be used to treat spinal compression fractures. It consists of a small balloon attached to a catheter which is inserted in the vertebral body and then inflated in order to create a cavity. This cavity is subsequently filled with bone cement in order to stabilize the fracture and restore the height of the affected vertebra. Additionally the AVAmax PLUS vertebral augmentation system is available for use in conjunction with the AVAmax Vertebral Balloon to deliver cement, which allows the radiologist’s hands to be out of the radiation field during the procedure. CareFusion claims to be the only company in the industry that nowadays offers a full line of products addressing both vertebroplasty and balloon kyphoplasty. The device is released as part of a range of products that includes needles, bone cement and delivery instruments.

Press release: CAREFUSION LAUNCHES NEW DEVICE TO HELP TREAT SPINAL FRACTURES ...

Link: CareFusion AVAmax product line

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Dyna-Vision Real-Time Remote Patient Monitoring System Gets US Green Light

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:54:11 -0800

RS TechMedic BV out of Broek op Langedijk, The Netherlands has received FDA 510(k) clearance for its Dyna-Vision line of portable cardiac monitors. The devices, already approved in Europe, transmit ECG data wirelessly to a clinician via Bluetooth or through a mobile phone network.

Features of the top end Dyna-Vision device from the product page:

Remote Monitoring of Vital Signs: > 3, 5 and 12 lead ECG > Heart Rate > Plethysmogram & SpO2 > Respiration & Respiratory Rate

Benefits:
> Real-Time Remote Monitoring without limitations
> Internal GSM, Bluetooth Class I and USB connection
> No peripherals required for transmission
> Dyna-Vision© supports all mobile networks

Turn-key Telemedicine Solutions and Interfacing:
> Integration of Dyna-Vision© in existing platforms
> Server Solution, PC software and monitoring devices
> Remote Cardiac Diagnostic Services

Here's a demo video about Dyna-Vision:

Product page: Dyna-Vision...

Here's an interview Ivor Kovic, our former editor, took with the CEO of RS TechMedic in October 2008: Dyna-Vision Monitoring from RS TechMedic...

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Robot Scientist Automates Scientific Discovery

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:28:00 -0800

The Singularity Hub is reporting on a genetic discovery brought to you entirely by Adam, a robot at Aberystwyth University in Wales that can conduct its own experiments. Not just that, Adam actually invents its own experiments and defines how to perform each study. After carrying out the task Adam analyzes the data, providing scientists (we'll still call them that) with easily verifiable results.

Some details of Adam's first discovery from Singularity Hub:

His developers introduced him to a yeast genetics mystery that had eluded discovery for quite some time. As with all living organisms, yeast have proteins called enzymes that catalyze many of the chemical reactions necessary for life to occur. Each of these enzymes is encoded in the yeast's genome, but a few of these enzymes were difficult to link to particular genes. For decades, geneticists had toiled to figure out which genes encode a few of these "orphan" enzymes.
Dr. King and colleagues gave Adam a database containing information on the enzymes, the chemicals and reagents to do the experiments, and access to the yeast cultures. After that, a human technician only came around to refill the necessary reagents and remove the waste products generated from the experiments (evidently, Adam is unable to perform those lowly tasks!). So what did Adam find? After multiple rounds of experimentation and analysis, Adam found exactly which yeast genes encode which "orphan" enzymes! The human scientists then went to work to verify his findings by doing the experiments manually. Eureka! Adam had indeed solved the problem!

Here's a video about Adam:

Read on at Singularity Hub: Adam The Robot Scientist Makes Its First Discovery...

Abstract in Science: The Automation of Science

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"Mark Roth: Suspended animation is within our grasp"

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:18:53 -0800

Mark Roth, a research biologist at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Washington, has been studying the mechanics of suspended animation, or the ability of some animals to go into a near death state from which they can later wake up. In his last month's TED talk, Roth gave an overview of the state of suspended animation research and the potential it has for medicine.

Link @ TED: Mark Roth: Suspended animation is within our grasp...

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Ambulight PDT for Outpatient Photodynamic Skin Cancer Therapy

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:16:25 -0800

Ambicare Health out of Fife, Scotland just received the European CE mark of approval and is subsequently launching the Ambulight PDT device for on-the-go photodynamic therapy. PDT typically requires in-hospital equipment, so skin cancer patients are tied to a clinical environment when receiving treatment. The Ambulight PDT is small and portable enough to be worn inconspicuously as a skin patch, taking the patient out of the hospital for a better experience and reduced costs.

Features from the product page:

A single use device, packaged as a disposable dressing, it is simple to set up with the patient

Wearable low powered light source technology allows greater freedom of movement during treatment

Low light intensity - which has the potential to reduce pain

A high uniformity of light, wavelength matched to the PDT cream and treatment protocol

Convenient for patient, medical professional and healthcare provider

Here's a BBC report about the device:

Press release: Ambicare Health demonstrates it’s [sic] revolutionary device to key European practitioners in Monaco...

Product page: Ambulight PDT ...

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SJM Enhances Usability of Company's FFR Measurement Technology

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:02:39 -0800

St. Jude Medical has announced a few additions and improvements to their Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) measurement system. The PressureWire Certus FFR measurement device is promised to be more ergonomic for physician use, while PressureWire Aeris, the wireless version, can now be used with Siemens AXIOM Sensis XP hemodynamic recording system.

The new PressureWire Certus includes modifications to design and functionality which will provide physicians with more controlled handling and versatility. It is the only guidewire on the market to offer in one wire the combined measurement of pressure and temperature which enables calculations of FFR, Coronary Flow Reserve (CFR) and an Index of Microcirculatory Resistance (IMR).

The PressureWire Aeris system offers a secure, wireless interface between PressureWire and a cath lab's hemodynamic recording system to immediately display, measure and save FFR data. With FFR results integrated into a patient's existing study record, the severity of coronary lesions is documented together with other procedural data and angiographic imagery. The wireless technology of the PressureWire Aeris also eliminates cables crossing the sterile field, reducing variables and making the entire procedure faster and easier.

St. Jude Medical's new agreement with Siemens will enable integrated wireless FFR measurement with PressureWire Aeris as an upgrade to hospitals using the Siemens AXIOM Sensis XP. The AXIOM Sensis XP is one of the most widely used hemodynamic recording systems in cath labs and offers advanced measurement programs which aid physicians in interventional procedures.

Because of this new agreement with Siemens, and existing compatibility with other recording systems including the GE Mac-Lab(R) Hemodynamic Recording System, Mennen Horizon XVu and the McKesson Horizon Cardiology Hemo(TM) solution, the PressureWire Aeris technology can be used in the majority of cardiac cath labs for wireless integrated FFR measurement utilizing existing hardware.

Press release: St. Jude Medical Announces Multiple Enhancements to Industry-Leading PressureWire FFR Measurement System ...

Product pages: PressureWire™ Certus FFR Measurement System; PressureWire™ Aeris Wireless FFR Measurement System...

Flashbacks: New Technology Reduces Risks After Cardiac Stenting Procedures; RADI and GE Healthcare Collaboration Delivers First Wireless FFR Monitoring ;

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Abbott's Bioresorbable Stent Continues to Prove Itself in Trials

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:10:18 -0800

At the American College of Cardiology's 59th annual scientific session in Atlanta this week, Abbott released results of a Phase 2 clinical trial of its bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS). In this 30 day trial, the new stenting technology has led to no thrombosis, no ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization, and a rate of major adverse cardiac events was only 2 percent.

From the announcement:

This second phase of the ABSORB clinical trial (Cohort B) enrolled 101 patients from 12 centers in Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and incorporates device enhancements designed to improve deliverability and vessel support.Abbott is the only company with long-term, three-year clinical data on a complete patient set evaluating the safety and performance of a fully bioresorbable drug eluting scaffold.
Abbott's investigational BVS is made of polylactide, a proven biocompatible material that is commonly used in medical implants such as dissolving sutures. The bioresorbable technology is designed to restore blood flow by opening a clogged vessel and providing support until it is healed. Once the vessel can remain open without the extra support, the bioresorbable scaffold is designed to be slowly metabolized by the body, and is completely dissolved over time. Since a permanent implant is not left behind, a vessel treated with BVS has the ability to ultimately move, flex and pulsate similar to an untreated vessel. The potential to restore these naturally occurring vessel functions, or vascular restoration therapy, is what makes Abbott's BVS unique in the field of cardiology.

Press release: Abbott Announces Positive Data From ABSORB Trial on Its Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold Technology...

Flashbacks: Abbott's Bioabsorbable Stent Showing Promise at Three Years ; Abbott's Bioabsorbable Stent Earns High Marks in Clinical Trial; Abbott Reports Positive Data from Study of Its Bioabsorbable Drug Eluting Stent; Bioabsorbable Stents: So Far So Good

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Eric Dishman: Can The Way You Answer Your Phone Predict Disease?

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:54:03 -0800

Eric Dishman, Intel's Fellow of Digital Health Group and Director of Health Innovation and Policy, spoke at TEDMED last October on what the future holds for at-home healthcare. Dishman presents a few projects that Intel is working on in anticipation of the demographic changes that are expected to influence medical care around the world.

Link: TEDMED...

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Eric Mead: The Magic of the Placebo

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:43:57 -0800

At last year's TEDMED, magician Eric Mead gave a most unexpected talk about placebos. By using a bit of trickery, Mead demonstrated how knowledge of an event's real nature is not enough to suppress belief in its perceived, but fake, action.

Link: TEDMED...

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Innova EPVision Unifies Tomography Data for Comprehensive Visualization

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:56:24 -0800

GE Healthcare is releasing a new radiological software package that brings together data from various modalities, like CT, MRI, and X-ray, into one volumetric visualization. The system also improves data coming off tomographs by managing blurring caused by organ movement during the original scans.

Built upon Innova's exceptional 3D imaging platform, Innova EPVision provides image overlay and delivers gated image stabilization, reducing image artifact that can occur with patient movement, cardiac motion or breathing. During procedures, the gated image stabilization enables accurate visualization for better localization and guidance of ablation catheters and other devices during interventional procedures such a complex EP procedures.
GE's Innova EPVision provides uncompromised registration performance of the 3D overlay on the 2D fluoroscopy with ECG gating and motion compensation. The application is enhanced by image stabilization features such as ECG gated display and motion tracking. These tools help reduce image motion that occurs with patient movement or breathing. Innova EPVision is available on GE's Innova 2100^IQ cardiovascular X-ray system along with the complete family of single-plane Innova systems from GE Healthcare.

Press release: GE Healthcare Provides Electrophysiologist Innova® EPVision To Navigate With Confidence During Complex Procedures ...

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Implanting Silicon Chips Into Cells May Soon Become a Possibility

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:02 -0800

Michael Berger at Nanowerk is reporting on recent research out of Spain to embed microelectronics within living cells, a feat that promises to provide intracellular sensing for research and medical monitoring applications. Turns out we're not very far away from this reality due to the nanoscale production of modern microprocessors.

A tidbit from Nanowerk:

In their experiments, the Spanish team fabricated different batches of polysilicon chips and then chose the most suitable device type with lateral dimensions of 1.5-3μm and with a thickness of 0.5 μm to be placed inside living cells. Cells were taken from Dictyostelium discoideum and human HeLa cells.
To further demonstrate the versatility of the technique, they studied the integration of different materials in a single chip and their 3D nanostructuring capability by using other common microelectronics techniques such as FIB milling.

After inserting the chips into the live cells, the researchers made sure that the cells remained alive and healthy. They found that over 90% of the chip-containing containing HeLa cell population remained viable 7 days after lipofection.

Read on at Nanowerk: Future bio-nanotechnology will use computer chips inside living cells...

Abstract in Small: Intracellular Silicon Chips in Living Cells

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New Radioisotope Supplier to Fill Gaping Hole in Market

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:01 -0800

Due to the continued closure of Canada's Chalk River reactor, a major supplier of medical radioisotopes, and the historic limited capacity within the nuclear medicine supply industry, there has been a serious shortage of radiomarkers on the market. To to address this problem, Covidien just received the FDA go ahead to source molybdenum-99 radioisotope from Poland's Maria nuclear research reactor (pictured) to produce technetium-99m for medical applications. The short lived isotope is used in approximately 80% of nuclear diagnostic procedures, and the initial supply, which should be available next month in the US and Canada, should provide enough material for one million procedures in the first six months.

Press release: U.S. FDA and Health Canada Approve Use of Molybdenum 99 From Maria Reactor ...

Image: Maria reactor. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

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