Medgadget
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- World's First Bluetooth Pulse Oximeter
Via Turner Medical, we learned that Plymouth, Minnesota based manufacturer Nonin Medical just released the world's first wireless pulse oximeter that should easily interact with other devices through the emerging Bluetooth Medical Device Profile (MDP) protocol. Store & Forward Memory
Ensures ultimate versatility by allowing patients to take readings outside of the home and transmit the time-stamped data once they return. The Onyx II 9560's memory storage provides up to a minimum of 20 single point measurements.
SmartPoint™ Technology
SmartPoint Technology eliminates the guesswork of determining which oximetry values to use for analysis. Using a sophisticated algorithm, it provides a fast and accurate snapshot of the patient's SpO2 and pulse rate. The Onyx II 9560 sends the SmartPoint spot-check measurement typically 30 seconds from turn-on.
Extended Range
The Onyx II 9560 provides an extended range of up to 100 meters (Class I).
Patient Proof
Unmatched durability for the home care environment, we've made the Onyx II 9560 rugged to take a beating day after day. The most widely used fingertip oximeter comes with no wires or cables to hassle with, an automatic turn on/turn off, and as convenient and easy-to-use as possible.
Power Saver
Unlike traditional Bluetooth devices, the Onyx II 9560 has a new power saving feature that automatically adjusts transmitted power based on distance from the main unit. This unique feature allows for approximately 600 spot checks on 2 AAA batteries.
Press release: Nonin® Medical unveils world's first Bluetooth®-enabled, wireless fingertip pulse oximeter ...
Product page: Onyx II 9560
Thu, 10 Apr 2008 09:37:59 -0800 - Philips HD7
Philips is introducing in the United States its new general purpose, modestly priced ultrasound system, the Philips HD7:The system provides grayscale and color Doppler imaging with simple one button optimization, as well as Tissue Harmonic Imaging. In addition, the HD7 features a wide array of transducers, an adjustable flat panel LCD monitor, proven system architecture, and advanced imaging, measurement and quantification technologies.
The Philips HD7 system addresses basic scanning needs while adding new technology and design advances that help improve image quality. Developed with clinicians in mind, the ergonomic, easy-to-use system can meet the demands for high-volume use in cardiovascular, OB/GYN, anesthesiology, oncology, electrophysiology, stress echo, pediatric, orthopedic, urologic, emergency and other applications.
Like all Philips ultrasound systems, the HD7 has a broadband digital beamformer to capture and preserve more tissue information than conventional narrowband systems and its wide dynamic range and digital focal tuning provide exceptional sensitivity and detail resolution. Features such as iSCAN one button image optimization, multiple transducer ports, DICOM connectivity, and easy data recording to CD or USB, position the HD7 well against other modestly priced ultrasound systems. In addition, optional off-line QLAB quantification software capability allows clinicians to perform post-examination image review and analysis on a PC. Further enhancing the system’s usability is a Study Guide on disk that quickly equips clinicians to use the advanced features of the HD7.
The system can accommodate a range of Philips' transducers for all kinds of clinical applications.
Product page: HD7 Ultrasound System...
Press release: Philips HD7 ultrasound system now commercially available in the United States...
Wed, 09 Apr 2008 09:12:12 -0800 - Portable Vents from Versamed, Now Part of GE Healthcare
Globes is reporting that the Israeli company Versamed Medical Systems Inc., a maker of portable ventilators, was just acquired by GE Healthcare for an undisclosed amount. The firm's main product is the iVent201 blower, which comes in four models each designed for different environments such as intensive care unit or at-home respiratory support.iVent201 IC +AB Intensive Care and Non-invasive Ventilation with Adaptive Bi-Level Mode
A fully featured ventilator with Pressure Control mode (A/C or SIMV), Volume Control mode (A/C or SIMV), CPAP/PSV and Adaptive Bi-Level (non-invasive or invasive ventilation).
Software packages included are Pressure, Flow and Volume Waveforms, Trending and Respiratory Diagnostics.
Internal Oxygen Mixer with Sensor, High and Low Pressure OxygeniVent201 IC Intensive Care
A ventilator featuring a variety of mode capabilities including Pressure Control (A/C or SIMV), Volume Control (A/C or SIMV) and CPAP/PSV.
Software packages included are Pressure, Flow and Volume Waveforms, Trending and Respiratory Diagnostics.
Internal Oxygen Mixer with Sensor, High and Low Pressure OxygeniVent201 AB Non-invasive Ventilation with Adaptive Bi-Level Mode
A ventilator featuring Adaptive Bi-Level (both non-invasive or invasive ventilation) and CPAP/PSV.
Software packages included are Pressure, Flow and Volume Waveforms, Trending, Respiratory Diagnostics.
Internal Oxygen Mixer with Sensor, High and Low Pressure OxygeniVent201 HC Home Care
A ventilator designed specifically for care in the home with Volume Control mode (A/C or SIMV) and CPAP/PSV.
This vent uses Low Pressure Oxygen.
Fri, 28 Mar 2008 08:43:09 -0800 - Ornim Oxygen Saturation System FDA Approved
Ornim Medical, out of Lod, Israel, just received FDA approval for its non-invasive cerebral oxygen monitor for use during surgeries. Back in January, we've profiled OrNim's Targeted Oximetry as a potential diagnostic modality not just for the brain, but for monitoring oxygenation of other organs, such as viscera or extremities.
From Globes Online:
OrNim's Ultrasound Tagged Light technology - UTLight, transmits a beam of light through tissue to measure the absorption of light by oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin. The system tags the light with ultrasound beams enabling to bypass superficial tissue, and measure absolute oxygen saturation levels within the monitored tissue.
Shechter explains, "If the blood in the area marked by the ultrasound is red and oxygen-rich, it absorbs more tagged light. If the area is light and oxygen-poor, more tagged light is reflected back to us. In this way, we can precisely measure oxygen levels."
More at Globes...
FDA press release: Ornim receives FDA 510(K) clearance (.pdf)...
Flashback: OrNim's Targeted Oximetry
Thu, 20 Mar 2008 08:49:24 -0800 - Pulse!! BreakAway's Educational Game
Via Medical Education Blog at the University of Saskatchewan, we learned about BreakAway Ltd., a Hunt Valley MD company, specializing in a variety of educational games, all based on a proprietary technology platform that creates a variety of medical, military, first-responder, and other environments.Here's how the company describes its Pulse!! game, that creates an immersive environment for the health care training:
Pulse!! is the first ever, immersive virtual learning space for training health care professionals in clinical skills. Cutting-edge graphics recreate a lifelike, interactive, virtual environment in which civilian and military heath care professionals practice clinical skills in order to better respond to injuries sustained during catastrophic incidents, such as combat or bioterrorism.
Pulse!! is being developed in partnership with Texas A & M University - Corpus Christi and is funded from a federal grant from the Department of the Navy's Office of Naval Research.
In terms of other medical sims, BreakAway has also developed pediatric pain management game to distract children from pain of medical procedures. And as far as the first responder simulators go, the company has couple of products designed for training of emergency staff for management of casualties of terrorist attacks and other disasters.
Check out this promo of company's medical training platform:
Cool! There's not much value in auscultating the belly after trauma, but we liked the view of Morison's Pouch. More below: Products page with videos: Serious Games for Healthcare - BreakAway...
Products page with videos: Serious Games for Homeland Security - BreakAway...
Tue, 11 Mar 2008 11:05:01 -0800 - FloWave 1000 Monitor Promises Noninvasive Cardiac Output
One EKG lead. One pulse oximeter. Some secret stuff. And presto! Profit... and, of course, noninvasive cardiac output monitoring. Woolsthorpe Technologies, a Brentwood, Tenn. company,
is reporting that its hemodynamics device FloWave 1000 is now being evaluated in clinical trials in Vanderbilt University Medical Center and in Saint Thomas Research Institute in Nashville, and in the Texas Heart Institute in Houston. The device, based on a single paired ECG lead, dual pulse oximetry sensor, and a secret proprietary algorithm, is designed to extrapolate patient's cardiac output, cardiac index, stroke volume, heart rate, saturation, and more.The device has been around for at least 4 years now, as this article from 2004 in Nashville Business Journal testifies. But since the company is putting out perky press releases, and The Tennessean reports about the company as the greatest thing since the sliced bread, our pulse and cardiac output go up slightly. Let us hope there is enough blood flow in the company to deliver on its promises.
Fri, 07 Mar 2008 00:15:24 -0800 - Fabric-based Electrodes for a More Comfortable ECG Experience
The FDA just gave approval to Textronics, Inc to market their new textile-based ECG electrodes, which were awarded with a US patent only two weeks ago. Unlike typical ECG electrodes, these don't use adhesives to stick to the skin, and are purported to be more comfortable than the "old" variety. The hairy members of Medgadget editorial team are particularly relieved, as we occasionally end up removing red dots from ourselves, while trying to apply these electrodes to diaphoretic patients.“Our textile electrodes can be worn comfortably against the skin, as part of a seamless garment, fabric chest strap or elastic wrist band,” explains Textronics CEO Stacey Burr. “We’re offering the medical community a more comfortable and less cumbersome solution that can improve patient compliance by eliminating skin irritation and other discomforts that are commonly experienced during ECG monitoring, especially in extended wear applications.”
Textronics uses its patented technology to knit conductive sensing fibers directly into stretchy fabrics that can monitor physiological conditions comfortably and accurately. The company’s textile electrode garments, straps and wristbands are also machine washable and reusable. They can be used for a wide range of ECG monitoring and recording applications, including cardiac event recorders, stress testing, Holter monitoring, trans-telephonic pacemaker monitors, and respiration sensing devices.
Press release: TEXTRONICS, INC. RECEIVES FDA CLEARANCE ON TEXTILE ELECTRODE ...
Press release: TEXTRONICS, INC. AWARDED PATENT FOR TEXTILE-BASED ELECTRODES ...
Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:26:47 -0800 - ShakerScope for Jungle Laryngoscopy
The ShakerScope is a project that was conceived by a Welsh doctor working his craft in remote parts of Africa. One of the constant problems Dr. David Williams had to overcome was the necessity of batteries to power certain medical devices, including the light on a laryngoscope. Realizing that a small LED light can be powered by something other than batteries, the idea for a kinetic powered laryngoscope was conceived.TCT News Magazine, a publication for the product development industry, has an article on how the Shakerscope came to be. A snippet:
With funding granted by the Welsh Assembly Government, David approached PDR (The National Centre for Product Design and Development Research) to redesign the device. PDR, an accredited Centre of Excellence for Technology and Industry Collaboration based at the UWIC campus in Cardiff, took the device back to first principles and developed it from initial concept design through to functional product utilising its own extensive in-house technologies, equipment and expertise.
It was clear to the design team that the product had applications in the developed as well as developing world, greatly expanding its potential market and increasing its attractiveness to investors. As a reliable self powered light source the device could be used for other essential examinations and procedures in clinics and surgeries across the world.
A brief was developed that demanded the rapid development of a self powered device, suitable for multiple procedures without recharging. Charge time should be minimised and the light generated must be as powerful as that already available through battery powered devices.
Initial design work was undertaken to greatly improve the efficiency of the device and to create a range of initial concepts that hinted at a sophisticated design and package that could be equally at home in a snowfield or desert through to modern GP’s office or paramedics backpack.
With a final concept agreed, the first stages of the design and engineering process highlighted a requirement for a compact, light, robust, waterproof and shock resistant instrument that was strong enough to endure all types of potential damage whilst being small enough to transport manually with ease. It also became apparent that the utility of the product could be greatly extended by the addition of interchangeable medical device attachments to inspect body cavities such as ears, eyes and throat. A range of detachable device heads, including laryngascopes, ophthalmoscopes and ostoscopes, were conceptualised and developed. These offered the potential of providing significant advantages to users in cost, space and weight compared to conventional devices, which require a separate power and light source for each application.
More from TCT News...
Device home page: ShakerScope
NOTE: This is Medgadget's 5,000th post. Thanks to all our readers for support, patronage, and inspiration. It was and is a blast!!!
Tue, 19 Feb 2008 11:18:32 -0800 - DRE Envoy PDM (Patient Data Management) Wireless Monitor System
DRE Inc. just released a new wireless patient telemetry system that lets the doctor or nurse carry this flat screen around, while monitoring the vitals on up to six patients.Unlike traditional telemetry systems, which typically resemble desktop PCs, all central station components of the Envoy PDM are housed in an all-inclusive device that is similar to the size and appearance of a 15-inch computer monitor. The Envoy PDM also features an easy-to-use touchscreen that eliminates the need for a keyboard and further decreases the size of its footprint.
In addition to being a telemetry system, the Envoy PDM is a patient data management system that surgeons can use to compile patient information such as medical history, medications and treatment. The patient database helps telemetry operators compare onscreen vital signs with demographics of a patient.
The Envoy PDM seamlessly integrates with the DRE Waveline Plus, a seven-parameter patient monitor. Vital signs from up to six DRE Waveline Plus monitors can be tracked and stored on the Envoy PDM in real time. Vital sign data is sent to the Envoy PDM via a wireless transmitter that attaches to the back of the Waveline Plus. The transmitter allows surgeons to transport the Waveline Plus from pre-operation to surgery and through recovery while maintaining the wireless link between the monitor and the Envoy PDM.
Press release: DRE Introduces Wireless Telemetry/Patient Data Management System
Product page: DRE Envoy PDM (Patient Data Management) Wireless Monitor System
Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:00:37 -0800 - SmartCart from EnovateIT
EnovateIT, a Ferndale, Michigan medical systems company, will be unveiling a new medication cart at the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) meeting in Orlando from February 24 through 28.Some of the features of the cart from a press release:
- Multiple computing platforms - notebooks, tablets, All-in-Ones, Thin-Clients
- Replaceable monitors - supports VESA based alternative monitors
- Net weight of 120lbs with full drawers
- Large 16"x16" work surface with raised edge to help retain spills
- 4.5" lockable casters
- Integrated keyboard light for usage in a dark environment
- UL & CE certified
- Basic off-the-shelf SW solution to control the automated storage
- Standard Windows® based computing platform - easy integration
- HL7 ready - for integration with other hospital information systems (HIS)
- Batteries - dual Lithium-Ion: providing maximum runtime without recharging
- Smart power management including movement detection sensor
Tue, 12 Feb 2008 10:46:54 -0800
