1. Health Canada approves Ventripoint’s complete heart analysis system for 2D ultrasounds
Ventripoint Diagnostics received a license from Health Canada for its new VMS-Plus machine and the 4-chamber (4C) heart analysis system, according to a March 2 news release. It was already licensed to use with the right ventricle and is now licensed to analyze the right atrium, left atrium and left ventricle. The volume and function for all 4 chambers will be better recognized with conventional 2D ultrasounds, as compared to the previous MRI method.
2. RenalGuard touts clinical study
RenalGuard Therapy’s new study shows that its RenalGuard System has the potential to prevent cardiac contrast-agent inducing acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) in high-risk patients who are undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions or trans catheter aortic valve replacements, according to a Feb. 28 news release. The report showed that the RenalGuard System had a significant reduction of CI-AKI, lowered the need for patient dialysis and a positive trend of lower mortality rates post-procedure. It also reduced the frequency of post-procedural acute coronary syndrome, stroke and acute pulmonary edema. Patients treated with the system also had a high urine output, even though they had severely depressed kidney function, and had no significant changes in electrolyte balance.
3. NeuroVision participates in Alzheimer’s study
NeuroVision Imaging announced that it is participating in a new anti-amyloid treatment in asymptomatic Alzheimer’s (A4) substudy and clinical trial with the University of California San Diego School of Medicine and the University of Southern California, according to a Feb. 27 news release. The A4 study tests a new investigational treatment that may reduce beta-amyloid accumulation in the brain. The goal is to determine whether the treatment slows memory loss from Alzheimer’s. NeuroVision’s retinal imaging technology will help characterize retinal amyloid imaging findings in patients who have preclinical Alzheimer’s disease. The patients will receive treatment as part of the A4 study. The substudy also intends to assess longitudinal changes in retinal amyloid imaging with Alzheimer’s patients.
4. Amedica announces femoral head wear study results
America has announced the results of its 5 million cycle comparative hip simulator study, according to a Feb. 27 news release. The study tested the wear behavior of an advanced highly cross-lined and vitamin E stabilized polyethylene against two types of ceramic femoral heads, the MC2 silicon nitride and the Biolox Delta. The mean wear with MC2 silicon nitride heads was 15% lower than the opposition.
5. Masimo touts PVi monitor for colorectal surgery study
Masimo announced the results of its study on low-risk patients who are undergoing colorectal surgery, according to a Feb. 27 news release. The researchers tested how using the noninvasive and continuous Masimo PVi (Pleth Variability Index) monitor held up in guiding fluid management, compared to esophageal Doppler, which is a more invasive method. There was no significant difference in mean total fluid administered between the two methods, according to the researchers. For the study, 40 low-risk patients went under elective colorectal surgery. Each patient was assigned to a certain group that would use one of the 2 technologies. The researchers measured the absolute volume of the fluid given intraoperatively and measured the fluid at 24 hours.
6. Electromed inks distribution deal with Monaghan Medical for Aerobika device
Electromed has reached a distribution deal with Monaghan Medical to distribute and sell the Aerobika Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP) device in the U.S., according to a Feb. 21 news release. The Aerobika will begin selling in the homeware market in the third quarter of the company’s fiscal 2017 year. The Aerobika is a drug-free, easy to use, handheld device that gives intermittent resistance and makes positive pressure and oscillations simultaneously. It can open weak and collapsed airways and assist mucocillary clearance to upper airways.
7. EchoPixel receives CE marking for 3D imaging, printing
EchoPixel received CE Mark approval for its True 3D interactive virtual reality imaging technology, according to a Feb. 21 news release. The True 3D Viewer makes lifelike, dynamic scenes using DICOM imaging from MRIs and CT scans. It can help doctors view, dissect and interact with scenes like it was reality. The virtual reality system is being used at luminary sites across the U.S. for things like CT Colonography, pediatric heart surgeries and cardiology.