Mainlining the Information Superhighway: Scientists at Korea University in Seoul developed a prototype biomonitoring system that transmits data through the body, replacing wires and minimizing the need for batteries. The device is 300 micrometres thick and in a test, using a metal electrode coated with a flexible silicon-rich polymer, the researchers transmitted data at a rate of 10 megabits per second through a subject’s arm. The device was tested for skin safety after continuous wearing and the data was transmitted via low-frequency electromagnetic waves through the skin. The technology may have implications for diagnostics, as it can be used to detect electric fluctuations as is currently done via ECG and EEG machines.
BrainLab develops iPhone-based digital lightbox: BrainLab demonstrated an implementation of their knee navigation software at the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons conference that using an iPhone or iPod Touch coupled with a passive tracking attachment and iPhone app. The iPhone, with attached markers, is used to identify bony landmarks on the knee, which are then fed into the BrainLab software for 3D guidance of knee surgery. The iPhone screen is used as the display, both for marker placement prompting and leg-alignment indicators, during the procedure. Using the motion-tracking sensor and the iPhone as an input and display, rather than the other solutions BrainLab supports, reduces the footprint needed in the OR.
RFID wristbands safe for CT and MRI: A team of researchers in Switzerland confirmed the safety of RFID chips in patient wristbands during MRI and CT scans. In the worst-case scenario, MRI examinations at 3 Tesla lasting up to two hours, the temperature of the tissue directly next to the RFID tag was raised by a maximum of 4 degrees Celsius. The wristband cause some minor distortions on the resulting MRI images in the immediate area of the tag. There was no effect on CT image quality. The tags functioned properly after all scans without any data loss.
Heart attack self-testing kit wins EU OK: China Sky One Medical Inc. won CE Mark approval for its Myocardial Infarction and Urine Microalbumin Diagnostic Kits in the European Union. The AMI diagnostic kit can be used by consumers for the early diagnosis of myocardial infarction (heart attack). It requires placing a blood sample on a marker, after which a plus or minus sign will appear indicating whether the user should seek medical attention. It’s based on an assay of heart-type fatty acid binding protein (hFABP), which peaks as early as one hour after myocardial damage occurs, much earlier than the clinically used markers troponin and CKMB. The kit has been on the market in China since 2007. The Microalbumin Kit is based on an ELISA test showing whether microalbuminuria is present, indicating early kidney disease.
A weekly roundup of new developments in medical technology, by MedGadget.com.