Cohera Medical Inc. has announced the treatment of the first patient in a study of its lead surgical adhesive product, TissuGlu®. The clinical investigation is a prospective, open-label, randomized study to investigate the safety of TissuGlu and its effect on wound drainage and associated complications in abdominoplasty, or “tummy tuck,” surgeries. The study will compare standard wound closure techniques to standard wound closure techniques plus the application of TissuGlu in 40 patients.

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Synergetics USA, Inc. has announced the signing of an addendum to its three year agreement with Codman & Shurtleff, Inc. Under the terms of the revised agreement, Codman will have the exclusive right to market and distribute a Spetzler-Malis branded disposable bipolar forceps produced by Synergetics. This arrangement supports their ongoing efforts to reduce commercial expenses associated with our neurosurgery product lines.

“410B,” a new style of breast implant, could reduce healing time and ease pain. Although it is not yet approved by the FDA, the plastic surgeon who created it calls it the “most studied breast implant ever.” Also known as the ‘Gummy Bear Implant,’ the product is the only implant in history that stimulated the development of techniques that let people recover in 24 hours and go out for dinner on the night of surgery, Plastic Surgeon John Tebbetts said proudly.

Covidien announced the launch of Permacol™ Biologic Implant, a biologic mesh for hernia repair. The implant joins Covidien’s line of products as a result of acquisition of Tissue Science Laboratories by the company. It will be available in the American and  European markets in 2009. Containing improved porcine collagen, Permacol™ Biologic Implant brings together the clinical benefits of a biologic and a synthetic’s intra-operative efficiency. The hydrated and ready-to-use product can be cut or shaped as required, providing a suitable soft tissue repair.

Gyrus ACMI, an Olympus Company, has launched the Smith™ Digital Percutaneous Nephroscope (IPN). The device uses an ultra-miniature 1 mm complementary metal oxide semi-conductor (CMOS) imaging sensor. Now, one can do away with bulky external video accessories. A single connection for true “plug & play” digital technology has reduced the number of components. This will not only make it simple, but also bring down maintenance and ownership costs of the device.  The Smith™ Digital Nephroscope is much lighter as compared to the traditional fiber optic percutaneous nephroscopes because of its integrated digital technology, which makes it beneficial for surgeons.

Cayenne Medical Inc. has received FDA clearance for the iFix(TM) Interference Screw System for use in bone-tendon-bone ACL reconstruction procedures. These are the first FDA approved screws to hit the market that are made from polyetheretherketone (PEEK) plastic, which is radiolucent and highly biocompatible and has superior biomechanical strength. PEEK is a completely bio-inert material and, hence, screws made from this material do not result in foreign body reactions in patients.

Biomedical engineering researchers at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) are working on developing a computer modeling program that would allow surgeons to simulate scoliosis surgery. This would enable surgeons to determine the most effective procedure before entering the operation theater. Professor Clayton Adam, a member of QUT’s Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), said, “Spine surgery is one of the most complicated and painstaking operations because surgeons cannot afford to damage the delicate spinal cord.”

Baxter Healthcare Corp., which produces about 50% of the heparin drug sold in the U.S., has halted the production of the drug’s multi-dose injectable form, following reports of serious allergic reactions in several patients. The death of four patients may also be linked to the drug.

The FDA said that most of the reactions, such as breathing difficulty, excessive sweating, nausea and falling blood pressure, had been in patients receiving a high dose. Heparin is a blood thinner used to prevent blood clots in patients undergoing kidney dialysis and heart surgery.

It is expected that the current robotics market, which hit $626.5 million in 2007, will reach an incredible $1 billion by 2008, and is estimated to rise to $14 billion by 2014.

Behind this phenomenal growth is the evolution of the robotics technology into maturity and economic feasibility. Systems are becoming more adaptable to individual needs. Applications are expanding outside of the operating room and into the home and research labs, allowing for greater possibilities and higher revenues. 

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Bausch and Lomb has announced a planned first quarter acquisition of cataract repair company Eyeonics, Inc. Eyeonics is known for the cystalens intraocular lens, which has been used for the treatment of cataracts in more than 95,000 eyes worldwide. 

Eyeonics, a privately held company based in Aliso Viejo Cali., generated approximately $34 million in revenues in 2007.  The company will become a part of Bausch & Lomb’s surgical business under J. Andy Corley, eyeonics’ co-founder, chairman, and CEO.