At the congress of the European Societey of Cardiology (ESC) 2010, Siemens will present new image processing software that helps cardiologists and cardiac surgeons perform transcatheter aortic valve implantations (TAVI): Syngo Aortic ValveGuide automatically reconstructs a 3D representation of the aortic root from CT-like cross-sectional images acquired with the angiography system. The software selects anatomical landmarks as the coronary ostia, for instance, and overlays the 3D image with two-dimensional images acquired during live fluoroscopy.

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Calibra Medical has announced that it has received 510(k) clearance from the FDA to market its Finesse™ insulin patch-pen for up to three-day use with Novo Nordisk’s Novolog® rapid acting insulin. Combining the mealtime therapy-adherence benefits of insulin pumps with the simplicity and affordability of syringes and pens, Calibra’s novel bolus-only patch-pen is a small, adhesively attached, flat device that can be operated discretely through clothing to deliver mealtime, snack time, and correction bolus insulin.

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It’s something that most of us have gone through at some point or the other; while we’re initially awed by the size of the machine, we soon realize that having an X-ray taken is a painless procedure that is over in a matter of minutes. What we don’t see however, is the invisible harm caused by the radiation that pours into our bodies in the fraction of a second that we are exposed to the rays. While a few X-rays don’t cause too much damage, there is the possibility of repercussions in the long-term if we undergo the procedure too many times. So this begs the question – how safe are X-ray technicians who are in the vicinity of these machines day in and day out, every day of their working lives?

Yes, X-ray technicians are at risk, but only if they don’t follow the basic safety precautions. In general, if you’re working an X-ray machine all day, here’s what you need to do to stay safe in the both the long and short run:

• Know the settings of your device and operate them correctly at all times.
• Understand the acceptable limits of exposure to radiation and act accordingly.
• Understand the capabilities and limitations of the machine you are working with, whether it is fixed or portable.
• Since the machine is bulky and requires movement of the heavy arm, ensure that you’re in the right position when making the necessary adjustments. This helps prevent aches and pains and other side effects associated with bad posture.
• Don’t be careless with activating and deactivating the machine – both patient and your personal safety hinge on this factor since overexposure could lead to dangerous side effects for both.
• Use the right safety equipment to protect yourself against radiation. Ensure that your safety equipment is in good working condition before you start your job each morning.
• Check for the viability and preparedness of safety equipment on the machine (warning lights and timers) and those for personal use (shields, lead aprons).
• If a lead apron is required for a procedure but is not available, move behind a wall or other impenetrable and thick object.
• Use an electronic personal dosimeter to monitor personal radiation exposure to ensure that you are always within the safe exposure limits.
• Wear gloves, goggles and/or a mask as and when required.
• Ensure that your machine is well maintained and clean and sterile so that patients are not affected any more than they already are.

The safety of an X-ray technician lies in their own hands – if they are careless, they end up on the losing side.

By-line:

This guest post is contributed by Kathy Wilson, who writes on the topic of x ray technician school programs . She welcomes your comments at her email id: kathywilson1983@gmail.com

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.”