We’ve been afraid to blog about the Wicked Lasers, which look a lot like normal presentation-style pointers but can burn a hole through the screen and the eyes of audience members. But despite the obvious potential for harm, and the FDA warnings and fines, these lasers are, after all, medgadgets:

The medical use of class IIIb lasers has long been licensed and practiced. Although Wicked Lasers products have not been specifically approved for medical use, at least one medical professional has been experimenting with our lasers in the US. A practicing chiropractor since 1977, he prefers that we not use his name in association with use of a laser that has not yet been licensed for medical use.

Well, that settles that. The site goes on to explain that lasers are good for healing sprains and cauterizing wounds. Oddly enough, the video gallery doesn’t show any medicinal uses! Instead they feature footage of lasers lighting matches, cutting plastic, and popping balloons.
Gizmodo is giving away a wicked laser to the person who makes the best MP3 of an alien invasion (?).
We are countering their offer: Medgadget editors will give free medical and legal advice to the winner, after he or she injures someone / brings down an airliner / creates an international incident, in exchange for said laser.
Why do we want such powerful laser? We have some clinical trials planned, of course.

Minnesota, home of medical device companies like Restore Medical (see below) and mighty Medtronic, may become a little more hostile to these innovative firms. Instead of just supplying a free replacement, the companies may have to pay for the surgery and medical fees, as well.
The aptly-named Pioneer Press has the story:

In an effort to get medical-device manufacturers to pay “for their mistakes,” a lawmaker introduced a bill at the Capitol on Monday that would require the companies to cover medical costs when their devices are replaced because of a recall.
While med-tech companies provide a free replacement device, it is the patient’s insurance that typically pays for the surgery and related costs…
…A constituent who has gone through several recalls since receiving a Medtronic implantable defibrillator in 1999 spurred Cornish to propose the legislation.
Sue Peterson, a 49-year-old registered nurse from Lake Crystal, said she didn’t think it was fair that her insurance company covered the costs, and she is worried that she eventually could exceed her insurance policy’s $1 million maximum.
“I wanted them (Medtronic) to replace and pay for the medical costs,” Peterson said

Since this isn’t being enacted at the federal level, we wonder if the proposed bill might have the unintended consequence of making implants tougher to obtain in Minnesota (or if the companies will be tempted to move someplace… warmer).