Medical Technology News From Around The World
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Mechai Viravaidya has been fighting poverty and disease in Southeast Asia through innovative promotions of safe sex practices. In this TED talk he gives an amusing overview of how Thailand went from 7 children per family to 1.5 in less than four decades and a 90% reduction in HIV infection rates from 1991 to 2003.
Cardiac Science (Bothell, WA) is making available the Microvolt T-Wave Alternans (MTWA) module for its Quinton Q-Stress cardiac stress test system. The optional package was developed by Cambridge Heart (Tewksbury, MA). As some of you might remember from our previous coverage of this technology, the Microvolt T-wave Alternans stress test looks at beat-to-beat variability in the amplitude of the T-wave at a microvolt level. The technology was initially developed by MIT with support from NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the National Space Biomedical Research Institute in Houston, Texas. The MTWA technology has shown promise in a number of studies by predicting increased patient risk to develop life threatening ventricular arrhythmias or sudden cardiac arrest.
From Cambridge Heart MTWA technology page:
The appearance of Microvolt T-Wave Alternans indicates the presence of a type of cellular metabolic activity that frequently leads to ventricular tachyarrhythmias.
In most situations, the test takes less than 30 minutes to perform. Following the placement of fourteen sensors – 7 Micro-V Alternans Sensors and 7 standard electrodes – in the Frank-lead configuration, the electrodes are connected to the digital ECG amplifier that leads back to the Microvolt T-Wave Alternans enabled system. At the beginning of the test, the patient is directed to begin walking on a treadmill to raise the heart rate. Patients who are unable to exercise can have their heart rates elevated pharmacologically to achieve the higher rate needed for a successful test.
The sub-maximal exercise portion of the test will be approximately 8-10 minutes. Information will be collected for the Microvolt T-Wave Alternans Test while at rest, during exercise and at rest again. Upon test completion, the system analyzes the data and provides the Alternans Report Classification, which is an automatic interpretation of the test results. The test is classified as positive, negative or indeterminate.
Press release: Cardiac Science Introduces MTWA Module for Stress Testing…
Product pages: Microvolt T-Wave Alternans; Quinton Q-Stress cardiac stress testing system
Flashbacks: Will Microvolt T-Wave Alternans Be Incorporated Into Other Devices?; HearTwave® II Microvolt T-Wave Alternans System; Microvolt T-Wave Alternans Testing Shows Promise for Predicting Sudden Cardiac Death
Nonin Medical is releasing a new wrist-worn pulse oximeter that can transmit recorded readings via Bluetooth to your computer or smartphone. The device can store 270 hours of readings at 1 second resolution for later analysis by a physician.
Features from the product page:
• The WristOx2™, Model 3150 is certified compliant to the Continua Version One Design Guidelines.
• Created with Bluetooth 2.0 wireless technology, the WristOx2™, Model 3150 provides a secure wireless connection for vital information exchange.
• The WristOx2™, Model 3150 boasts 270 hours of patient recording with high resolution one second storage rate (1080 hours with four second storage rate).
• SmartPoint technology eliminates the guesswork of determining quality measurements for data analysis. Using a sophisticated algorithm, it provides a fast and accurate snapshot of the patient’s SpO2.
• The WristOx2™, Model 3150 has an extended range of up to 100 meters (Class I).
• Unlike traditional Bluetooth devices, the WristOx2™, Model 3150 has a new power saving feature that automatically adjusts transmitted power based on distance from the main unit.
• Pulse Oximetry Technology Fast and accurate response for capturing events in challenging conditions such as motion and low perfusion.
• Unmatched durability for the home care and ambulatory environments, we’ve made the WristOx2™, Model 3150 is rugged to take a beating day after day. With automatic turn on upon finger insertion, the 3150 is convenient and easy to use.
• For accuracy and clinically validated performance, the WristOx2™, Model 3150 is designed to use Nonin PureLight sensors only. Nonin PureLight sensors eliminate variations in readings from patient-to-patient and sensor-to-sensor. A new line of sensors designed for exclusive use with the WristOx2 Model 3150 are the 8000AA-WO2 (clip), 8000S-WO2 (soft ), and the 8000J-WO2 (flex) sensors. Additional Nonin sensors may be used with the Model 3150 through use of the 3150I cable adapter.
Press release: Nonin Medical to Introduce New Innovations at ERS 2010 Annual Congress…
Product page: WristOx2 Model 3150…
A multi-center cocaine vaccine trial, headed by Baylor University’s Dr. Thomas Kosten, has started recruitment at several sites. The vaccine works by turning the body’s own antibody defenses against the complex a cocaine molecule makes when it enters the bloodstream. The effect is to reduce the ability of cocaine to produce a high. This trial is a double-blind randomized placebo controlled trial to determine efficacy. Previous studies of this vaccine have shown that addicted users may increase their dosage of cocaine to regain a high, so the thinking is that combined with behavioral therapy, the vaccine can serve as protection against relapses that turn into binges by increasing the effort needed to retain the remembered highs.
From the press release at one of the testing sites:
when vaccinated patients use cocaine and its molecules reach the bloodstream, they are immediately sequestered by the antibodies—which hold on tightly to them, thus preventing them from entering the brain where they produce their deleterious effects.
"Addiction is dependent on how quickly the substance gets to the brain,” Somoza says. "So by slowing down or stopping the process, it would be possible to decrease the pleasurable effect individuals get from cocaine.”
ClinicalTrials.gov: Multisite Controlled Trial of Cocaine Vaccine TA-CD09
U of Cincinnati press release: Researchers Conducting Clinical Trial of Cocaine Vaccine
Image credit: April Southworth
The 5th Future Physicians of America survey conducted by Epocrates claims that medical students are increasingly using mobile resources such as smartphones as the first place to turn to with clinical questions. The study also reveals that while BlackBerry’s are currently the 2nd most popular smartphones owned (a 14% market share), only 4% of respondents plan on purchasing one for their next phone. The study questioned over 700 medical students who already use Epocrates.
Other interesting responses from smartphone-toting med students:
• Emergency Med, Pediatrics, Family Practice, and Internal Medicine were the most popular specialty choices.
• They feel they get the least satisfactory training in dealing with hospital bureaucracy and running their own practice
• Apple devices (iPod, iPad, iPhone) win the day in current and planned ownership by a large margin
• 70% think it “Very Important” to have an EHR at the place they eventually practice.
Epocrates: Today’s Medical Students are the Most Technology-Savvy Yet
St. Jude Medical has announced Japanese approval of its Eon Mini implantable spinal cord stimulation (SCS) device for treatment of chronic pain in the lower back or legs. The neurostimulator, which is both FDA cleared and CE marked, has the best battery life and lowest physical profile among rechargeable SCS devices.
From the press release:
Slightly larger than the typical man’s watch, the Eon Mini neurostimulator has a thin 10 mm profile and weighs 29 grams (approximately 1 oz). Additionally, the device has the greatest recommended implant depth of any rechargeable SCS device. The thin profile and greater implant depth potentially makes the neurostimulator less noticeable and more comfortable for patients. Its small size also allows for a smaller incision, which gives physicians increased flexibility in selecting the implant location.
Press release: St. Jude Medical Announces Approval of the First Rechargeable Neurostimulator to Manage Chronic Pain in Japan…
Product page: Eon Mini™ Rechargeable IPG System…
Flashbacks: World’s Smallest Spinal Cord Stimulator Approved in US, Europe; Eon Mini, World’s Smallest Spinal Cord Stimulator, Makes Clinical Debut
ClearPractice of Maryland Heights, Missouri has released an EMR system specifically developed for the Apple iPad. Nimble, as the app is called, combines all the features of ClearPractice’s software-as-a-service EMR with the intuitive interface of the iPad.
Nimble is a comprehensive EMR solution that connects either through Wi-Fi or 3G to the ClearPractice cloud so no data is stored on the device, making it secure and HIPAA compliant. The application contains all the features of the company’s existing SaaS based EMR solution including scheduling, charting, prescribing, inpatient rounds, lab review/ordering, messaging and more. The product also seamlessly integrates with the company’s practice management and billing system so all charges are automatically captured, scrubbed, and electronically submitted for payment.
ArthroCare of Austin, Texas has released its complete line of Ambient ArthroWands that provide orthopedic surgeons with real time temperature data of circulating fluid when working with an arthroscope. The wands are driven using the company’s Quantum 2 Controller System.
Last October, Peter Millett, MD, of the Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colorado, published research in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery on temperature levels during arthroscopic procedures. Millett said, “…our
research found that operative fluid temperatures during arthroscopic surgery depend on a number of variables, including flow rates. For me, the Ambient wand has become an integral tool for arthroscopic procedures, because it allows me to constantly verify that I’m operating within a desired thermal range. In today’s healthcare environment, Ambient wands provide me with additional information and an added level of comfort.”
The Ambient wands’ adjustable alarm set point allows the surgeon to set the alarm at the temperature he or she feels is appropriate. A visual and audible alarm feature provides direct feedback to the surgeon if the temperature reading reaches the user-selected alarm set point. The alarm feature acts as a reminder, encouraging the surgeon to check if adjustments should be made to flow or suction throughout the duration of the procedure. The Quantum 2 System Controller continually displays the real-time, operative environment temperature of the circulating fluid as measured by the Ambient wands.
Link: ArthroCare Introduces Complete Ambient ArthroWand Collection…
Product pages: Ambient Super MultiVac 50 IFS; Ambient Super TurboVac 90 IFS; Ambient CoVac 50; Ambient CoVac 70; Quantum 2 System
Researchers at the University of Southern Mississippi have developed a new material that resembles cilia, sensory and motile hair-like organelles that protrude from virtually every cell in the human body. Cilia play an important role in smell, vision, hearing and promoting fluid flow. The material is similar to the cilia in that it responds to thermal, chemical, and electromagnetic stimulation. From an NSF press release:
Employing a process used for years to produce latex paints, the researchers formed thin copolymer-based films whose chemical composition makes possible filaments that have built-in molecular sensors that respond to temperature, acidity and ultraviolet radiation. Moreover, the filaments are capable of locomotion, waving, shrinking and expanding in response to stimuli. They also are capable of fluorescence, that is, absorbing and emitting light and changing colors as a reaction to ultraviolet rays.
The ability to engineer this cilia-like biosensor may give scientists an ability to, for example, test for the presence of toxins, oxygen or even lack of oxygen in an environment. Future opportunities for sensor use might include developing new sensors for testing glucose levels, using the sensors for drug testing, or testing for air or water safety.
The findings have been published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials.
Press release: Cilia Revolution…
Article: Colloidal Films That Mimic Cilia…
The Medical Revolution Will Be Blogged.
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