Beacon Endoscopic out of Newton, Massachusetts has developed an interesting new device for endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS FNA).

The BNX system is aimed at improving efficiency and safety when performing EUS FNA biopsies, and features interchangeable needle sizes. A company representative tells Medgadget that the company’s delivery system is “sold with multiple low cost needles that can be rapidly exchanged through the single delivery system, reducing the down time between needle passes, which improves the clinical workflow. When the needles are removed from the delivery system, they automatically integrate into a safety needle shield, designed to reduce the human errors (manually screwing and un-screwing a needle into a secure position) associated with needle sticks.”

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Imalux out of Cleveland, Ohio received the CE Mark for the Niris 1300e tissue imaging system.  The device is used to scan epithelial tissue for signs of disease, essentially like an optical biopsy.  It relies on near-infrared optical coherence tomography which doesn’t damage the tissue it’s analyzing, while providing real-time cross-sectional visualization via the attached computer. The probe is sterilizable and can also be used inside a single-use semi-rigid sheath to minimize cleaning between patients.

More from the company:

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A team of researchers from Harvard University has created a gut on a chip that mimics the gut’s mechanical, structural, absorptive, transport and pathophysiological properties. That goes as far as including peristaltic motion and sustaining a bacterial flora.

The device is composed of two microfluidic channels separated by a porous flexible membrane coated with extracellular matrix and lined by human intestinal epithelial cells. Fluid flows slowly through the channels and the exertion of cyclic strain mimics physiological peristaltic motions. Under these conditions the cells spontaneously grow into folds taking on the structure of intestinal villi. The researchers were able to let a normal intestinal microbe survive in this environment for over one week.

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Boston Scientific has launched its WallFlex Biliary Transhepatic Stent System for treatment of biliary strictures arising from malignant tumors.

The device will be available in the U.S. and international markets, and the WallFlex Biliary Transhepatic Fully Covered Stent System is available in countries complying with the CE marking for treatment of benign biliary strictures.

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Torax Medical has received FDA approval for its LINX Reflux Management System for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) resistant to medical therapy.

The device, described as a “bracelet” around the Lower Esophageal Sphincter, is composed of a series of miniature magnetic beads, and can be implanted laparoscopically.

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Olympus Medical Systems Corp., Tokyo, Japan, will release the EVIS EXERA III platform, a next-generation video endoscopy system.

The new system has been designed for higher image quality and all models, except the GIF-XP190N upper slim gastroscope, are HDTV compatible.

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The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) in the upcoming May issue of Endoscopy, the official journal of the ESGE, is preparing to publish a set of guidelines on clinical utility and selection process of patients for colon capsule endoscopy. These guidelines will have a direct effect on applicability and maybe wider use of PillCam COLON 2, a product of Israel-based Given Imaging. It should be noted that PillCam COLON 2 has been approved by the European regulators, but was rejected by the FDA in the United States in 2008 on the grounds of “not substantially equivalent”.

Homi Shamir, president and CEO of Given Imaging, released the following statement about upcoming guidelines:

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Covidien launched the new HALO60 Ablation Catheter for endoscopic treatment of Barrett’s esophagus.

The device, which is now available in U.S., Canada, Australia and some European countries, was made for easy maneuverability and patient comfort. Additionally, it may prove to be an effective tool for cauterization when dealing with chronic bleeding conditions like gastric antral vascular ectasia and radiation proctitis.

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Santiago Horgan, MD, a pioneer in the field of surgical treatment of morbid obesity, is now exploring the use of an investigational procedure known as gastric plication to help patients lose weight. Dr. Horgan, who is the director of minimally invasive surgery at the UC San Diego Health System, explained in a press statement that the procedure is “a new choice for patients who are more than 30 pounds overweight.” (A patient must have a BMI of at least 27 to qualify.)

The procedure involves folding the stomach so that the volume is reduced by up to 70%. “Patients can expect to lose up to 2 pounds per week following the procedure,” Horgan says. Post op patients are generally hospitalized for one to two days and are able to return to normal activities within a week.

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Invendo Medical, a company with offices in Garden City, NY and Kissing, Germany, received FDA 510(k) clearance to make available its innovative colonoscope in the U.S.

Unlike traditional endoscopic devices, the C20 colonoscopy system utilizes a motorized mechanism to move the scope along its route in a controlled manner.

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