GAINESVILLE, Fla. --- Scientists have shed new light -- literally -- on a possible way to starve cancer tumors or prevent side effects from a wide range of drugs.
A lock-like molecule designed by University of Florida chemistry researchers clasps or unclasps based on exposure to light. In laboratory tests, the chemists put the lock on an enzyme involved in blood clotting. They then exposed the enzyme to visible and ultraviolet light. The clasp opened and closed, clotting the blood or letting it flow.
The results suggest that the biological hardware could one day be used to prevent the formation of tiny blood vessels that feed tumors. The little lock could also be placed in drugs, giving doctors the ability to release them only on diseased cells, tissues or organs -- maximizing their efficacy while preventing side effects from damage to healthy tissue. Endoscopic lights inserted into the patient could unlock the drugs when desired -- or, the drugs could be activated by simply exposing the skin nearest the targets to near-infrared light, which penetrates the skin.
Full Article >> http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-03/uof-cl032509.php
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Chemists: Light-activated 'lock' can control blood clotting, drug delivery
UPDATE 1-US drops charges against orthopedic device makers
CHICAGO, March 30 (Reuters) - The U.S. Department of Justice said on Monday it dismissed criminal charges against four orthopedic device makers accused of making improper payments to surgeons who used their products.
The U.S. Attorney's Office in Newark, New Jersey, said it dismissed the complaints against Zimmer Holdings Inc (ZMH.N), Johnson & Johnson's (JNJ.N) DePuy unit, privately held Biomet Inc and Smith & Nephew Plc (SN.L) after the companies completed the terms of monitoring and deferred prosecution agreements with the government.
The complaints against the companies, filed in September 2007, alleged criminal violations of the federal anti-kickback statute.
Full article >> http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idINN3036047120090330?rpc=44
The MedTech Group Acquires TDC Medical
(4/1/2009) - The MedTech Group is pleased to announce the acquisition of TDC Medical. This new partnership combines 30 years of MedTech’s experience and success in plastic technology and medical product manufacturing with TDC’s reputation for excellence in medical product design, development and intellectual property creation. “The combination of The MedTech Group and TDC Medical brings forth unparalleled customer service, world-class product engineering and cutting edge manufacturing know-how and technology” said George Blank, MedTech’s President. He continued, “We intend to combine both companies’ passion for customer satisfaction to support the needs of emerging and established OEM customers in the medical marketplace.”
TDC Medical has design and development facilities in Marlborough, MA, Sunnyvale, CA and Boulder, CO. MedTech has manufacturing facilities in South Plainfield and Middlesex, NJ, West Haven, CT, Vega Baja, Puerto Rico and Heredia, Costa Rica.
The managements from both companies are excited about the merger due to shared similar ethical cultures, exclusive focus on the healthcare field and concentration on customer success
MicroTransponder Closes $2.2 Million Funding Round to Develop a Wireless Neurostimulation System for Chronic Pain
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 31, 2009--MicroTransponder Inc., a privately held medical device company, announced today that it has closed a $2.2M Series A round of funding, which brings the total investment to over $4.85M in the last 11 months. MicroTransponder is developing a wireless neurostimulation system for the treatment of chronic pain and several other neurological indications. The minimally invasive system will provide relief from chronic pain without requiring an implanted battery or wires. Patients experiencing chronic pain will have an effective treatment using a significantly smaller and less invasive device. Over 30 Million Americans report severe chronic pain symptoms and the market for neurostimulation is currently $1.4 Billion annually. In addition to private funding, MicroTransponder has received an award from the Texas Emerging Technology Fund and three separate NIH SBIR grants, providing independent scientific validation of the technology.
Press release >> http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/elpasotimes/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20090331005372&newsLang=en
Navilyst Medical receives European patent for catheter slit valves for medical fluid infusion
PUB. NUMBER
EP2039388
Appl. Data
EP200819696A 20020408
NAVILYST MEDICAL INC
Haarala, Brett, T.
Driscoll, Arthur
TITLE
Catheter slit valves
ABSTRACT
Disclosed are improved catheter slit valves for medical fluid infusion and aspiration. The improved catheter slit valves use nonradial slits to address the problems found with conventional radial slit valves. The improved catheter slit valves also use radial and nonradial slits in combination with each other, protuberances, and caps to enhance the operation of the valves. Also disclosed are catheters with multiple slit valves, compound slit valves, multiple lumens, or combinations thereof. The catheters disclosed are made of biocompatible materials, such as polyurethanes, silicones, polyethylenes, nylons, polyesters, and polyester elastomers.
Doctors at Henry Ford Health System Treat Ovarian, Prostate, Lung, and Other Forms of Cancer Using Novalis Tx(TM) Platform for Image-Guided Radiosurge
Non-invasive treatments make it possible for some cancer patients to avoid the risks of surgery
DETROIT, April 1 (HSMN NewsFeed) -- Feeling robust and energetic, Marianne Henn, 68, was on her way to Florida to escape the Michigan cold. She had completed a course of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for recurrent ovarian cancer just two days earlier, and her doctor, Kenneth Levin, MD, had no qualms about authorizing the trip.
"It thrilled me, that we could complete her treatment one day, and send her flying off to Florida two days later," said Dr. Levin, who is the director of radiation oncology at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital, one of seven hospitals that comprise the Henry Ford Health System, one of the leading health care providers in the Midwest.Using Novalis Tx(TM) technologies from Varian Medical Systems and BrainLAB, Dr. Levin delivered a course of image-guided SBRT, a form of non-invasive treatment that uses precisely-shaped radiation beams to target tumors from outside the body.
Read More >> http://salesandmarketingnetwork.com/news_release.php?pipe=0000ac177000191&ID=2027718
Abbott Initiates U.S. Study of Absolute Pro(TM) Peripheral Stent System for Iliac Artery Disease
MOBILITY trial showcases company's leadership in developing innovative endovascular treatment options
ABBOTT PARK, Ill., April 1 (HSMN NewsFeed) -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT) today announced the initiation of MOBILITY, a clinical trial studying the safety and efficacy of the Absolute Pro(TM) Peripheral Self-Expanding Stent System in patients with iliac artery disease. Iliac artery disease is a form of peripheral artery disease (PAD) that affects the lower extremities. The first patient was enrolled into the MOBILITY trial by John Campbell, M.D., assistant professor of surgery and medicine, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Charleston Division, at the Charleston Area Medical Center in Charleston, W. Va.
"Iliac artery occlusive disease has the potential not only to have a significant impact on a patient's ability to carry on daily activities, but it also can be an early sign of plaque buildup in other parts of the body," said Manish Mehta, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, director of Endovascular Services, The Vascular Institute for Health and Disease, Albany Medical Center in Albany, N.Y., and co-principal investigator of the MOBILITY trial. "The lower extremity discomfort and fatigue with walking and exercise caused by this debilitating disease can tremendously impact a patient's overall quality of life, making it critical to find effective treatments. Data from the MOBILITY trial will be an important addition to iliac stenting research."
Full article >> http://salesandmarketingnetwork.com/news_release.php?pipe=0000ac177000191&ID=2027709
New Clinical Study Shows Masimo PVI(TM) Accurately Predicts Fluid Responsiveness in the ICUFirst Study to Expand PVI Utility Beyond the OR
Presented at the 29th International Symposium on Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine in Brussels
IRVINE, Calif., March 31 (HSMN NewsFeed) -- Masimo (Nasdaq: MASI ), the inventor of Pulse CO-Oximetry(TM) and Measure-Through Motion and Low-Perfusion pulse oximetry, announced today that a new independent clinical study demonstrates Masimo PVI to be an "accurate index of fluid responsiveness" for critical care patients in the intensive care unit (ICU).(1) The study, presented at the 29th International Symposium on Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine on March 25, 2009, in Brussels, Belgium, is the first to show the potential value of Masimo PVI to predict fluid responsiveness beyond the operating room (OR) into the ICU.
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Stanford Study on CyberKnife Radiosurgery for Prostate Cancer Demonstrates 100 Percent PSA Response at 33 months
Prior Studies Demonstrate Frequency of Prostate Motion, Supporting Need for the CyberKnife System's Real-Time Tracking to Spare Surrounding Sensitive Structures
SUNNYVALE, Calif., March 31 (HSMN NewsFeed) -- Accuray Incorporated (Nasdaq: ARAY ), a global leader in the field of radiosurgery, announced today publication of the results from a prospective clinical study on CyberKnife radiosurgery for prostate cancer, which was published in the March 15, 2009 issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics - also known as the Red Journal.
The study, led by Christopher King, M.D. at the Stanford University School of Medicine, treated 41 low-risk prostate cancer patients using CyberKnife radiosurgery. Continual image guidance was used to verify target position throughout the procedure allowing the team to precisely deliver very high doses of radiation in five short treatments. At a median follow-up of 33 months, no patient experienced a PSA recurrence and early side effects were no worse than other prostate cancer therapies.
Full article >> http://salesandmarketingnetwork.com/news_release.php?pipe=0000ac177000191&ID=2027699
Invatec Introduces AMPHIRION DEEP Long Balloon to More Easily Access and Treat Arteries Below the Knee
Recent FDA 510(k) Clearance Extends Invatec’s Balloon Catheter Line
BETHLEHEM, Pa.--(HSMN NewsFeed)--Invatec, a comprehensive innovator of interventional products, today announced that it has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market its Amphirion Deep 150 mm Long PTA Balloon and Tapered 210 mm Long PTA Balloon in the United States. The Amphirion Deep Long Balloons join the preexisting Amphirion Deep family of dedicated below the knee (BTK) PTA catheters, which are specifically designed to reach, access and treat arteries below the knee
Full text >> http://salesandmarketingnetwork.com/news_release.php?pipe=0000ac177000191&ID=2027696
Prostate Cancer Patients in US and Europe Receive Treatments Using Enhanced Seed Prostate Brachytherapy Software
Varian's VariSeed(TM) 8.0 Offers Advantages in Simplifying Dose Planning and Identifying Seed Positions, according to Clinicians
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., March 31 (HSMN NewsFeed) -- Prostate cancer patients have begun receiving brachytherapy using new treatment planning software that enables improvements in the precision and speed of the treatment process. VariSeed(TM) 8.0 from Varian Medical Systems (NYSE: VAR ) is an updated version of the company's market-leading treatment planning software for Low Dose Rate (LDR) brachytherapy in which radiation doses are delivered by implanting seeds within the prostate.
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St. Jude Medical and GE Healthcare Announce Worldwide Market Launch of Wireless Integrated FFR Solution
UPPSALA, Sweden & WAUKESHA, Wis. & ST. PAUL, Minn.--(HSMN NewsFeed)--St. Jude Medical, Inc. (NYSE:STJ ) and GE Healthcare today announced the worldwide commercial launch of the first fully integrated wireless solution for the measurement of Fractional Flow The new FFR solution, seamlessly integrated into existing cathlab infrastructure, will enable physicians and cathlab staff immediate access to FFR measurement without time consuming setup.
The new FFR solution, seamlessly integrated into existing cathlab infrastructure, will enable physicians and cathlab staff immediate access to FFR measurement without time consuming setup.The solution is based on the PressureWire® Aeris technology and an FFR upgrade package available for the XT and XTi system configurations of GE’s Mac-Lab® hemodynamic recording system, a system used to record and display physiological parameters in the coronary cathlab. PressureWire Aeris was developed and marketed by Radi Medical Systems, which was acquired in December 2008 by St. Jude Medical and is now part of the Company’s Cardiovascular Division.
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Study Shows Stereotactic Biopsy System Delivers Greater Accuracy in Detecting Cancer and Planning for Targeted Prostate Cancer Therapies
ATLANTA, GA and MOBILE, AL--(HSMN NewsFeed)--Mar 27, 2009 -- Urologists convening this week at the Southeast Conference of the American Urological Association (AUA) in Mobile will deliver results from a study of a prostate biopsy targeting method that guides accurate and reproducible prostate biopsies. Additionally, the preliminary data shows that the stereotactic biopsy system, called TargetScan, may be used to guide delivery of targeted, focal prostate cancer therapies.
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SenoRx Announces CE Mark to Commercialize Contura(tm) MLB in Europe
IRVINE, Calif., March 26, 2009 -- (HSMN NewsFeed) -- SenoRx (NasdaqGM:SENO ) today announced that it has received the right to apply the CE Mark to its Contura(tm) MLB short-term breast radiation balloon catheter. The multi-lumen radiation balloon delivers radiation to the tissue surrounding a lumpectomy cavity following surgery for breast cancer. The CE Mark applies to both the original size Contura MLB, which is designed for lumpectomy cavities of 4 to 5 centimeters in diameter, as well as the more recently cleared, larger-size Contura Shape Select(r) MLB designed for cavities ranging from 4.5 to 6 centimeters. The CE Mark is required for sales in countries within the European Economic Community. SenoRx had previously announced the receipt of 510(k) clearance in the United States for the original Contura in May 2007 and for the larger-size Contura in July 2008.
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Friday, March 20, 2009
GE’s First Portable ECG, “Medical Texting,” Arrive in US
WAUWATOSA, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 13, 2009--Medical testing meets medical “texting” with the US Food and Drug Administration clearance of GE Healthcare’s latest ECG (electrocardiogram) solution, the portable MAC 800, based on cell phone technology. Targeting physician’s offices and the pharmaceutical industry, GE’s entry into the portable ECG market is as practical as it is innovative.
Originally developed and introduced in China, for China in 2008, the lightweight portable device combines the keypad of a phone with a full-size color display and world-class diagnostic software to help clinicians shape the future of healthcare in regions across the world.
Full text >> http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS111212+13-Mar-2009+BW20090313
Olympus Medical Systems in Collaboration with Medinol Ltd. Announces the Release of the X-Suit NIR(R), a Biliary Metallic Stent
Expanding the Business of EndoTherapy Devices Through the Metallic Stent Market in Europe, the US and Parts of Asia
HAMBURG, Germany--(HSMN NewsFeed)--Olympus Medical Systems Corporation, in collaboration with Medinol Ltd., announces the release of the X-Suit NIR(R), a biliary metallic stent featuring exceptional anatomic conformability. This device will launch in Europe and parts of Asia on March 27, 2009 followed by the US on April 24, 2009. In Japan and other territories the product will be launched after obtaining marketing approval from the regulatory authorities. The president of Olympus Medical Systems Corporation, Haruhito Morishima, declared: “I am pleased to announce that we will soon be launching a new metallic stent which is an essential component of endoscopic treatment for biliary duct lesions. This product is the fruit of years of groundwork in collaboration with an Israeli company, Medinol. The product offers both excellent radial force and flexibility, which are crucial requirements for the stents. We can confidently recommend this high-quality stent system to our customers.”
Press release >> http://salesandmarketingnetwork.com/news_release.php?pipe=0000ac177000191&ID=2027577
LUMEDX Launches New Interventional Radiology Software
IR Solution for Electronic Procedure Records, Billing and Inventory, and JCAHO Compliance
OAKLAND, Calif., March 19 (HSMN NewsFeed) -- LUMEDX Corporation, a leading provider of fully integrated medical imaging and information systems, introduces new software to collect interventional radiology procedural information at the point of care: http://www.lumedx.com/IR/
Delivering comprehensive data capture for both general and vascular procedures, the Interventional Radiology module automatically documents JCAHO and patient safety performance measures. This new solution is the first commercial software to offer sophisticated, integrated tools for this vital service line, and was designed to meet hospitals' clinical--and business--objectives.
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Harvard Study Favors Cayenne Medical's AperFix Technology for Reconstruction of Torn ACL
"Single-Tunnel, Double-Bundle" Technique Shown to More Closely Resemble Intact ACL than "Single-Bundle" Technique
BOSTON--(HSMN NewsFeed)--Cayenne Medical, Inc., a privately held sports medicine company based in Scottsdale, announced today that a new Harvard clinical study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine (AJSM) found that Cayenne’s AperFix(R) System and "Single Tunnel, Double Bundle™" ACL reconstruction technique better resembles the natural, intact ACL when compared to the more common, "Single-Bundle" technique.
The study, titled "Biomechanical Comparison of Single-Tunnel, Double-Bundle and Single-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructions," appears in the current issue of AJSM and was authored by Hemanth R. Gadikota, MS, Jong Keun Seon, MD, Michal Kozanek, MD, Luke S. Oh, MD, Thomas J. Gill, MD, and Guoan Li, PhD, all from the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School; and Kenneth D. Montgomery, MD, of Tri-County Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine in Morristown, New Jersey.
Breast-Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI) Can Reduce the Number of Unnecessary Breast Biopsies When Compared to MRI
Pivotal Study Presented at Interdisciplinary Breast Center Conference
NEWPORT NEWS, Va., March 18 (HSMN NewsFeed) -- Women that require additional diagnostic imaging after a questionable mammogram may be at risk for unnecessary biopsies when only magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is offered, according to a new study presented at the 19th Annual National Interdisciplinary Breast Center Conference in Las Vegas.
"Our goal was to see if BSGI could be used to improve upon the specificity of MRI, and also reduce the number of biopsies. The study is important because with the addition of BSGI, we could eliminate the need for 50 percent of biopsies or possibly change a patient's decision to have more radical surgery," said Dr. Leora Lanzkowsky, Director of Women's Imaging, CHW - Nevada Imaging Centers in Las Vegas.
Full article >> http://salesandmarketingnetwork.com/news_release.php?pipe=0000ac177000191&ID=2027562
Flexible Stenting Solutions, Inc. Announces IDE Submission for FlexStent(R) Femoropopliteal Self Expanding Stent System
EATONTOWN, N.J.--(HSMN NewsFeed)--Flexible Stenting Solutions Inc. (“FSS”), a leading developer of next generation peripheral arterial stents has submitted an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) application to the FDA for its FlexStent(R) Femoropopliteal SE Stent System for the treatment of peripheral artery disease in the superficial femoral and popliteal arteries. This next generation femoropopliteal stent and delivery system can significantly improve patient care in the high growth peripheral vascular segment.
While stent procedures have become widespread in the treatment of coronary arterial disease, their use in the more challenging peripheral vascular disease setting had been limited in the last several years by inadequate stent design. The fully connected flexible FlexStent(R) has coupled technology with clinical needs by providing a highly durable and fatigue resistant stent. The FlexStent(R) has superior radial stiffness, as well as excellent conformability to and mobility with the treated vessel. The delivery system provides simplicity, ease-of-use and accurate, uniform stent placement for the vascular interventionalist.
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Edwards Lifesciences Completes Enrollment in Non-Surgical Study Arm of U.S. Clinical Trial for Transcatheter Valve
IRVINE, CA--(HSMN NewsFeed)--Mar 17, 2009 -- Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE:EW ), the world leader in the science of heart valves, today announced completion of enrollment in the 350-patient non-surgical study arm of its U.S. pivotal trial -- known as the PARTNER Trial -- for the Edwards SAPIEN transcatheter aortic heart valve.
"Reaching this milestone is a significant achievement for the subset of patients suffering from severe aortic stenosis who can't tolerate conventional aortic valve replacement. Without a transcatheter heart valve, they have no definitive treatment options for addressing their valve disease," said Craig Smith, M.D., interim surgeon-in-chief and chief of cardiothoracic surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, the Calvin F. Barber Professor of Surgery at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and co-principal investigator for the trial.
Full article >> http://salesandmarketingnetwork.com/news_release.php?pipe=0000ac177000191&ID=2027554
OrbusNeich Files Patent Infringement Lawsuit Against Boston Scientific
FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. and HONG KONG, March 16 (HSMN NewsFeed) -- OrbusNeich Medical, Inc. ("Orbus" or the "Company"), a designer, developer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative medical devices for the treatment of vascular diseases, today announced that it has filed a lawsuit against Boston Scientific Corporation ("BSC"). The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, asserts claims against BSC for patent infringement, breach of contract and for misappropriation of trade secrets. The suit seeks unspecified monetary damages and injunctive relief in connection with its claims.
Orbus is the owner by assignment of all right, title, and interest in U.S. Patent No. 7,329,277 entitled "Stent Having Helical Elements" and U.S. Patent No. 6,821,292 entitled "Crimpable Intraluminal Endoprosthesis Having Helical Elements." In its complaint Orbus alleges, among other things, that BSC has infringed these two Orbus patents relating to its proprietary luminal stent technology.
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Cordis Corporation Announces Head-to-Head Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing the NEVO Sirolimus-Eluting Coronary Stent to the XIENCE Stent
BRIDGEWATER, N.J.--(HSMN NewsFeed)--Cordis Corporation, a worldwide leader in the field of interventional cardiology, announced plans today to launch a global, head-to-head, randomized clinical trial called NEVO II which will compare the NEVO(TM) Sirolimus-eluting Coronary Stent to the XIENCE V(TM) Everolimus-eluting Coronary Stent. Cordis Corporation and Conor Medsystems, LLC are sponsors of the study. NEVO(TM) is the first and only drug-eluting stent utilizing a unique reservoir (RES) technology, which Cordis acquired from Conor Medsystems, LLC in 2007, and incorporates hundreds of small reservoirs, each acting as a depot into which drug-polymer compositions are loaded. This revolutionary design allows drug delivery from a stent with a surface that is 75 percent bare metal upon insertion and becomes fully bare metal following drug delivery and polymer bioresorption in approximately three months.
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CytRx's Arimoclomol Demonstrates Statistically Significant Neurorestorative Results in a Preclinical Embolic Stroke Trial
Data Supports Previous Preclinical Results Indicating Improvement in Stroke Recovery Following Oral Arimoclomol Administration
LOS ANGELES--(HSMN NewsFeed)--CytRx Corporation (NASDAQ:CYTR ), a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the development and commercialization of human therapeutics, today announced data from an animal stroke trial indicating that treatment with its molecular chaperone amplifier drug candidate, arimoclomol, initiated at either six, 10, 24 or 48 hours post-stroke, demonstrated neurorestorative ability based on multiple behavioral tests measuring motor and sensory recovery.
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New Clinical Study Finds Masimo Rainbow SET(R) Pulse CO-Oximetry(TM) Accurate in the Noninvasive Monitoring of Fluid Status During Surgery
UCSF Researchers Presented Study Data Demonstrating the Unique Ability of Masimo PVI(TM) to Reflect Acute Changes in Intravascular Fluid Volume at the International Anesthesia Research Society 83rd Scientific Congress
IRVINE, Calif.,, March 16 (HSMN NewsFeed) -- Masimo (Nasdaq: MASI ), the inventor of Pulse CO-Oximetry and Measure-Through Motion and Low-Perfusion pulse oximetry, today announce that a new clinical study, independently conducted by researchers from the University of California-San Francisco (UCSF), demonstrates that Masimo PVI accurately and reliably reflects acute changes in intravascular fluid volume (preload).(1) The study, presented at the International Anesthesia Research Society (IARS) 83rd Scientific Congress on March 14th in San Diego, Calif., affirms PVI as a highly predictive indicator of patient fluid status.
Assessing whether a patient needs fluid to increase their cardiac index (amount of blood the heart pumps each minute) is one of the biggest challenges anesthesiologists face during surgery. Although fluid administration is critical to optimizing patient status and enabling end organ preservation, unnecessary fluid administration is associated with increased morbidity and mortality(2) and traditional invasive measurements are only 50 to 60% accurate at predicting improvement in cardiac index after volume administration.(3) PVI--a new method for noninvasive and automatic assessment of fluid responsiveness--has been shown in multiple studies to predict fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated patients, helping clinicians to optimize fluid administration and improve patient outcomes.(4-6)
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