World's first stent for obstructive veins
COOK Medical has launched the world's first stent designed and approved specifically to treat symptomatic iliofemoral venous outflow obstruction. The Zilver Vena Venous Self-Expanding Stent has received CE Mark approval and is now available to physicians across the UK and Europe. “We are proud to launch this important product as it offers physicians and their patients a good option to treat obstructive veins,” said Andy Foerster, EMEA leader of Cook Medical's peripheral intervention division. Each year, an estimated one in 1,000 people will experience venous thromboembolism (VTE) for the first time. More than 50% of patients who develop nonfatal VTE will go on to develop post-thrombotic syndrome with symptoms such as skin discoloration, pain and swelling2. This post-thrombotic syndrome results from chronic scarring of the thrombosed veins, resulting in venous outflow obstruction and venous hypertension. Based on Cook’s existing Zilver technology, Zilver Vena is designed to address many of the challenges of stenting diseased veins, which are very different from diseased arteries and require a stent with strong radial force, good flexibility and large diameters. Dr Gerard O’Sullivan, interventional radiologist at University College Hospital Galway, Ireland, said: “Until now, physicians who recognise the benefits of venous stenting have been forced to adopt off-label use of stents designed for the arteries. This is challenging because, compared with arteries, veins have less muscle in the wall to keep them open and also have much higher elastic recoil, which tends to close them down unless you use a stent with high radial force.”
Philips launches new ultrasound range
A NEW family of ultrasound solutions has been launched by Royal Philips Electronics. The ClearVue range features an Active Array system, which moves key technology from the system to the transducer, resulting in enhanced image quality in both 2D and colour, lighter-weight cabling and increased transducer reliability. “Global healthcare cost pressure and ongoing technological developments are driving increased opportunities for ultrasound,” said Conrad Smits, senior vice president of Philips Healthcare and general manager for Philips Ultrasound. “There is a growing global focus on cost-effective systems, smaller footprints and easier operation with improved clinical functionality. ClearVue has been specifically designed with this in mind.”
Welsh physio invents new compression device
A LYMPHOEDEMA physiotherapist from Wales has designed a new compression garment to benefit head and neck patients suffering from swelling following the removal of lymph nodes. Jodie Reynolds, a Macmillan lymphoedema rehabilitation physiotherapist at Singleton Hospital in Swansea, sent her design to American company, Solaris, which produced it for her and have included it in their catalogue. She said: “What began as something simply to help my patients will now be available to lymphoedema patients worldwide. The previous style was too claustrophobic. My design enables the patient to receive the compression they need without restricting their activities or covering their head almost entirely. The feedback I have had from patients has been really positive. Nobody has complained they have to wear it. It is producing great results and the patients are a lot happier and more comfortable.”
Telecare centre goes Platinum
TUNSTALL Response has been awarded Platinum level status by the Telecare Services Association. The call centre currently monitors around 120,000 telecare connections 24 hours a day, seven days a week from its base in Doncaster, with an average of 4,000 calls a day being received by operators. A core performance standard in meeting the criteria for platinum status was that at least 98.5% of these emergency calls were consistently answered in under 30 seconds. Ruth Duckels, response operations manager at the centre, said: “For such a large monitoring centre to achieve Platinum status is a real achievement. This is testament to the hard work of all our 100 members of staff. It is important to all of us that we provide our customers with the very best service possible, and this award is recognition of exactly that.”
Bug-busting patient chair
A NEW bug-busting patient chair has been launched by Teal Furniture. Designed by Tim Wallace, the Salus Patient Chair has an antibacterial surface and comprises only five parts, with no stitching or fabric joins. In addition the frame is encased in Medipur, which helps to eliminate surfaces around the side and under the chair that normally trap dust. Already ordered by Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust for installation later this year, the chair is designed for general wards and specialist areas.
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Canon Europe has launched a new camera adapted specifically for ophthalmic photography. The CR-2 Plus is a non mydriatic retinal camera with fundus autofluorescence (FAF) capabilities for the diagnosis of retinal disease. FAF technology has been found in trials to aid the diagnosis of a number of conditions and can even detect some intraocular tumours.
Hampshire medical device developer, Microsulis Medical, has ploughed £250,000 into a new in-house production and packaging facility.
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Karma Lightweight Mobility has launched a new wheelchair, which it claims is the lightest on the market. The crash-tested Ergo Light weighs 8.3kg and features include pressure redistributors and a three-stage braking system.
Q Core will launch its Sapphire infusion drug delivery pump later this year. Featuring a colour touchscreen, the device indicates treatment parameters and provides differing alarm notifications to improve implementation of diverse treatments and programmes.