• Biotronik (Berlin) reported the print publication of “Reduction of Right Ventricular Pacing with Advanced Atrioventricular Search Hysteresis: Results of the PREVENT Study,“ by Christof Kolb, MD, et al, on behalf of the PREVENT study group in Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology (PACE). PREVENT was a prospective, randomized, international, crossover study enrolling 202 patients with a goal to evaluate whether an enhanced atrioventricular search hysteresis (AVSH) with a longer search interval has an increased benefit in terms of %VP reduction over standard AVSH in patients with a class I pacemaker indication. The enhanced AVSH technology from Biotronik, called the Intrinsic Rhythm Support (IRSplus) algorithm, incorporates two different functions: the first is scan hysteresis, which better enables the heart to pace on its own by periodically extending the search time for its natural pacing stimulus (the intrinsic AV conduction) over six consecutive atrial cycles. The second is the repetitive hysteresis, which recognizes when the heart is not pacing on its own (a consistent loss of intrinsic AV conduction lasting for six consecutive atrial cycles) and switches the mode of the device from extended to basic atrioventricular delay.

• Delcath Systems (New York) reported top-line results from the metastatic colorectal (adenocarcinoma) cohort of the phase II clinical trial of the Delcath chemosaturation system with melphalan in the treatment of patients with unresectable liver cancer. The company also confirmed plans to initiate a new Phase II single-arm study in the second half of 2012. The new study is intended to evaluate the efficacy of Delcath's chemosaturation system and its next-generation high efficiency filter in patients with colorectal cancer that is metastatic to the liver and is refractory to first line systemic chemotherapy. Delcath is a development stage specialty pharmaceutical and device company focused on oncology.

• Iridex (Mountain View, California) reported the introduction of its new XP Module – a high-power factory-installed option for the Iridex IQ 532 green laser system. The IQ 532 XP is a multifunctional device that can be utilized by both ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeons and ophthalmologists – expanding overall use and making a laser investment more attractive. The optional XP module doubles the power of the standard Iridex IQ 532, facilitating the rapid and efficient treatment of tissue while limiting unwanted thermal effects and provides ENT surgeons with a portable KTP 532 nm laser system that is optimized for their clinical needs. Our IQ 532 products are small, portable, depot serviced, and solid state semiconductor-based laser systems. Some notable features include a modern touch screen user interface, wireless foot switch control, and voice confirmation.

• Philips Electronics (Amsterdam, the Netherlands) reported the introduction of ClearVue, what the company calls a family of ultrasound solutions featuring innovative technology, smart design and ease of use to make high quality imaging available to a wider range of clinicians. The system features Active Array technology, a solution that harnesses the power of larger ultrasound systems, enabling 2-D, color and Doppler image quality for increased diagnostic confidence.

• Rexam Healthcare (Buffalo Grove, Illinois) has received FDA approval for its passive safety device for staked prefilled syringes – Safe'n'Sound. The device is designed to protect workers in the health sector from needle injuries and contamination from blood borne pathogens. The passive Safe'n'Sound device provides protection against the risks of being pricked by a soiled needle through a protective sheath which activates automatically once the medicine has been administered, the company claims. Rexam Healthcare makes packaging for containers and closures, drug delivery devices, metering pumps and valves and medical components to improve patients' health.