• Baxter International (Deerfield, Illinois) said the FDA has expanded the indication of ARTISS [Fibrin Sealant (Human)] to include adhering tissue flaps during facial rhytidectomy surgery (face-lift). ARTISS is a premixed, ready-to-use fibrin sealant specifically indicated for tissue adherence in facial rhytidectomy (face-lift) and burn surgeries. It was first approved by the FDA in 2008 to adhere autologous skin grafts to surgically prepared wound beds resulting from burns in adult and pediatric populations one year of age or older. In traditional face-lift procedures, sutures are used to close the flap of skin at its edge, often leaving a space underneath the tissue that can lead to post-operative complications. ARTISS sets within 60 seconds, giving surgeons time to manipulate and accurately position the skin flap. ARTISS contains blood plasma proteins essential to clot formation. ARTISS is a two-component fibrin sealant made from pooled human plasma. When combined, the two components, Sealer Protein (Human) and Thrombin (Human), mimic the final stage of the blood coagulation cascade.

• Caliper Life Sciences (Hopkinton, Massachusetts) reported the availability of the IVIS Spectrum CT, a preclinical imaging system that integrates, into a single instrument system, advanced optical imaging and low dose microCT (micro computed tomography). Spectrum CT enables simultaneous molecular and anatomical longitudinal studies, providing researchers with vital, unparalleled insights into complex biological systems in small animal models used to develop new, clinically translatable discoveries. A broad array of applications exist for the new instrument, with musculoskeletal, vascular, oncology, phenotyping, cardiovascular and respiratory disease among those areas particularly enabled by the integration of optical and microCT imaging. The Spectrum CT expands upon the versatility and advanced optical features of the Caliper IVIS and Maestro platforms, the leading preclinical optical imaging technologies with over 1250 instruments placed worldwide. The system offers sensitive optical molecular imaging integrated with complementary, ultra-fast, low-dose microCT anatomical imaging. Features include optical sensitivity capable of achieving detection of a few cells and 3-D reconstructions of optical molecular bioluminescence and fluorescence signals, integrated with 3-D anatomical microCT images.

• DSM (Berkeley, California) reported a collaboration with vascular catheter developer and manufacturer PendraCare resulting in the launch of the Primum guiding catheters. PendraCare uses ComfortCoat hydrophilic coating, a DSM technology, in its line of Primum guiding catheters. The hydrophilic coating aids in smooth catheter introduction and positioning by lowering friction in tortuous and calcified anatomy and reducing the risk of vessel wall trauma, while significantly extending Primum guiding catheter's effectiveness over prolonged procedure times. The no slip-stick effect results in more accurate positioning in ostial lesions and reduced catheter friction results in real 1:1 torque control of the tip. The properties and characteristics that DSM's proprietary ComfortCoat coating provide include excellent lubricity, superior durability and adhesion as well as proven biocompatibility thereby making it an excellent material choice for catheters and guidewires in vascular, neurological, urinary and other applications.