• Hypertronics (Hudson, Massachusetts) said that its HyperGrip and D series circular connectors were selected by SynCardia Systems (Tucson, Arizona) to provide critical interconnect reliability for their Freedom driver, which is under development and designed to power the CardioWest temporary Total Artificial Heart. Hypertronics says the HyperGrip and D series connectors were chosen because of their reliable electromechanical performance characteristics: high cycle life, low contact resistance, low insertion/extraction force and resistance to shock and vibration. The shape of the contact sleeve is formed by wires strung at an angle to the socket axis. When the pin is inserted into this sleeve, the wires stretch around it, providing a number of linear contact paths, therefore extending the contact area around the pin to 360 degrees. The low mass and resulting low inertia of the wires enable them to withstand the most abrupt or extreme excursions of the pin without loss of contact a critical factor for ensuring electrical integrity in harsh environments and demanding applications.

• Pathway Medical Technologies (Kirkland, Washington) reported the introduction of the 7 French compatible version of its peripheral atherectomy catheter. Jetstream G2 NXT is a peripheral atherectomy catheter designed to remove all kinds of artery-clogging plaque in the lower limbs of patients. It clears blockages in the peripheral vasculature, restores blood flow and effectively treats PAD. Jetstream G2 NXT consists of a sterile, single-use catheter and control pod and a reusable, compact console that mounts to a standard I.V. stand. The catheter has an expandable cutting tip that safely debulks and preemptively removes both hard and soft plaque, as well as calcium, thrombus and fibrotic lesions. An aspiration port located just proximal to the cutting blades continually removes excised tissue and thrombus from the treatment site to a collection bag located on the console. The distal portion of the catheter also possesses infusion ports that provide continuous infusion of sterile saline during the atherectomy procedure. Active aspiration is a safety feature that minimizes the risk of distal embolization.