• Boston Scientific (Natick, Massachusetts) has received FDA clearance to market its SpyScope access and delivery catheter for diagnostic and therapeutic applications during endoscopic procedures in the pancreatico-biliary system. The SpyScope catheter is used in conjunction with the SpyGlass direct visualization system. Previously available for use only in the bile and hepatic ducts, the SpyGlass System can now be used to guide visualization and accessory devices throughout the entire pancreatico-biliary system, enabling physicians to diagnose and treat pancreatic cancer or pre-cancerous tissues.The SpyGlass direct visualization system is a single-operator system developed to overcome the limitations of traditional cholangioscopy systems and reduce the need for exploratory surgery. The SpyGlass is designed to enable physicians to directly visualize the target site, obtain a diagnostic tissue sample with the disposable SpyBite Biopsy Forceps, and deliver therapies such as laser and EHL.

• DSM Biomedical (Geleen, the Netherlands) said it has extended its lubricious ComfortCoat technology platform with the design of a hemocompatible antimicrobial coating to thwart intravascular catheter-related bloodstream infections. The ComfortCoat hydrophilic coatings are applicable for adhesion to a variety of substrates. It is DSM Biomedical's strong belief that this addition to the ComfortCoat technology platform is well suited for central venous and intravenous catheters, including PICC catheters that come into contact with blood and may remain in the body for several days.

• GE Healthcare (Chalfont St. Giles, UK) reported the launch of IN Cell Investigator v1.5 software, the latest addition to the Investigator range of image analysis tools for automated high-content analysis of live and fixed cells. The new features of IN Cell Investigator v1.5 facilitate – Whole Well Analysis: the generation of a panoramic image through image stitching of overlapping images enables the analysis of whole wells, larger cell populations and model organisms; Texture Analysis, for deeper insight into results, particularly for toxicology and cell cycle; 3D-angiogenic tubules formation analysis; and Cell feature tracking to get a temporal perspective of cellular processes.

• iCAD (Nashua, New Hampshire) said it has submitted data to the FDA seeking 510(k) clearance of its VeraLook computer-aided detection (CAD) technology for CT colonography (CTC), or "virtual" colonoscopy. CTC uses advanced visualization technology to produce three-dimensional images that permit a thorough and minimally invasive evaluation of the entire colorectal structure. iCAD's VeraLook product uses advanced algorithms to detect and highlight potential polyps warranting closer review by a radiologist.

• Monteris Medical (Kalamazoo, Michigan) reported that its MRI-guided laser surgery method, the AutoLITT system, has been granted FDA clearance for use in neurosurgery. The first applications of the technology are expected to be for the treatment of otherwise inoperable brain tumors. The AutoLITT System uses an MRI-guided laser probe, passed through a small bur hole in the skull, to deliver laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) to heat and coagulate the tumor from the inside. High-intensity laser energy is applied directly to the tumor, rather than passing through normal tissue, while the MRI measures the temperature inside the brain, showing thermal damage as it happens and facilitating precise control of the treatment. Once coagulated, the treated tumor mass is dead.

• Siemens Corporate Research (SCR; Princeton, New Jersey) has developed the RAPID2 system which marries the power of information technology with today's improved genomic sequencing to quickly identify genomic signatures unique to the set of organisms to be detected. These signatures are the foundation for a new generation of molecular diagnostic tests for the rapid detection of healthcare-associated infections such as the potentially deadly Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. SCR used its new system recently to discover a DNA barcode for detecting the H1N1 Flu after they received the genomic sequences of the virus isolated from infected patients from the National Institute of Health.