• Axis Three (Los Angeles) reported the general availability of the Portrait 3D Breast, a simulation software based on physics-driven tissue typing. This is the fifth generation of the Portrait 3D product. Axis Three says that its Tissue Behavior Simulation (TBS) technology accurately combines breast and tissue-type characterizations with specific implants from implant manufacturers catalogues. These unique algorithms will now allow surgeons to use the patient's specific body attributes, such as their parenchyma, glandular contribution and skin elasticity, when simulating various procedures.

• Endologix (Irvine, California) reported positive data from a clinical trial of the Powerlink Suprarenal Proximal Extension System. The Powerlink Suprarenal Proximal Extension is designed with an open cell stent extending above the graft material to allow the physician to position the device at the proximal landing zone without obstructing renal arteries. The device is available in multiple diameters and lengths and can treat patients with aortic necks up to 32 millimeters in diameter. President/CEO John McDermott said, "The Powerlink System includes the only available unibody stent graft for the treatment of AAA that facilitates anatomical fixation. The availability of proximal extensions in suprarenal or infrarenal configuration gives physicians a clinical choice for the treatment of a wide range of patient anatomies, including large diameter aortic necks."

• Med-Vantage (San Francisco) said it has updated its consumer transparency software for 2009, forwarding its commitment to outpace the growing needs of health plans by continuing to offer innovative software solutions that exceed tomorrow's needs today. The Med-Vantage HealthSmart Enhanced Provider Directory v3.0 provides additional access to quality and cost provider information that builds on its already successful reputation of engaging consumers with credible content needed to support provider search and decision-making.

• Surgical Information Systems (SIS; Atlanta) has introduced the SIS Trax, a tissue management solution that tracks the full tissue lifecycle and provides the means for hospitals to standardize their processes for acquiring, receiving, storing, and allocating tissues. The company says the SIS Trax manages tissue in a manner that enables hospitals to improve patient safety, optimize revenue, reduce costs and ensure compliance by managing tissues to the highest standards. SIS Trax enables hospital staff to track tissues from receipt to final disposition. The Web-based system uses a customizable dashboard along with rules and alerts to manage inventory, monitor tissue expirations and automate routine attestations. Serialized tissues can be allocated to a case with minimal effort, enabling clinicians to document detailed patient, procedure and tissue implantation information seamlessly. Because the product i.d. is linked to the clinical record, the information is readily available in the event of a recall or adverse reaction.

• Sunquest Information Systems (Tucson, Arizona) has received FDA clearance for the newest edition of its Sunquest Blood Bank software application. The new version incorporates enhanced functionality for patient safety and is a key component of Sunquest's integrated closed-loop blood-administration system. Blood Bank is integrated with Sunquest's positive patient ID specimen collection and transfusion management components. Customers report that collection and administration errors are reduced to zero when using the system and workflow-process improvements expedite the time to diagnosis and treatment by decreasing the sample-collection and result reporting turnaround times.