• Ecolab (St. Paul, Minnesota) reported the introduction of the FlexMount dispenser, a new system that allows placement of hand sanitizers closer to the patient. FlexMount features an adjustable clamp that can attach to surfaces ranging from 3/4 of an inch to 1-1/2 inches in diameter. The clamp can also turn for mounting on horizontal or vertical surfaces in the patient's room including IV poles, bed rails, footboards, carts and other equipment.

• PLC Systems (Franklin, Massachusetts) said it has received full approval from FDA for its U.S. pivotal trial to study the effectiveness of the RenalGuard System and associated therapy in the prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). RenalGuard is based on existing pre-clinical study data that suggests that initiating and maintaining high urine output during imaging procedures allows the body to rapidly eliminate toxins in contrast media, reducing their harmful effects. RenalGuard is a real-time matched fluid replacement device intended for interventional cardiology and radiology patients undergoing imaging procedures using contrast media. CIN is the third-most-common cause of in-hospital acute renal failure. It is associated with significant in-hospital mortality rates, and increases in long-term mortality rates, major in-hospital adverse cardiac events, and the risk of having to undergo renal dialysis therapy.

• Terumo Interventional Systems (Somerset, New Jersey) reported the launch of Optitorque, its new line of coronary diagnostic catheters, featuring the Tiger and Jacky tip shapes designed and cleared specifically for transradial procedures. With a clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation, the Tiger and Jacky tip shapes enable angiography of both the RCA and LCA with one catheter. This eliminates the catheter exchange step and can potentially shorten procedure and fluoroscopic time. Terumo said that with its double-braided stainless steel mesh middle layer for superior (1:1) torque control and large lumen for high flow of contrast, the Optitorque's construction is the key to its outstanding performance.

• U-Systems (San Jose, California) reported its plans to conduct a multi-center breast cancer screening study named somo•InSIGHT, with more than 20,000 women, using its Automated Breast Ultrasound System (ABUS). The study will evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of X-ray mammography (XRM) and ABUS together, as compared to XRM alone, as a breast cancer screening method in women with greater than 50% parenchymal density.