• Celera (Alameda, California) said it has received FDA clearance for the ViroSeq HIV-1 Genotyping System Software v2.8. This system is designed to detect mutations in the HIV-1 viral genome that confer drug resistance, and as such, is used as an aid in monitoring and treating HIV-1 infections. Features of the updated software include: the addition in the resistance algorithm of two new drugs, Intelence (etravirine) and Prezista (darunavir) from Tibotec Therapeutics; an update of the resistance algorithm for all currently available protease and reverse transcriptase inhibitors; and, support for the software on Intel-dual processor computers. Celera is a healthcare business delivering personalized disease management.

• Impliant (Princeton, New Jersey) reported that it conducted the first surgery in the U.S. using a less-invasive version of its TOPS system, a total posterior arthroplasty device designed to treat spinal stenosis with or without facet arthrosis and spondylolisthesis. The less-invasive version features a reduced L5 crossbar configuration that the company feels will further reduce tissue retraction and operative time during Tops implantation. The TOPS system is designed to stabilize but not fuse the L3-4 or L4-5 vertebral level to alleviate pain stemming from spinal stenosis with or without degenerative facet arthrosis and spondylolisthesis. Following a laminectomy and medial facetectomy, the device is affixed to the spine via four pedicle screws using a standard posterior surgical approach. Impliant makes spine arthroplasty alternatives to fusion surgery.

• Misonix (Farmingdale, New York) has received FDA clearance to market its Sonatherm 600i high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) soft-tissue ablation system in the U.S., which will be used to ablate certain soft-tissue lesions, excluding the prostate gland, in general surgery. The Sonatherm 600i uses HIFU to ablate tissue intra-operatively or laparoscopically from a focal point back to the surface of the tissue of the lesion, eliminating the need to puncture or otherwise invade the tissue mass. Misonix is a maker of minimally invasive ultrasonic medical device technology.

• Summit Doppler Systems (Golden, Colorado) introduced an upgrade for the Vista AVS, an arterial physiologic exam system with advanced features, one allowing clinicians to perform the ankle brachial index (ABI) exam for the diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in the seated position, the patent-pending Seated ABI. The ABI exam, which compares systolic blood pressures obtained at the ankles and arms, was traditionally performed with the patient in the supine position to prevent error from hydrostatic pressure, making the exam difficult for patients with disabilities or mobility impairments. The new Vista AVS calculates ABI values for seated patients by compensating for the effects of gravity on the lower extremity pressures. Summit makes ultrasound Doppler products.