• Abbott (Abbott Park, Illinois) reported the launch of the StarClose SE vascular closure system, a next-generation vessel closure device engineered to enable fast, safe and secure closure of the femoral artery access site following a catheterization procedure. Abbott said the StarClose SE advancements include an intuitive, numbered system, providing visual guidance and audible "clicks" for each step leading to clip deployment; immediate vessel closure with deployment of a shape-memory clip onto the surface of an artery, allowing patients to recover and be discharged sooner than with manual compression; and added device stability for the operator during clip deployment. Abbott's vascular division focuses on advancing the treatment of vascular disease.

• CardioDynamics (San Diego) reported the presentation of a significant independent ICG clinical study at the American Society for Hypertension meeting in New Orleans. The study's focus is on the company's impedance cardiography (ICG) technology, and the BioZ noninvasive cardiac monitoring systems. Study results were reported from a 65-physician primary care and cardiology group practice and demonstrated a 102% improvement in blood pressure control rates, with control rates improving from 42% to 88%. More than 76,000 patient visits were included in the analysis. Douglas Magenheim, MD, medical director for PriMed, initially piloted use of the BioZ ICG and found that it "significantly improved" his ability to help achieve appropriate hypertension control. Based upon his experience, the group initially included BioZ ICG in the Hypertension quality process and measured whether, in fact, it would be an effective, value-added step in changing outcomes. CardioDynamics makes ICG products.

• Nuance Communications (Burlington, Massachusetts) reported the introduction of version 5.0 of its Dictaphone PowerScribe for radiology speech-enabled reporting solution. The new product enhancements and integration capabilities are geared to support and improve the radiology workflow process, with a concentrated focus on highly accurate, comprehensive and readily available clinical documentation. Product highlights of the PowerScribe include enhanced voice recognition reduces word error rate by 35%, workflow engine enhancements, system technology upgrades and new graphical user interface. Nuance Communications makes speech solutions.

• Optos (London) has launched an upgraded version of its retinal imaging software, V2 Vantage Dx. Some features include Exact Disk Optic Nerve Enhancement, 3-D Wrap and intraocular lens. Optos' devices are scalable to accommodate software upgrades. Annual upgrades are part of the company's "Evergreen Strategy," which involves supporting customers through new business processes and software packages. The company said this strategy is designed to keep customers on the leading edge of retinal imaging and practice technologies. Optos makes retinal imaging devices.

• Spinal Restoration (Austin, Texas) said the FDA has approved an IDE pilot study of the Biostat disc augmentation system. The Biostat consists of Biostat Biologx fibrin sealant, a human-derived, biologic tissue sealant and a proprietary application system designed to safely deliver the biologic to the intervertebral disc. The Biostat disc augmentation system has been specifically developed to address chronic low back pain resulting from degenerative cracks and fissures which form within the intervertebral disc. This condition, called internal disc disruption, has been identified as the source of chronic low back pain in up to 40% of patients. Spinal Restoration specializes in spine health management.