• Two independent studies published in American Journal of Rhinology and Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology confirm that balloon sinuplasty technology safely opens narrow sinuses, is economical and highly satisfactory to chronic sinusitis patients. The peer-reviewed studies analyzed outcomes of more than 1,100 individuals treated with this minimally invasive balloon technology from Acclarent (Menlo Park, California). Balloon sinuplasty technology is similar in concept to catheters used in the heart for balloon angioplasty. The devices are threaded into the sinus passageways and gently inflated, widening the passages to promote drainage and resolution of chronic sinusitis symptoms. The technology can be used alone or with standard surgical instrumentation. Recovery times vary, but patients typically return to normal activities within 24 hours of treatment. Acclarent makes technologies for ear, nose and throat surgeons.

• DePuy Spine (Raynham, Massachusetts) reported the launch of the Concorde bullet vertebral body replacement, a new implant with a bulleted nose that facilitates easy insertion and pyramidal teeth that resist anterior migration during posterior and minimally invasive spinal fusion procedures. The Concorde bullet minimizes insertion forces, which can reduce the risk of damage to vertebral bodies. It is inserted between collapsed vertebral bodies and restores height. Once inserted, its pyramid-shaped teeth provide resistance to anterior migration. The lordotic option is designed to create 5 degrees of lordosis when placed obliquely (diagonally) across the midline. DePuy Spine specializes in spine disorders.

• The Olympus (Center Valley, Pennsylvania) AU680 mid-size chemistry analyzer now offers a fully automated HbA1c assay. HbA1c assays are commonly ordered laboratory tests used to ascertain blood glucose levels over a three-month period. The throughput range of the AU680 reaches up to 1200 tests per hour by way of Olympus' 125-test menu that includes general chemistries, ISEs, special chemistries, thyroids and Syva Emit, TDMs and DATs. The system accommodates pediatric sampling and can perform automated pre-dilution and STAT processing without workload interruption. The Olympus Diagnostic Systems unit makes chemistry-immuno analyzers, lab automation systems, blood bank analyzers and reagents.

• Hill-Rom (Batesville, Indiana) reported the release of an enhanced NaviCare WatchChild solution. This obstetrical information system is designed to create information movement for labor and delivery clinicians. The company said the redesigned WatchChild evolved from a need to provide an integrated and intuitive way to manage obstetrical operations, including reporting, communication, care plan development, skin and fall assessment screening and operating room record/pre-anesthesia checklists. The NaviCare WatchChild solution also offers data archiving capability to help manage long-and-short-term liability risks for hospitals and caregivers. The NaviCare WatchChild is part of the NaviCare Clinical Operations Platform. Hill-Rom makes patient support systems, non-invasive therapeutic products for acute and chronic medical conditions, medical equipment rentals, and information technology solutions.