• Toshiba America Medical Systems (Tustin, California) has received FDA clearance for two new CT clinical applications designed to improve throughput and enhance workflow, while further reducing contrast and radiation dosage. The applications, ^SURECardio Prospective and Variable Helical Pitch (vHP), are available for new Toshiba Aquilion^M 32- and 64-slice CT systems. The ^SURECardio helps reduce patient dose by up to 80% during coronary CTA exams by using a helical acquisition technique to provide one continuous image instead of multiple images produced by the current step-and-shoot techniques. ^SURECardio Prospective automates scan parameters and reconstruction based on the patient's heart rate. It also speeds exam time and eliminates the need to use additional contrast as with the step-and-shoot method. Variable Helical Pitch (vHP) increases workflow and efficiency by enabling physicians to complete an exam of more than one anatomical region consecutively i.e. without stopping to alter the helical pitch of the exam. Toshiba America Medical Systems makes diagnostic imaging systems.

• A condition that affects over two million men, stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is often a disturbing complication that follows the surgical removal of the prostate. A product called ProACT (adjustable continence therapy), studied in recent clinical trials might provide an option for SUI patients. A study conducted outside the U.S. reports that the ProACT, manufactured by Uromedica (Minneapolis) has met study criteria used to demonstrate the safety, effectiveness and durability of the treatment for male stress urinary incontinence. With ProACT therapy, the balloon volume can be percutaneously increased or decreased to meet the needs of the individual patient. The ProACT was designed to be a first-line treatment for post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence in men, and the ACT device treats stress urinary incontinence in women who have not responded to other interventions. Uromedica makes products to assist urogenital and related disorders.

• Winchester Electronics (Wallingford, Connecticut) reported a new line of non-magnetic combination D-Subminiature connectors designed for medical systems, such as MRI machines, that require non-magnetic coils. The D-Sub connectors are also well-suited for use in any medical, communication, computer, and test and measurement applications where non-magnetic components are advisable. The connectors are fabricated using non-magnetic material, resulting in residual magnetism rated at less than 30 gamma (nT). This allows placement in or near the imaging area in advanced medical imaging equipment. The non-magnetic connectors combine signal, power, and RF coaxial contacts within a variety of industry standard shell sizes and connector insert configurations. As with all combination D-subminiature connectors, the non-magnetic versions are supplied with solder signal contacts pre-seated into the connector insert and are capable of operating up to 5 GHz. Winchester Electronics makes interconnect technology.