• Edwards Lifesciences (Irvine, California) reported the first three human implants of its transcatheter aortic heart valve. Edwards’ balloon-expandable pericardial tissue valve features a cobalt chromium alloy frame that reduces the profile by four to five French. This enables easier access into and within the patient’s vasculature for delivery of the valve without open-heart surgery. The new valve will also be offered in additional sizes. Edwards specializes in heart valves.

• SonoSite (Bothell, Washington) reported the introduction of the new M-OB/GYN Office ultrasound tool for the physician’s office. Based on SonoSite’s fourth generation M-Turbo platform, the M-OB/GYN Office system delivers an exponential increase in processing power and superior image clarity for obstetrical and gynecological imaging, plus connectivity for digital image export in a rugged, easy to use form factor. Each M-OB/GYN office tool comes complete with two transducers – the C60x/5-2 MHz curved array transducer for abdominal scanning and the ICTx/8-5 MHz intracavitary curved array transducer for pelvic imaging. A specialized software package includes Tissue Harmonic Imaging, color Doppler and advanced OB calculations. SonoSite also introduced the S-MSK ultrasound tool, which it said is the first ultrasound product customized for musculoskeletal specialists – including rheumatologists, physiatrists, sports physicians, orthopedic and osteopathic surgeons and physical therapists. Configured for use with SonoSite’s HFL38x and L25x broadband transducers, the S-MSK provides imaging of superficial and deep targets for a quick look assessment and guidance of interventional procedures such as injections and aspirations of the knee, shoulder, elbow and other joints in the body. SonoSite makes hand-carried ultrasound.

• Spinal Kinetics (Sunnyvale, California) said that it has enrolled the first U.S. Feasibility Study patient and successfully implanted the company’s M6-C artificial cervical disc. Last December the company received approval from the FDA to initiate a study evaluating the M6-C artificial cervical disc with patients suffering from degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine; a common cause of neck and arm pain. The M6 artificial disc represents the company’s first non-fusion, motion preservation products to treat degenerative diseases of the spine.The M6’s compressible polymer nucleus is designed to simulate the function of the native nucleus, while the surrounding multi-layer high tensile strength fiber annulus is intended to facilitate a controlled range of motion in multiple directions. The M6 artificial disc is implanted with proprietary surgical instrumentation. Spinal Kinetics makes artificial disk technology.

• Technology4Medicine (San Clemente, California) and A.R.C. Laser (N rnberg, Germany), a producer of high quality medical lasers, said the FDA has granted clearances for the FOX diode dental lasers. Technology4Medicine, in partnership with A.R.C., is offering the FOX lasers in the broadest range of wavelengths available including 810nm, 980nm or 1064nm to meet the specific clinical needs of the U.S. dental and hygiene community. Technology4Medicine, and its dental laser division, Lasers4Dentistry, makes lasers and other advanced high technology products for the dental, medical, veterinary and physiotherapy markets.

• DJO (San Diego) reported the launch of the Aircast Cryo/Cuff IC Cryo-compression system as an addition to its current line of cold therapy products. The Aircast Cryo/Cuff IC is the first product from DJO to combine focused compression with cold therapy. The combination of cold and compression provides optimal control of swelling to minimize hemarthrosis, edema and pain. The Cryo/Cuff IC features a new integrated pneumatic pump within the cooler lid that provides automated compression along with cold therapy to make it ideal for post-operative recovery, trauma, athletic training and home use. Cyclical compression mixes chilled water inside the cuff and maintains pressure necessary to help prevent hemarthrosis and provide cold therapy. DJO makes products for musculoskeletal health, vascular health and pain management.