• Astra Tech (Cambridge, Massachusetts) reported the availability of the Atlantis Abutment in Zirconia for Astra Tech OsseoSpeed 3.5/4.0 (small implant-abutment connection size with aqua color-coding) and 4.5/5.0 (large implant-abutment connection size with lilac color-coding) implants. In addition, the emergence profile of Atlantis Abutments for Astra Tech OsseoSpeed implants begins close to the implant interface so that even in cases with minimal soft tissue, optimal esthetic results can be achieved. The conical shape extends past the implant shoulder to create a tight seal at the implant/abutment junction. Astra Tech makes dental implant tools.

• Bruker AXS (Madison, Wisconsin) reported its new Microstar Ultra II, the newest version of the Microstar Ultra ultra-bright X-ray source for structural biology. Its new Ultra Focus electron optics give an enhancement in intensity equivalent to a doubling of the anode rotation frequency and thus produce an extremely high intensity X-ray beam, more than 30 times brighter than a conventional rotating-anode generator. Bruker AXS makes life science, materials research and industrial X-ray analysis products.

• Masimo (Irvine, California) reported that a new independent and objective clinical study demonstrates the ability of Masimo SET Perfusion Index (PI) to improve detection of congenital heart defects (CHD) in newborns with duct-dependent systemic circulation. PI is a measurement featured in the Masimo Rainbow SET technology platform that reflects the real-time changes in peripheral blood flow at the monitored site and the strength of the plethysmographic signal displayed on the pulse oximeter. Masimo makes Pulse Co-Oximetry and read-through motion and low perfusion pulse oximetry.

• Pinyons Medical Technology (Park City, Utah) said it received FDA clearance to market the PowrSyringe Monitor for use in discography procedures. Discography is a diagnostic tool to physiologically determine if a diseased, herniated, or abnormal vertebral disc in the spine is causing discogenic back pain prior to treatment. With the PowrSyringe Monitor, the clinician can control pressure with one-hand allowing their second hand to control catheters, needles, imaging, or other devices with tactile feel for the injection. Pinyons Medical Technology makes products to help clinicians inject & aspirate fluids, monitor pressure of fluids, inflate balloons, perform discography, biopsy, remove thrombus, drain fluid, and perform other medical procedures.

• SunTech Medical (Morrisville, North Carolina) reported the release of the SunTech 247 diagnostic station. The company said the device “bridges the gap in price and capability between manual blood pressure gauges and vital signs monitors.” It is available in the U.S. exclusively through IMCO and NDC members and worldwide through SunTech authorized distributors. The SunTech 247’s modular design allows the addition of temperature and SpO₂ modules and is available in a variety of mounting configurations, including wall, table or mobile stand. SunTech Medical makes blood pressure technology equipment.

• Synergetics USA (O’Fallon, Missouri) reported the introduction of several new, patentable, disposable laser probes. The company said that a retinal surgeon frequently will be required to shoot upwards of a thousand laser shots into the retina in order to reattach a detached retina during a given procedure. These new laser probes will enable the surgeon to provide either a multi-spot pattern or treat a wider field, thereby saving the surgeon significant amounts of time in the operating room. Synergetics USA makes medical devices for use primarily in ophthalmic surgery and neurosurgery and for other healthcare applications.