• Cordis (Warren, New Jersey) has introduced the Fire Star Rx PTCA dilatation catheter and the Dura Star Rx PTCA dilatation catheter. Both balloons, indicated for expansion in the narrowed area of a coronary artery or bypass graft, will be offered to catheterization laboratories and interventional cardiologists starting Oct. 15. The Fire Star is equipped to enable interventional cardiologists to easily guide the catheter through tortuous arteries and to cross complex blockages, usually prior to the placement of a stent. The Dura Star facilitates the post-delivery expansion of stents in coronary arteries and is also suitable for tackling tortuous arteries and complex blockages. It has been designed to provide interventional cardiologists with controlled and even expansion of the balloon to the correct diameter, which may help reduce the potential for artery damage to the patient. makes interventional vascular technology.

• MDS Analytical Technologies (Sunnyvale, California) reported the launch of what it called a “significant advance” in high speed imaging technologies from its Molecular Devices business with the release of the MetaMorph ICS (integrated confocal system), in partnership with VisiTech International, a manufacturer of confocal hardware. This turnkey, confocal microscope is the first of its kind in the imaging industry. It has the capability to obtain high-resolution images in multiple dimensions to support researchers in their exploration of live cell and functional imaging without the limitations inherent in other high-speed imaging technologies. This microscope combines the Molecular Devices’ MetaMorph software with the VT-Infinity 2D-array laser confocal scanner from VisiTech International. This combination is designed to meet the growing demand for imaging rapid changes within cells and then analyzing these changes in multiple dimensions. MDS makes diagnostics and other life science products.

• Medical Acoustics (Buffalo, New York) reported the initial commercial shipments of its pulmonary device, the Lung Flute. The Lung Flute is a small, flute-shaped plastic device that can assist in the harvesting of sputum for diagnostic purposes. It generates a specific low frequency sound when the user blows into it and the resulting sound waves vibrate the airways and lung secretions, causing the deep lung secretions to thin and be expelled. The Lung Flute enables pharmaceutical developers to monitor inflammatory biomarkers during an asthma attack or at various stages of obstructive or restrictive pulmonary events. Medical Acoustics makes employs acoustic technologies for diagnostic and therapeutic medical applications.

• OBS Medical (Indianapolis) reported clearance to market its next generation patient deterioration early warning system (Visensia) in the U.S. Formerly known as BioSign, the Visensia technology evaluates up to five vital signs: heart rate, respiration rate, body temperature, oxygen saturation and blood pressure – and fuses this data into a single measurable index, the Visensia index. The Visensia can allow hospital clinical staff to evaluate patient deterioration from central locations (department central station or hospital-wide patient safety response center). In addition, the new system will be able to integrate vital signs from periodic monitoring environments (such as medical/surgical floors and telemetry floors) to create the first-ever hospital-wide patient deterioration early warning system.

• Small Bone Innovations (New York) has introduced its Precise SD volar distal radius locking plate system to augment its wrist management portfolio. The plate geometry is based on computer analysis of CT data generated from a broad series of distal radii in the Hamann Todd Osteological Collection at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. The result is an anatomic locking plate that provides optimized fit and improved articular support over a broad range of anatomic variations. The plate’s poly axial locking screw technology is a patented, low profile design with a proven clinical track record. Small Bone Innovations makes products for the small bone and joint sector.