• Biolog (Hayward, California) reported the expansion of its Phenotype MicroArray (PM) product line to enable nearly 1,500 simultaneous phenotypic assays of human and other mammalian cells. PM technology is a powerful assay platform that allows phenotyping to be performed in a simple, rapid, cost-effective, and comprehensive manner. Phenotypes are the biological properties of a cell that result from its genetic and epi-genetic blueprints. Tools for sequencing and manipulating cellular genetics are well advanced. More and better tools are needed to understand how genetic changes alter cellular phenotypes. The first PM assays for mammalian cells measure the in vivo activity of about 400 potential energy producing pathways of cells. This is fundamental to studies of metabolic disorders such as diabetes, obesity, and nutrition research where energy metabolism may be regulated improperly. Cancer and aging also have strong aspects of altered cellular energy metabolism.

• Cook Medical (Bloomington, Indiana) has received FDA approval to begin its three-center U.S. Phase I clinical trial designed to evaluate the Cook Zenith dissection endovascular system for the treatment of Type B thoracic aortic dissections. The system is intended for use in the endovascular treatment of descending thoracic aortic dissection in patients with anatomies amenable to endovascular repair. The device’s Z-stent exerts a minimal radial force that allows gradual apposition of the dissection septum and re-expansion of the true lumen. Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) eliminates the need for highly invasive open surgery. Rather than opening the chest cavity and clamping off the aorta to surgically implant a graft to treat the damaged section of the aorta, physicians insert a catheter loaded with a self-expanding, fabric covered stent-graft through a surgical opening in the femoral artery. The catheter is guided through the patient’s blood vessels under fluoroscopy until the device is positioned across the weakened section of the aorta. The stent-graft expands upon deployment from the catheter to form a continuous tube through the aorta that carries the blood and reduces pressure on the damaged vessel, restoring normal blood flow. The uncovered Zenith Dissection Stent may be used to expand the true lumen in the distal thoracic aorta where preservation of the side branch artery blood flow is critical. Cook Medical makes interventional devices.

• 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 on 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. Cordis makes interventional vascular technology.

• DePuy Mitek (Raynham, Massachusetts) reported the launch of the ExpressEW II flexible suture passer, a minimally invasive device that saves time and increases operating room efficiency during arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery. The prodcut has a 4.5mm profile, which allows for greater efficiency and precision through a smaller incision site or cannula and provides mobility and function in tight anatomy. Its jaw design provides >16mm tissue bite offering flexibility in suturing both medial and lateral rows during rotator cuff repair. Active people, including athletes, are susceptible to rotator cuff problems, particularly as they get older. Doctors perform surgery to reattach the rotator cuff to the humerus, the bone in the shoulder, to relieve pain and increase strength and mobility. Approximately 300,000 rotator cuff surgeries are performed in the U.S. each year. DePuy Mitek makes surgical sports medicine devices.

• Fanuc Robotics America (Rochester Hills, Michigan) has introduced its new LR Mate 200iC/5H robot designed especially for small part assembly applications typically handled by SCARA-type robots. The five-axis, LR Mate 200iC/5H is the latest member of Fanuc Robotics’ family of lightweight, compact mini-robots, offering ‘best in class’ wrist load capacity, repeatability, work envelope, and speed. The robot is designed to meet the needs of a variety of industries including electronics, plastics, packaged and consumer goods, machinery, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Its design enhancements and flexibility to quickly adapt to small lot sizes, new styles and other modifications provides manufacturers an affordable solution for small part, flexible production. Fanuc Robotics makes robotic systems.