• Angiotech Pharmaceuticals (Vancouver, British Columbia) said that it has received FDA clearance to begin marketing additional diameters of its Quill Self-Retaining System (SRS) Polydioxanone (PDO) product line. The Quill is an absorbable suture, which is typically used for deeper tissue closures. Angiotech is now able to offer a broad range of PDO suture products with diameters ranging from sizes 2 to 4-0. A helical barbed design enables surgeons to suture without the use of knots. The absence of knots provides a wide range of clinical and economic benefits, including: potential to improve patient outcomes, potential to save time in the operating room, and enhanced procedural techniques. Angiotech is a pharmaceutical and medical device company.

• Canon U.S.A (Lake Success, New York) reported the introduction of the Canon CF-1 digital retinal camera. Featuring a redesigned optical system that achieves high resolution diagnostic images and offers outstanding operability, the CF-1 enables a 50-degree angle of view, providing detailed retinal images and is equipped with three imaging modes: color, fluorescein angiography and red-free. When attached to a Canon EOS 30D Digital SLR camera (sold separately), which provides up to 8.2 million pixels, the CF-1 is capable of delivering clear and detailed diagnostic images for immediate review. The CF-1 includes retinal imaging control software; which facilitates comprehensive study management and image capture control at the operator’s finger tips, in an intuitive graphical interface that is simple and straightforward to use. Canon U.S.A makes consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging products

• Covidien (St. Louis) reported the availability of several enhancements for its MRidium MRI infusion system — a non-magnetic IV infusion pump. Specifically designed to address the challenges of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suite, the pump now has additional features that help operators administer intravenous medication more efficiently. The MRidium includes a library of drugs commonly initiated in the MRI suite, along with an integrated dose rate calculator to aid in accurate and efficient dispensing of medication. Additionally, the MRidium features a wireless remote control that enables medical professionals to operate the system from the control room. The pump also includes a microbore vented syringe infusion set that allows drug flow from the syringe into the IV tubing for accurate drug delivery while minimizing waste. Covidien makes surgical devices, energy-based devices, respiratory and monitoring solutions, patient care and safety products.

• Emergisoft (Dallas) reports the expansion of its emergency department information system for Oakwood Healthcare System in southeast Michigan to include a fifth emergency department at Oakwood Southshore Medical Center. Emergisoft’s ED system, EmergisoftED, will provide secure access to patient information across all five facilities to improve clinical operating efficiency. Emergisoft’s EDIS is presently installed in four of Oakwood Healthcare System’s facilities; Oakwood Annapolis Hospital, Oakwood Heritage Hospital, Oakwood Hospital & Medical Center, and the Oakwood Healthcare Center — Canton. Emergisoft makes emergency department information systems (EDIS).

• Innovative Spinal Technologies (IST; Mansfield, Massachusetts) reported the U.S. commercial launch of the Paramount VBR system for minimally invasive spine (MIS) surgery. The system is leading the next generation in minimally invasive transforaminal implant delivery. The design offers control and maneuverability for precise implant placement. IST makes motion preservation and minimally invasive treatments for spinal disorders.