• Camstar Systems (Charlotte, North Carolina) reported that its eDHR Intelligence version 4.1 packaged composite application for medical device manufacturers has achieved “SAP xAppsCertified – Powered by SAP NetWeaver®” status. The certification extends an already successful business relationship with SAP AG, it said. The eDHR Intelligence solution integrates Camstar’s manufacturing and quality execution solution with the SAP ERP application to address the challenges facing the medical device industry around risk mitigation, product/process complexity management and cost reduction. This enterprise service-oriented architecture (enterprise SOA)-based composite application is designed to empower medical device manufacturers to reduce manufacturing variability, increase manufacturing efficiencies and ensure real-time intelligence and visibility.

• Merge Healthcare, (Milwaukee), a medical imaging software and services provider, reported the introduction of Merge Ortho, a digital workstation solution that is designed to help orthopedic specialists save time and improve clinical effectiveness in orthopedic planning and diagnosis. Designed to replace the cost and complexities of using film, this solution’s digital tools streamline workflow with image acquisition and manipulation, advanced measurement options, implant selection, automated template placement and manipulation, surgical planning tools, image archiving, and web distribution. In addition Merge Ortho includes several data mining tools, including those for tracking and analyzing implant usage, pain thresholds, recovery rates, and outcome statistics. Merge Ortho delivers advanced diagnostic and planning functionality for joint arthroplasty, trauma, and deformity corrections.

• Lutronic USA (Princeton Junction, New Jersey) said that its Mosaic fractional laser system has received FDA clearance for dermatological procedures requiring the coagulation of soft tissue. Mosaic is an advanced aesthetic solution based on the latest in micro fractional technology that is indicated for treating scarring, sun-damaged skin and malasma.

• Novare Surgical (Cupertino, California) reported the successful completion of what is believed to be the first ever total laparoscopic hysterectomy procedure that left no visible scar. The procedure, termed a Single Port TLH was performed through a single entry point — the belly button — with RealHand High Dexterity (HD) instruments, leaving the patient with no visible scar. RealHand HD instruments are the first full range of motion hand-held laparoscopic instruments. Developed with the EndoLink mechanism, RealHand technology is designed to mirror the surgeon’s hand direction with the added benefit of tactile feedback. As such, when the surgeon’s hand moves in one direction, the instrument tip exactly follows. Unlike standard laparoscopic instrumentation, the company said RealHand offers complete 7 degrees of freedom of movement in a hand-held instrument and with no need for additional hardware. Novare Surgical Systems makes devices for cardiac surgery.