• CSMG Technologies (Corpus Christi, Texas) reported that its subsidiary, Live Tissue Connect, has filed a 510(K) submission with the FDA for a vessel and duct sealing electrosurgical generator and two sealing instruments. CSMG is a technology management company focused on commercializing human live tissue bonding devices.

• Mentor (Santa Barbara, California) reported the market launch of NeoForm dermis. NeoForm is processed by Tutogen Medical (Alachua, Florida), and is a solvent-dehydrated, gamma-irradiated preserved human allograft dermis that is used in breast reconstruction procedures for women who have undergone a mastectomy. The addition of NeoForm complements Mentor’s line of breast reconstruction products, and it provides physicians and patients with another option that can help outcomes and satisfaction. Mentor makes aesthetic medical products.

• Novadaq Technologies (Toronto) reported the results of the first clinical experience utilizing the Helios fluorescence imaging system. The study confirmed that the use of intra-operative real-time laser-assisted fluorescent imaging during free-flap breast reconstructive surgery may result in improved intra-operative decision making for surgeons performing complex plastic surgery procedures and ultimately positively impact procedural outcomes for patients. Novadaq also reported that results from a pilot study of the use of the Luna imaging system during surgery for kidney cancer were recently presented at the 2007 annual meeting of the American Urological Association. The study included detailed analysis of images obtained using the Luna system during 10 kidney cancer surgeries. Results showed that LUNA allowed surgeons to differentiate between healthy and malignant cancerous tissue which enabled more precise removal of the malignant tissue while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. Novadaq makes real-time medical imaging systems and image guided therapies for the operating room.

• Prime Healthcare Services (Victorville, California) launched a 3-D picture archiving communication system (PACS) at the radiology departments at all of its facilities. This high tech investment is considered the next level in imaging excellence and will provide ready access to radiology diagnostic images. PACS streamlines care by providing real time high resolution radiology images that can be accessed via the Internet within minutes. The equipment comes with provisions like enhanced security to protect patient privacy, vast storage for lasting images, voice recognition for physicians to instantaneously generated dictated reports, multiple access so physicians or other medical professionals can view results from any computer in the hospital and ability to provide printed film or digital copies of the images to the patients. Prime Healthcare Services currently owns and operates eight acute care facilities.