• Misonix (Farmingdale, New York), reported the acceleration of patient enrollment relating to the FDA clinical trials for the Sonablate 500, a medical device using high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for non-invasive treatment of prostate cancer. The Sonablate 500 is approved by the FDA as an investigational device for clinical trials in the U.S. With the SB500 being used in 6,000 treatments in over 100 clinics in six years, interest in and usage of the HIFU medical device for prostate cancer treatment is gaining momentum. Misonix makes products for treatment of cancer.

• NOVX Systems (Toronto) received clearance from the FDA to market iMDx system for point-of-care screening for drugs of abuse. NOVX provides drug screening solution that allows on-site screening and real-time access to results. When paired with PatientVu, the drug screening results and complete patient records are securely accessible from anywhere via the internet.NOVX Systems makes diagnostic productivity solutions with an initial focus on on-site drugs of abuse testing.

• Nuance Communications (Providence, Rhode Island) reported the availability of PowerScribe workstation 4.8, a speech recognition reporting solution for radiology. PowerScribe 4.8 delivers enhanced functionality including new features based on two previously announced partnerships, Vocada Veriphy and Amirsys STATdx. In this new version of PowerScribe, Vocada’s Veriphy is embedded in PowerScribe creating a simplified user interface for radiologists. Veriphy is a communications solution for critical test result management that allows physicians to send critical messages to ordering clinicians instantly via pager, cell phone or email. This integration between PowerScribe and Veriphy eliminates delays and inaccuracies in communication, improving patient safety and streamlining reporting. Nuance Communications is a supplier of speech and imaging solutions.

• Paradigm Medical Industries (Salt Lake City) reported the introduction and release of a new software package for the P60 ultrasound biomicroscope (UBM). The software uses greater image resolution, a database management system and networking capabilities that allow the patient image data to be transferred within a user’s network for efficient patient record management. The P60 UBM is a microprocessor-based, multi-frequency UBM that allows practitioners to acquire and view high-resolution images of the anterior segment of the eye. The P60 is used for imaging of vital structures of the eye, primarily the anterior chamber of the eye. Imaging of the anterior chamber angle is one of the principal areas studied in the detection of closed angle glaucoma pathologies and related surgical filtering. Paradigm Medical makes ultrasound devices for the ophthalmic and medical industries.

• Sigma-Aldrich (St. Louis) reports the launch of the PhosDecor fluorescent phosphoprotein in-gel detection kit, a sensitive and selective tool for the identification of phosphorylated proteins. The PhosDecor kit includes a phosphate specific PhosDecor Stain, specially formulated buffers and a positive control to validate system performance. Interaction of the PhosDecor stain with protein-bound phosphate groups results in a selective chemiluminescence detectable with commonly available instruments. Some components are also available separately allowing for custom applications. Sigma-Aldrich is a life science and high technology company.

• Swissray International (Elizabeth, New Jersey) reported receiving FDA clearance for its ddRCompact sSeries of DR systems. The system was specifically designed to meet the needs of certain markets such as orthopedics, smaller hospitals, imaging centers, veterinary, chiropractic, and all emerging countries requiring a lower cost DR system with high image quality. The ddRCompact series offers exceptional image quality at low radiation dose. It comes with Swissray’s APS (automated positioning system) for fastest, most convenient and precise patient positioning. It also features autostitching for orthopedic examinations, proactive remote monitoring and a 99% uptime guarantee. Swissray makes direct digital radiography products.

• Verathon (Bothell, Washington) reported the introduction of the GlideScope Cobalt, a single-use video laryngoscope that provides a real-time view of the patient’s airway, enabling quick intubation. GlideScope video laryngoscopes (GVL) provide a real time view of the airway and of endotracheal tube placement, minimizing the need for a “blind” intubation procedure. It consists of: a slim video baton which houses a high-resolution camera with a patented anti-fogging mechanism to resist lens contamination; a non-glare color monitor; and single-use, sterile GVL stats in large and small sizes that offer a patented 60-degree blade angulation. GlideRite tracheal tubes and a 90 degree rigid stylet, both used to facilitate intubation, are provided, along with a protective cradle for the video baton. Verathon makes non-invasive ultrasound devices.