• Cynosure (Westford, Massachusetts) reported the launch of a new, higher power Smartlipo LaserBodySculpting workstation. The new 10-watt workstation is intended for high-volume aesthetic laser practices, allowing a physician to complete a typical laser-assisted liposuction procedure in about half the time as the original 6-watt workstation. The minimally invasive Smartlipo workstation is an innovative system designed as an alternative to traditional liposuction in patients with smaller areas of localized fat. The system’s pulsing format delivers laser energy that liquefies localized deposits of fat that is then removed through a cannula. In addition the laser energy coagulates the tissue, thereby sculpting body contours and tightening the skin. The procedure generally causes less bleeding, swelling and bruising than traditional liposuction, resulting in fewer complications and faster recovery. Cynosure makes light-based aesthetic treatment systems.

• NOVX Systems (Toronto) received clearance from the FDA to market the 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.

• 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.

• Vistakon (Jacksonville, Florida), a division of Johnson & Johnson vision care, and maker of Acuvue brand contact lenses, reported the launch of Acuminder, a complimentary online service designed to improve contact lens compliance and eye health for the nation’s 38 million contact lens wearers. The new service was developed following research which indicated that contact lens noncompliance is on the rise. Contact lens wearers who register for the free service can elect to receive an automatic reminder via e-mail, cell phone text message, and/or a computer desktop prompt.

• World Heart (Oakland, California) will report the introduction of the Levacor rotary VAD initial clinical results and other related development progress at two upcoming clinical and scientific conferences. The Levacor is the only bearingless, fully magnetically levitated implantable centrifugal rotary pump with clinical experience. The Levacor uses magnetic levitation to suspend the spinning rotor, its only moving part, inside a compact housing. The levitation technology employs an arrangement of magnetics expected to provide optimal system simplicity and reliability. In contrast to pumps with blood-immersed mechanical or hydrodynamic bearings, full magnetic levitation eliminates wear within the pump as well as dependence on blood properties for rotor suspension. WorldHeart makes mechanical circulatory support systems.