2007 marks the 30th year of this publication’s analysis of U.S. and international med-tech, with Biomedical Business & Technology having issues of our predecessor newsletter beginning from 1983.

To highlight what has or has not changed in this industry, we here provide samples of news items from these earlier publications.

June 1983 —

“THE LASER SURGICAL REVOLUTION

Laser (light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation) beams have unique characteristics that make them a less traumatic tool for a number of surgical procedures. Prime examples are the removal of preinvasive cancer of the cervix 2 laser in combination with colposcope), the virtually non-traumatic destruction of vocal cord tumors, photocoagulation of microaneuisms in the retina and the repair (“spot weld”) of detached retinas (Argon lasers). Delivered through endoscopes, laser energy can coagulate bleeding areas and remove abnormal mucosa (Nd:Yag) in the gastrointestinal tract.

“While the Argon laser is a well established tool among ophthalmologists (some 4,400 units are installed worldwide) and the sale of Nd:Yag lasers for ophthalmic surgery is forecast to reach $100 mln by 1986, the CO₂ and Nd:Yag laser markets (for ophthalmic applications) have been disappointingly stagnant — estimated at only $20 mln (worldwide) in 1982.

There are good indications, however, that these markets will be developing at a much faster rate over the next few years.

Tunable dye lasers are gaining rapid widespread interest among medical researchers. These devices incorporate essentially two separate lasing systems. The first, a pumping laser such as an Argon or Rhodium, has its output directed into second laser resonating cavity and onto a fluorescent dye which is being sprayed across the width of that cavity. The resulting fluorescence produces a new, different wavelength than that of the Argon or rhodium laser . . . .

The three most interesting , privately held, dedicated U.S. medical laser makers are judged to be AMERICAN LASER (Salt Lake City, Utah; makes portable low power Argon lasers and supplies Argon and Krypton laser tubes); MEDICAL INSTRUMENT RESEARCH ASSOCIATES (Waltham, Mass.; maker of a specialized monochromatic Argon green photocoagulator); and MERRIMACK LABORATORIES (Hudson, Mass.; CO₂ lasers, introducing Argon device).

“U.S. DEVELOPMENTS

MEDICARE’s reimbursement changes — prospective payment to hospitals and the accompanying diagnosis related groups (DRG) basis of payment — will result in more cost-efficient technologies, price cutting and maintaining larger inventories by medical products manufacturers. The above is the conclusion at the various seminars, sponsored by Health Industry Manufacturers Association on the prospective payment system. . . . Each of the 467 specified DRG categories include cases that have similar medical characteristics and treatment costs. MEDICARE . . . will pay on basis of the DRG system — rather than reimburse the actual expenses. The result is that hospitals will try to stretch the prospective payment DRG monies by buying cheaper devices . . . .

“Miscellaneous New Product Developments

MEDICAL DYNAMICS (Englewood, Colo.), maker of medical video cameras is developing new methods of male contraception, including a “male IUD” and a device for the transcutaneous closure of the vas deferens. The patented, reversible “male IUD” consists of a plastic collar that fits — via nonsurgical means — into the bladder neck.

DIAGNOSTICS (U.K.) introduces an infant apnea monitor for hospital and home use. The infant’s breathing is sensed by a flexible vacuum tube (no electrical connection).

A rechargeable battery electrocautery device is now available from DELMART ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS (U.K.). Special lasers have been designed for ENT and gynecological uses.”