"• Avantis Medical Systems" (Sunnyvale, California) reported receiving FDA clearance for its Third Eye Retroscope auxiliary endoscopy system. The retroscope is an imaging device used during colonoscopy to provide an additional view that can reveal polyps, cancers and other lesions that might be missed during a standard colonoscopy procedure. The retroscope is passed through the instrument channel of a standard colonoscope until it extends beyond its tip. As it emerges, the device automatically turns around 180 degrees to aim back toward the tip of the colonoscope. Then, as the colonoscope is withdrawn, the Third Eye follows along to provide a continuous retrograde view of the colon. This retrograde view complements the forward view of the colonoscope and may reveal abnormalities that are hidden behind folds and flexures. Avantis Medical Systems makes catheter-based endoscopic devices.

• B-K Medical (Copenhagen, Denmark) reported the launch of its new 8848 transducer for prostate brachytherapy and pelvic floor scanning in women. The 8848, together with the B-K Medical pro focus scanner, enables a clear and detailed image of the prostate, which in turn allows for greater ease of use and accuracy in volume studies and source-dose planning for brachytherapy. The 8848 has a long linear array that allows imaging of the prostate from base to apex. It also offers simultaneous sagittal and transverse imaging to give doctors further confidence in source placement. The 8848 allows an examination of the pelvic floor region of women, which enables a physician to see the position of organs, such as the urethra and bladder neck, while the patient rests and, for example, coughs or strains. In the treatment of incontinence, the 8848 is excellent for post-surgical scanning to ensure that tension-free vaginal tapes and meshes are correctly placed and working. B-K Medical, a subsidiary of Analogic, specializes in diagnostic ultrasound equipment.

• Cleveland Medical Devices (Cleveland, Ohio) received FDA clearance for its Kinesia, a quantitative motor assessment system. Kinesia is a compact wireless system that uses accelerometers and gyroscopes to monitor three-dimensional motion. The device is worn on the wrist and finger of the patient and can be used to more conveniently monitor upper extremity movement disorder symptoms and their fluctuations. Motion and electrical muscle activity information from the patient is wirelessly telemetered to a computer for display and analysis. The Kinesia software also integrates videos which guide the patient through tasks known to elicit symptoms, similar to instructions given by a physician when evaluating upper extremity motor symptoms. The division of movement disorders at CleveMed is focused on quantifying movement disorder symptoms and providing home based therapy aimed at restoring function.

• Diamics (Novato, California) reported that it has begun high-volume manufacture of its CerCol cervical sample collector. The initial GMP qualification run passed inspection and met product specifications. This allows production to commence so that Diamics can recognize revenue from its recently signed $22 million contract with the Bejing Jingmin Hospital Group. Diamics' representatives in China have moved forward with the CerCol registration. The hospital group has agreed to purchase the CerCol collectors and use them within their own facility as well as sell them to their affiliates to support the country's focus on improving women's health care. The CerCol is intended for the collection of cervical cytology material and its transfer for Pap analysis. The new device demonstrated > 98% sample adequacy in multi-center clinical trials and offered patients greater comfort over conventional collector devices. Diamics is a privately held company developing products for cancer screening and diagnostics.

• Janus Health (San Diego) has premiered JanusOS, the first patent-protected mobile patient management system that provides the tools and services physicians need to bring care directly to the home. The JanusOS solution streamlines and supports all primary housecall practice functions, including: practice management; paperless, wireless patient care management; and mobile diagnostics. JanusOS is tablet PC and laptop-compatible and runs all standard Windows and Office applications. Janus Health makes mobile technologies that enable housecall medical practices.