• GE Healthcare (Waukesha, Wisconsin) reported FDA 510(k) clearance for the Innova 3131^IQ and 2121^IQ digital flat panel biplane imaging systems at the American College of Cardiology (Bethesda, Maryland) annual scientific sessions held in Atlanta last week. Both systems are indicated for use in cardiovascular imaging, diagnostic and interventional procedures, and 3-D imaging of vessels and soft tissue. The Innova IQ platform is capable of imaging the finest vessels and cardiovascular anatomy based on the company's digital flat panel technology. With the 20cm and 30cm area coverage, the Innova Biplane systems are the first to cover the full size of the patient's lateral and frontal anatomy simultaneously, GE said.

• Glove Box (Las Vegas) said it has been granted U.S. patent No. 6,953,130 by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for its Glove Box dispenser product. The Glove Box system is a free-standing dispenser of disposable latex gloves, which is being marketed by PTS in the U.S. and Asia. The company said it is the only product that offers contamination reduction through automated glove dispensing.

• Micrus Endovascular (San Jose, California), a manufacturer of implantable and disposable medical devices used in the treatment of cerebral vascular diseases, reported that it has received the CE mark to market its Courier microcatheter line and Watusi guidewire platform in the European Union. Micrus said it intends to begin selling these products through its direct sales and distribution network immediately.