• Candela (Wayland, Massachusetts) reported that it has received FDA clearance to market its next-generation Ellipse I2PL system for skin rejuvenation of vascular and pigmented abnormalities. Candela is distributing the Ellipse I2PL in the U.S. through a partnership with Danish Dermatologic Development A/S. The Ellipse treats sun-damaged skin to reduce pigment and vascular disturbances by specifically heating targeted structures in the skin. It has a lightweight, ergonomically shaped handpiece that the company said is easy to use and comfortable for both clients and operators. The Ellipse allows effective treatments of large or small body areas and is the only intense pulsed light system to feature patented I2PL technology, which reduces the risk of side effects to the surrounding skin.

• Criticare Systems (Milwaukee), which designs patient monitoring systems and non-invasive sensors for healthcare environments, reported the release of a new technology platform for non-invasive blood pressure (BP) measurement using a traditional BP cuff. The system adds a greater level of patient comfort, safety, accuracy, reading speed and tolerance of a range of physical and environmental conditions. Its gentler pressure feature addresses all patients, but particularly reduces a painful experience when used on children and the elderly. Criticare said it believes it is one of the first patient monitoring companies to adhere to both U.S. and European standards for validation of BP measuring devices. The technology is now in production at Criticare and also will be offered on an OEM basis.