Aspect Medical amends Boston Sci agreement

Aspect Medical Systems (Newton, Massachusetts) reported that it has amended its product development agreement with Boston Scientific (Natick, Massachusetts) to provide a two-year extension to the period during which Boston Scientific may exercise an option to distribute sedation management technology for interventional and specialty medical procedure suites.

The agreement between Boston Scientific and Aspect, originally established in August 2002, supports Aspect's development of BIS monitoring solutions for sedation management during less-invasive procedures, and provides Boston Scientific with the option to distribute these products. This amendment extends until the end of 2006 Boston Scientific's right to exercise its option and until the end of 2014 the term of its distribution rights.

Clinical studies evaluating the use of BIS during routine endoscopy procedures have been completed and submitted for presentation at the Digestive Disease Week meeting scheduled for May 2005.

VHA survey shows caring for obese costly

A nationwide survey of VHA (Irving, Texas) hospitals shows that caring for obese patients is an increasing challenge as providers continue to experience spiraling costs, increases in worker injuries and a significant number of patients who are obese, even in pediatrics.

Hospitals have seen the need for new equipment, supplies and training to properly care for this population. Many hospitals turn to their group purchasing relationships with companies such as Novation (also Irving), VHA's supply services company, to access and save money on bariatric-related supplies and resources.

Conducted by Novation, the VHA member survey queried 584 directors of materials management and directors of surgical services across the country to determine the influence that treating severely obese patients (more than 100 pounds overweight) had on hospitals in 2004. It is a follow-up to a survey conducted in 2003. Eighty-two healthcare professionals, or 14%, responded.