December 26, 2007 - Varian Medical Systems has received FDA 510(k) clearance for a new proton scanning dose algorithm that reportedly offers clinicians greater control over how proton beams are used to target tumors and other abnormalities, adding more function to its Eclipse treatment planning software.

December 26, 2007 - Visage Imaging is the recipient of the 2007 North American Frost & Sullivan Award for Product Line Strategy Leadership in the advanced visualization market, highlighting the company’s approach to the changing market paradigms.

December 26, 2007 - Royal Philips Electronics offered $430 million for a merger agreement with clinical IT and service provider Visicu Inc., aiming to integrate the company’s remote patient monitoring and clinical decision support technology with Philips’ patient monitors.

December 26, 2007 - Varian Medical Systems has acquired Pan-Pacific Enterprises Inc., an independent distributor of medical X-ray tubes in China, for approximately $2 million in cash plus an additional amount based on achievement of specified milestones, for the purpose of marketing, sales, and distribution of Varian X-ray imaging products in China.

Spectrum Surgical Instruments Corp. recently introduced reusable instruments made from high-grade plastic that can be sterilized.

The company says these instruments can be sterilized in an autoclave and are resistant to chemicals and ultrasonic waves. The patterns available include: sponge forceps, towel clamps, stitch scissors, mosquito forceps and kocher forceps. Spectrum’s plastic instruments are designed to be used for approximately 100 sterilization cycles.

The Plasma Surgical PlasmaJet is a surgical device that reportedly offers patient safety and effective coagulation.

It produces a very high level of thermal and kinetic energy in the form of pure plasma, which is a highly ionized gas containing an equal number of positive ions and electrons. The device can be used on a variety of tissues to coagulate, seal and prevent fluid loss. When used at higher settings, the PlasmaJet can vaporize and remove unwanted tissue growth.

Stryker Medical’s InTouch is a new high-acuity bed that gathers bed information for each patient, has an on-board protocol to encourage compliance based practices, can control other patient care equipment, and through a full-featured data port can connect into hospital computer systems.

Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp. announced the launch of the Selector SaberTip for the CUSA Selector ultrasonic surgical aspirator system.

The new Selector SaberTip is designed for surgical applications requiring precise and controlled removal of bone and calcified tissues. The Selector SaberTip attaches to the CUSA Selector’s 24 kHz neurosurgical short handpiece, reportedly offering surgeons premier bone-removal power and fine control.

Enova Medical Technologies has developed new LED technology for cordless surgical headlights reaching light output levels exceeding 200,000 lux at 14 inches.

The company says this new technology provides light intensity comparable to most 300-watt fiber optic xenon headlight systems that are commonly used by deep cavity surgeons, such as cardio, colorectal, neuro, orthopedic, thoracic and vascular surgeons.

SonoSite Inc. recently introduced the S-FAST point-of-care ultrasound tool, reportedly the first ultrasound product custom designed to focus solely on the specialized visualization needs of the emergency physician.

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