Feb. 16, 2007 - The hospitals rated the nation's best by U.S. News & World Report are considered to be committed to quality patient care. Three of the top five, and more than a third of the 14 who made the list, have something else in common. They use the non-invasive Arctic Sun Temperature Management device to chill critically ill patients, potentially reducing brain damage.

Feb. 16, 2007 - Most hospitals use manual techniques for infection surveillance in targeted high-risk areas, but using automated systems would allow organizations to more efficiently monitor their entire facility while also giving staff more time to focus on infection education and prevention, according to a survey of 150 hospital-based infection-control specialists surveyed by the Premier healthcare alliance purchasing network.

February 16, 2007 - Varian Medical Systems Inc. recently received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for its RPM respiratory gating system that detects patient movements that can deter the accuracy of treatment.

The RPM system operates by placing a reflective marker box on the patient’s chest and monitoring their motion using cameras. The new system contains a console display that alerts the radiation therapist if a patient moves and needs to be repositioned.

February 16, 2007 – Kodak announced it recently signed contracts for its Kodak Carestream PACS and Kodak Carestream RIS Solutions with North American healthcare facilities including the Memorial Hospital of Salem County, Salem, N.J. and Carleton Place and District Memorial Hospital, Carleton Place, Ontario.

Facilities also purchased Kodak computed radiography (CR) systems for digital capture of medical X-ray exams and Kodak business diagnostics.

Feb. 15, 2007 - Royal Philips Electronics announced the introduction of Philips ProtocolWatch, an application available on Philips IntelliVue patient monitors that applies patient monitoring data to evidence-based care protocols. This new clinical decision support application, as well as the newly released IntelliVue MP5 patient monitor for in-hospital patient transport, will be showcased at the Philips exhibit booth at the Society of Critical Care Medicine's (SCCM) 36th Critical Care Conference, February 17-21 in Orlando.

Feb. 15, 2007 - Siemens Medical Solutions and the Touro Infirmary of New Orleans have signed a strategic agreement through which Siemens will provide the Touro Infirmary with a long-term information technology (IT) managed services solution. The solution includes the management of Touro's complete IT operations and the implementation of Siemens Med Administration Check solution.

February 15, 2007 – According to the Wall Street Journal, Johnson and Johnson has recently announced the retirement of Michael J. Dormer, worldwide chairman for Medical Devices and Diagnostics, due to the alleged disclosure of improper payments to selected foreign governments for the sale of medical devices.

All worldwide medical devices and diagnostics business will now report to Nicholas J. Valeriani, who is currently the worldwide chairman. Dormer was formerly in charge of the Ethicon, Ethicon Endo-Surgery and DePuy divisions.

February 15, 2007 – Orthocrat recently announced plans to showcase the newest TraumaCad 2.0 software that allows for more thorough planning of foot, spine, hip and trauma surgeries, at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) conference, in San Diego, February 14.

The TraumaCad 2.0 software shortens procedure times and allows users to archive preoperative plans with patient files, while offering updated tools for measurement, labeling and implant positioning.

Feb. 14, 2007 — Vital Signs Inc.’s Swedish sister company, Breas Medical AB, has received FDA clearance to market a new continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, the iSleep 20i.

A high performance, advanced version of a previously cleared Breas CPAP device, iSleep 20i incorporates an enhanced "i-technology" detection algorithm that responds to subtle changes in the patient's breathing patterns, before significant apnea events can occur.

February 14, 2007 - Merge Healthcare announced today that it has formed a new partnership with HBO Middle East (ME) to deliver radiology solutions throughout the Middle East, as the two companies strive to offer customers in the GCC region (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar) and Yemen a set of solutions for radiology.

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