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.

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.

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.

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 - KLAS, an independent research firm specializing in monitoring and reporting performance of healthcare information technology vendors, will award the Philips’ CALYSTO technology the KLAS Specialty Niche Category Leader for Cardiology Hemodynamics, as well as Cardiology PACS for Best in KLAS, at the 2007 Healthcare Information Management Systems Society (HIMSS) annual conference and exhibition in New Orleans, February 26.