Endoscopy

In what is claimed to be the largest in the world on surgical simulation for robotic surgery, an Italian team has concluded that aptitude on virtual reality tests can provide a measure of innate ability or as they term it, manipulative and psychomotor skills.

Endovascular robot company Hansen Medical met its 2013 outlook for commercialization of systems and estimated procedures. Furthermore the company added two hospitals to its roster of Magellan Centers of Excellence in the U.S. for the training of physicians and medical staff.

Covidien plc is to acquire Israeli Pillcam® purveyor Given Imaging, Ltd. in a deal worth $860 million net of cash and investments.

Israeli device company, SMART Medical Systems Ltd., a developer and manufacturer of innovative endoscopy products, has announced a strategic alliance with PENTAX Medical, an industry leader in endoscopic imaging.

Surgical Innovations (SI), the UK-based designer and manufacturer of Minimally Invasive Surgery(MIS) devices, hosted its first ever international ‘Ultra’ MIS congress on Friday October 25th. Surgeons attended the event from across the UK and Europe.

Irish MIS device company Crospon tells us it has received US FDA clearance for its EsoFLIP® balloon dilation catheter. The device is complementary to the Crospon’s EndoFLIP® measurement device and represents the company’s first foray into endoscopic therapeutic products.

Two new studies on Given imaging’s SmartPill® device provide an insight into the usefulness of this technology in understanding gastrointestinal motility. The papers have been presented as posters at the American College of Gastroenterology’s 2013 Annual Scientific Meeting (ACG).

Salt Lake device company Olive Medical will perform the first public demonstration of its SkopEon Single-Use HD Rigid Camera Scope “chip on the tip” technology at American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2013 Technical Exhibits October 7-9 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC.

Teleflex has acquired Israeli device development company Innolap’s microlaparoscopy platform for scarless laparoscopic procedures. The company’s novel device reduces incision diameter, nearly eliminating the need for stitches and enabling surgeons the ability to perform scarless laparoscopic surgeries.

Small bowel disease, including Crohn’s, is now within the diagnostic grasp of Gastrointestinal physicians in Japan with the news that Given Imaging’s optimised SB3 PillCam has been approved for market release. Sales will start in 2014.

According to global market intelligence company Millennium Research Group, the European market for clot management devices will see moderate growth through 2022. Although a number of segments are mature, fast-growing segments such as endovascular treatments for acute ischemic stroke and venous thromboembolism underpin the growth forecast.

Improved PillCam SB Technology promises a more detailed and efficient small bowel examination for patients with conditions such as Crohn’s Disease and obscure GI Bleeding. And now it’s FDA approved.

Colonoscopy compliance rates in Japan, a company with a runaway colon cancer problem, are painfully low. Given Imaging is hoping its newly approved Pillcam Colon will take away the fear factor for patients and increase diagnostic success.

EndoChoice has announced the FDA clearance of its clever Fuse endoscope system, which it claims allows doctors to see around … continue reading “Newly Cleared 3 Camera “Fuse” System Reduces Adenoma ‘Miss Rate’ During Colonoscopy”

Cook Medical has received  FDA 510(k) clearance for its Evolution® Biliary Controlled-Release Uncovered Stent. The company says its device is the … continue reading “FDA Clears Cook’s Evolution® Biliary Controlled-Release Uncovered Stent”

ArtVentive Medical Group, Inc. has received European CE Mark certification for the ArtVentive EOS™ Peripheral Vascular Endoluminal Occlusion system. The company is very coy about sharing its IP, to the extent that we’re not really sure how it works. But studies suggest it’s 100% effective, which is good enough for the CE brigade.