Endoscopy

Teleflex Incorporated has announced that its Rusch® EZ-Blocker™ Disposable Endobronchial Blocker has received FDA 510(k) clearance. The product is designed to allow for safer and easier lung isolation and one lung ventilation.

Capsule endoscopy company Given Imaging Ltd. has acquired from The SmartPill Corporation, a U.S. based-company, the assets related to the SmartPill® GI Monitoring System for $6 million including earn-outs based on revenue between now and 2016.

Given Imaging Ltd. developer of the Pillcam Colon 2 swallowable camera system for visualisation of the colorectal lining, has submitted compelling trial data to the Japanese authorities showing that 94% of polyps identified using standard colonoscopy were also spotted by its device.

Ageing population, improved screening and new treatments will drive GI Endoscopy market in U.S.A

J&J subsidiary business Ethicon Endosurgery has issued a voluntary recall of certain lots of its PROXIMATE® PPH Hemorrhoidal Circular Stapler and Accessories. The recall was provoked by reports of difficulty firing the device although the company seems to have no problem doing so when reloading returned devices.

Olive Medical Corporation, the self-styled low cost leader in 1080p HD surgical camera systems, has announced a contract with ROi (Resource Optimization & Innovation) in a move which the company says will help users deliver clinical excellence in the most cost-efficient manner.

Cook Medical has gained 510(k) clearance for its Evolution® Colonic Controlled-Release Stent. The new stent is used to palliate uncomfortable symptoms associated with colonic obstructions caused by malignant neoplasms and relieve large-bowel obstructions prior to colectomy procedures.

Data released on six month randomised, multi-centre trial of EndoBarrier® versus control in obese, type 2 diabetic subjects suggests the device, as well as being well tolerated does result in statistically significant reduced blood sugar levels and weight loss.

Israeli device company Medigus Ltd. has announced that it has received FDA 510(k) clearance for its SRS endoscopic system, designed for minimally-invasive endoluminal treatment of Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

Another approach to reducing calorific intake is demonstrated with the newly CE marked Satisphere device, an endoscopically inserted series of balloons on a wire, which retain gut contents in the duodenum for longer, creating the feeling of satiation and therefore reducing appetite.

GI Dynamics Inc is no doubt delighted to see its product featuring at the Obesity and metabolic Disorders congress, especially as a presentation suggests its Endobarrier® device can be used a second time on the same patient without problems.

Capsule Endoscopy marches forward with Given Imaging announcing the expansion of its indications in Japan to cover visualisation and diagnosis of Crohn’s disease.

Guidelines are imminently to be published by the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, which govern the use and applicability of capsule endoscopy, according to a press release from specialist company Given Imaging.

The Japanese way seems culturally at odds with the way many of Olympus’s overseas investors would like to see the company acting as it appoints board members from its creditor list.

Fiendishly clever scientists from San Diego have described a microrocket, which would exploit low pH conditions to elicit drive from a chemical reaction. Suggested applications on a postcard please.

Embattled Olympus is in the news again as seven people including former executives of the company have been arrested.