The world this week: business
Samsung reported another excellent set of quarterly results. Net profits rise by 82% to 5.1tr Korean won. The strong performance was driven mostly by smartphones.
The Economist, 5th May 2012, p.8.
Bio-inspired smart camera from Brain Vision Systems
French company Brain Vision Systems has introduced a bio-inspired smart camera that can analyse colour, motion, and structure of one or multiple objects and uses the company's bio-inspired perception system. The BIPcam captures a video stream coming from a CMOS VGA video sensor with 720 by 480 resolution and 60 frames/s and is linked to a PC via USB. The camera can spot the different colours of objects, evaluating luminance, colour saturation, and hue, even in low-light-density environments. For motion racking, it reacts to an object's velocity, direction, and variability and anticipates its trajectory.
Sensors Product Picks, 6 May 2012. http://tinyurl.com/bscev6x
Cubic inch SWIR camera from Goodrich
The GA640C-15A camera weighs 26 g without its lens, has a volume <1 in.3, consumes 1.5 W, and can be integrated into handheld, helmet-, or weapon-mounted surveillance devices, unmanned aircraft, and any ground or maritime imaging system where size, weight, and power consumption must be minimal. It has 640 by 512 pixel resolution, a 15 µm pitch, operation in the 0.9-1.7 µm spectral range (an optional NIR camera model extends the spectral response to include the range from 0.7-1.7 µm), CameraLink communications, onboard automatic gain control, and operation without temperature stabilisation. The device images in real-time video at 30 Hz, daylight to low light, through smoke, haze, and fog conditions.
Sensors Product Picks, 6 May 2012. http://tinyurl.com/836xrxq
Micropelt raises 6'5 Mio EURO
Reports that Micropelt has raised Euros 6.5M for the roll-out and global expansion of its thin-film thermoelectric energy harvesting technology. The fresh liquidity includes a Euros 5M investment by Ludgate Environmental Fund, Euros 1M by the Fund of Mitsubishi UFJ Capital and Euros 0.5M by the existing shareholders IBG/Goodvent, KfW, L-Bank and SHS. Micropelt's thermal micro energy harvesting technology, which uses waste heat to create electricity, will be rolled out to high-growth cleantech markets in Europe, Japan and globally. The microchip-sized device displaces batteries in automated equipment and has multiple domestic and industrial applications.
Sensors Weekly, 4 May 2012. http://tinyurl.com/8268fla
VPG launches high-resistance miniature foil strain gages
Vishay Precision Group has released a new series of high-resistance miniature foil strain gauges through its Micro-Measurements brand. The gauges are available in a wide array of configurations including linear, half-bridge, full-bridge, and shear patterns, and are particularly advantageous in applications that can benefit from their small size and higher resistance. The new strain gauges feature a modified-Karma alloy with gold-coated or copper-coated solder tabs, and an epoxy overcoat for grid encapsulation.
Sensors Weekly, 4 May 2012. http://tinyurl.com/6mw2lpq
Olympus launches new opto-digital solution
Olympus has released the DSX Series imaging system, its newest opto-digital micro-imaging and metrology solution. The company says that the DSX Series captures clear images, acquires reliable measurements, and performs high-level analysis for reproducible results - all with a tap of a touchscreen. Benefits of the Series include: requires virtually no training; produces reliable, reproducible, and traceable measurements; captures perfect images the first time, every time with the best-image function; accommodates samples of all shapes and sizes to produce 2D, 3D, and panorama results; and improves image clarity live or with captured images using advanced imaging techniques.
Sensors Weekly, 4 May 2012. http://tinyurl.com/6tjmvqy
austriamicrosystems introduces lightning sensor IC
austriamicrosystems has released the world's first lightning sensor IC, the AS3935 Franklin Lightning Sensor with an embedded intelligent algorithm. The sensor utilises a sensitive RF receiver that detects the electrical emissions from lightning activity and so provides people with advanced warning of approaching electrical storms, giving them additional time to take shelter. It is now possible for the first time to incorporate this sensor technology into a wide variety of portable devices.
Sensors Weekly, 4 May 2012. http://tinyurl.com/6q6rugn
Semi industry set for a good year, says IC Insights
IC Insights has forecast that the semiconductor industry is set for a good year, growing by 6% between Q1 and Q2 and by more between Q2 and Q3. This follows a disappointing showing by the top 20 semiconductor companies whose collective sales revenue in Q1 2012 was 4% down on Q1 2011. The two biggest fallers in the top 20 were STMicroelectronics which saw revenues fall 21% in Q1 2012 compared with Q1 2011 and Freescale which also fell 21%. Each of the big four memory suppliers in the top 20 ranking (Samsung, Toshiba, SK Hynix, and Micron) registered 1Q12/1Q11 sales declines with Samsung and SK Hynix logging double-digit drops. Overall, it appears that the bottom of the semiconductor market slowdown occurred for the majority of the top 20 companies in either 4Q11 or 1Q12.
ElectronicsWeekly.com, 15 May 2012. http://tinyurl.com/7wszreo
Thin polymer to extend OLED display life?
Researchers at Georgia Tech have discovered a polymer that could allow air-stable electrodes to be used in OLED displays. At present, efficient OLED displays need to have low 'work function' metals as internal electrodes, which are all reactive metals like calcium, magnesium or lithium that are corroded by air. The researchers have introduced 'what appears to be a universal technique to reduce the work function of a conductor', spreading a layer of a polymer approximately 1-10nm thick on the conductor's surface to create a strong surface dipole. The polymers contain aliphatic amine groups that 'substantially reduce the work function of conductors including metals, transparent conductive metal oxides, conducting polymers, and graphene. This means that the polymers can convert an air-stable high work function metal into low work function electrode inside a display.
ElectronicsWeekly.com, 15 May 2012. http://tinyurl.com/7jxnrhp
End of dental drilling?
The University of Leeds and Swiss company Credentis are involved in a £1m tie-up, developing a painless method of 'filling without drilling'. The process involves painting a peptide fluid onto teeth which seeps into lesions and causes the teeth to self-repair. An early stage product, Curodont, is available for minor lesions. If successful, the treatment could be available in dental surgeries for fully-fledged cavities in two or three years.
The Times, 9th May 2012, p.39.
Tracking and transparency: the keys to improving medical device quality
Qmed has partnered with Clarimed to provide DeviceMatters, providing access to and analysis of medical device approval specifics, postmarket safety performance, and typical failure modes. The intention of the partnership is to help medical device professionals to better understand the regulatory and medical device landscape. Interviews Nora Iluri, founder and CEO of Clarimed and DeviceMatters, on the current spike in adverse events, industry reporting compliance, barriers to quality improvement, and other pressing issues related to medical device quality and safety.
MPMN (Medical Product Manufacturing News), 3 May 2012. http://tinyurl.com/8xaqh54
Wireless medical devices are poised to cut the cord
The May issue of Medical Product Manufacturing News is to publish an article on the growing ability of medical device designers and manufacturers to incorporate sensors with wireless connectivity into a range of medical devices, from ECGs to pulse oximeters. This capability represents an important step forward for the medical device manufacturing industry because it enables physicians and patients alike to dispense with cords and cables, which get in the way of medical care and prevent patient mobility. Coinciding with the appearance of this article will be a conference focusing on Wireless Connectivity in Medical Devices, to be held July 25-26 in San Jose. The conference programme is designed to provide a fundamental understanding of the wireless medical device market and address the challenges specific to wireless medical device design and development.
MPMN (Medical Product Manufacturing News), 3 May 2012. http://tinyurl.com/7llh4am
Tufts researchers create strong silk bone-repair scaffolds
Researchers at Tufts University have demonstrated the first all-polymeric bone scaffold repair material that is fully biodegradable and can provide significant mechanical support. Using micron-sized silk fibres to reinforce a silk matrix, the new technology could possibly improve how bones and other tissues are repaired following accidents or diseases. They discovered that silk microfibre-protein composite matrices mimicked the mechanical features of native bone, including the matrix stiffness and surface roughness that enhanced human mesenchymal stem cell differentiation. In combination with the inherent strength of silk fibre, compact fibre reinforcement enhanced compressive properties within the scaffolds.
MPMN (Medical Product Manufacturing News), 3 May 2012. http://tinyurl.com/7kjc9s7
A Profile of the Biomedical Materials Industry: The Search for Innovation
Details a new report which examines how 50 biomedical materials companies are developing in the expanding biomedical materials industry. The report includes the most up-to-date coverage of mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures in the sector and analysis of all the latest published financial data from the companies profiled, complete with full contact details including names of key executives. Each company has been included in the report not only due to its financial success, but also on the role that it plays in the industry. Some of the companies included are highly diversified with interests in many areas. Other medium-sized or smaller companies are included because of their focus on a particular area of biomaterials. A selection of medical device producers has also been included because of their involvement in developing biomaterials for applications in their own products.
International Newsletters, Feb. 2012.
Angioslide announces FDA 510(K) clearance of Proteus below-the-knee device
Angioslide has announced that it has received FDA 510(K) clearance for its new 3X100mm PROTEUS device for treating Peripheral Artery Disease in below the knee vasculature. The new 3/100mm device accommodates 0.014-in guide-wires, which significantly broadens the potential use of PROTEUS technology. PROTEUS is a competitive PTA (Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty) balloon with features similar to leading PTA balloons (deflation time, pushability, crossing profile). Then, during deflation, the PROTEUS captures and retrieves potentially harmful embolic material. The capture of embolic material is enabled by the inward folding of the balloon, which creates a low pressure cavity. The negative pressure in this cavity generates an aspiration effect, pulling embolic material into the cavity. When retrieved through the sheath, PROTEUS removes the captured material from the body.
Qmed Daily, 4 May 2012. http://tinyurl.com/7y2zv29
Biotronik gives ICD patients in Asia Pacific first-ever access to MR scans
Biotronik has announced the first implantation of the new Lumax 740 ICD (implantable cardiac defibrillator) in Hong Kong. Lumax 740 is the world's first and only ICD and CRT-D series approved for magnetic resonance imaging, now giving ICD and CRT-D patients access to vital MR scans with Biotronik's innovative ProMRI technology. This, combined with the product's extended device longevity and Biotronik Home Monitoring, brings the Lumax 740 series to the forefront of cardiac devices for patients with tachyarrhythmias. The new Lumax 740 series is part of the company's technologically advanced tachycardia product portfolio, which includes three ICDs, one CRT-D device and 16 leads.
Qmed Daily, 7 May 2012. http://tinyurl.com/858fcuo
Covidien and GE Healthcare form five-year collaboration
Covidien and GE Healthcare have announced a five-year, global collaboration to incorporate Covidien measurement technologies into GE Healthcare patient monitors. The Nellcor Respiratory Function portfolio, which includes Nellcor pulse oximetry with OxiMax Technology, and the BIS Brain Monitoring system, are now available on many GE Healthcare patient monitors. This includes the CARESCAPE Monitor B850 and CARESCAPE Monitor B650, which combine GE Healthcare's strong cardiac and anesthesiology heritage. The Covidien collaboration reflects GE Healthcare's commitment to maintain an open monitoring architecture, bringing together streams of patient data and making it usable for clinicians at the point of care.
Qmed Daily, 7 May 2012. http://tinyurl.com/6sod69g
Hansen Medical to introduce robotic catheter system
Hansen Medical has announced it will showcase the Sensei(R) X Robotic Catheter System at the Heart Rhythm Society's 33rd Annual Scientific Sessions in Boston. The company will also be showcasing an upcoming software release for the System. The software release will include an updated CoHesion Module which combines the accuracy of 3D catheter control with the visual guidance of 3D electroanatomical mapping, a synergistic technology combination that realises the potential of instinctive motion. It also will achieve compatibility and integration with St. Jude Medical's EnSite Velocity 3.0 Cardiac Mapping System.
Qmed Daily, 7 May 2012. http://tinyurl.com/7qrgf65
Researchers develop new hip implant material combination
Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA have developed a new kind of metal-free hip implant featuring bone-like elasticity based on a novel combination of materials. The hip socket is made of carbon fibre-reinforced PEEK - a high-strength, wear-resistant biocompatible polymer composite - while the femoral head is made from a ceramic material. In addition, a hydroxyapatite coating at the bone interface helps to ensure that the bone tissue will fuse thoroughly with the surface structure of the implant. In initial tests of the implant using a robot that simulated various movements such as walking, climbing, and descending stairs, the researchers were able to confirm the implant's good wear resistance.
Qmed Daily, 7 May 2012. http://tinyurl.com/6tjby8s
Bacterin announces first quarter 2012 revenue of $7.8 million
Bacterin International Holdings has announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2012. Highlights include: revenue increased 29% to $7.8M, compared with the $6.0M for the first quarter of 2011; operating loss decreased by 34% to $1.3M, compared with an operating loss of $1.9M in the first quarter of 2011; gross margin was 76%, above the previous guidance of 70 to 75%, and compared with 83.5% in the first quarter of 2011; and hospital accounts in the 1Q of 2012 increased to 756 facilities, an increase of 45% over 519 facilities in Q1 2011.
Qmed Daily, 7 May 2012. http://tinyurl.com/7ecsurg
An honest look at the state of Japanese medtech
Reports on a discussion with Kunimasa Katayama, president of the Advanced Medical Device Developing Laboratory, also known as AdMed. Katayama mostly acts in a consultant role now, but he has a great perspective, since his former role was as the General Manager of Terumo Medical, one of the largest medical device manufacturers (about 10,000 employees) in Japan. He complains that US manufacturers make both devices and equipment that are too large for the typical Japanese patient and/or surgeon. He adds that people in Japan are less receptive to implantable devices than in the US, being more conservative and more concerned about risk. The conservative nature of the country, which includes the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, means that almost all the implantable devices used are imported from either the US or Europe.
Qmed Daily Europe, 7 May 2012. http://tinyurl.com/835lr42
Medtech startups: the lifeblood of an industry
Argues that startups in the medical space play a crucial role in introducing game-changing ideas and disruptive technologies. Often product-centric and focused on innovation, startups encounter numerous challenges on their way to success. Some important considerations to make when starting a business include funding and cash-flow, technical issues, staffing and focus of the company. Five startup companies - Sequana Medica, Nightingale-EOS, Medivation, Telcare and VirtaMed - share their views on what it takes to successfully launch a company and make it last.
Qmed Daily Europe, 7 May 2012. http://tinyurl.com/87g9rob
CardioKinetix to highlight first-of-its-kind minimally invasive treatment for heart failure
CardioKinetix has announced that clinical trial data from the first-of-its-kind Parachute Ventricular Partitioning Device for the treatment of patients with ischemic heart failure will be presented at the 2012 EuroPCR Conference in Paris. The session is entitled 'Percutaneous ventricular restoration therapy in patients with ischemic dilated heart failure: 2-year clinical and echocardiographic outcomes of the first-in-human study of the parachute left ventricle partitioning device'. The Parachute Ventricular Partitioning Device is a minimally invasive treatment for patients with heart failure caused by damage to the heart muscle following a heart attack. Clinical data demonstrates improved overall cardiac function and quality of life for patients treated with this device.
Qmed Daily Europe, 8 May 2012. http://tinyurl.com/7l28jjq
FDA approves three Boston Scientific pacemakers
Boston Scientific has announced US Food and Drug Administration approval and commercial launch of its new generation of pacemakers, the INGENIO and ADVANTIO pacemakers and INVIVE cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemakers. The INGENIO and ADVANTIO pacemakers feature a new technology designed to regulate the heart rate in response to physical activity. Called RightRate, the technology uses a sensor proven to restore chronotropic competence. The condition may cause people to feel tired when walking or climbing stairs. In addition to RightRate, the INGENIO pacemaker offers Respiratory Rate Trend, an exclusive feature that monitors respiration - a key vital sign. The INVIVE CRT-P also monitors respiration.
Qmed Daily Europe, 7 May 2012. http://tinyurl.com/cpoye8z
Boston Scientific plans global expansion
Reports how the company has promoted its 'rejuvenated, revitalized product pipeline' and a three-pronged strategy for global expansion. CEO Hank Kucheman said 'The key is how well we execute here over the next several years in terms of returning our cardiac rhythm management and cardiology business in the near term to a flat profile versus going backward and a positive profile going forward'. He added that he's optimistic about the 24,000-person company's new products, its recent acquisitions and its potential to increase its market share in developing countries such as India and China. The three biggest new products on the cardiovascular side, which makes up about 60% of the firm's business, are the Promus Element Plus stent, the Progeny platform of devices and the Ingenio pacing device.
Qmed Daily Europe, 9 May 2012. http://tinyurl.com/d4p6tpw
St. Jude Medical announces FDA approval of Assura ICDs with features that reduce inappropriate shocks
St. Jude Medical has announced US Food and Drug Administration approval of its Assura portfolio of implantable cardioverter defibrillators and cardiac resynchronisation therapy defibrillators. The new implantable defibrillators feature SecureSense RV Lead Noise Discrimination, an algorithm that expands the St. Jude Medical ShockGuard Technology and offers advanced sensing options designed to reduce the incidence of inappropriate shocks for patients with these devices. The SecureSense RV Lead Noise Discrimination algorithm is expected to assist physicians by providing advanced alerts as well as more proactively lowering the risk of lead-related complications through its ability to automatically withhold tachycardia therapy in the presence of lead noise (over-sensing of electrical signals).
Qmed Daily Europe, 9 May 2012. http://tinyurl.com/bm7gl6j
Mindray Medical to acquire controlling stake in Hangzhou Optcla Medical Instrument
Mindray Medical International has agreed to acquire a controlling stake of Hangzhou Optcla Medical Instrument Co. Ltd. ('Optcla'). The terms of the agreement were not disclosed as the transaction is non-material to Mindray's financial statements. Optcla is a domestic medical endoscope provider that specialises in rigid endoscopes and related surgical instruments and consumables. In 2010, the market for endoscopes was estimated at approximately $240M in China with a CAGR close to 15%. Internationally, the market was estimated at $2.6bn in 2011 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5%.
Qmed Daily Europe, 9 May 2012. http://tinyurl.com/78ykf6t
Medical device recalls soar during first quarter
ExpertRECALL reports that medical device recalls increased more than 160% in the first quarter of 2012, affecting more than five times as many units as in the previous quarter. Products impacted by the increase include alcohol prep pads, catheters, needles and latex gloves. Consumer product recalls also increased in the first quarter of 2012. However the ExpertRECALL Index found that pharmaceutical and food recalls decreased compared with previous quarters. Medical device recalls listed in first quarter US Food and Drug Administration Enforcement Reports affected nearly 82M units, representing a 508% increase over the previous quarter and recording a five-quarter high.
Qmed Daily Europe, 15 May 2012. http://tinyurl.com/7fqqrju
