HospiMedica international November 2023 by Globetech

WORLD’S CLINICAL NEWS LEADER ISSN 0898-7270 Vol.41 No.4 • 11-12/2023 ®

ANNUAL REVIEW 2023 Top 100 Clinical Advances of the Year

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TABLE OF CONTENTS I

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Annual Review 2023:

A GLOBETECH PUBLICATION

Top 100 Clinical Advances of the Year Medical Imaging............ 4

Surgical Techniques .. 21

Critical Care ................ 13

Industry News.............. 28

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Annual Review 2023

TOP NEWS DEVELOPMENTS OF 2023

RADIOGRAPHY Novel Ingestible Capsule X-Ray Dosimeter Enables Real-Time Radiotherapy Monitoring

For more information on news developments listed below, logon to www.medimaging.net and type appropriate keyword(s) into search engine to access full story from news archive fully applied the ‘SPAD-GS (Global Shutter)’ 3D detector technology to 3D detectors that provides optimal image quality even in low-dose/ high-speed driven environments. Rayence’s next-generation 3D detector technology is expected to attract attention in fields where X-ray imaging results need to be utilized as ultra-fast 3D images. The primary application of this technology will be in medical devices such as C-arms, which require real-time X-ray imaging during orthopedic surgery.

3D X-Ray Imaging Technique Significantly Improves Breast Cancer Detection

Image: The components of the dosimeter can fit into an 18mm by 7mm capsule (Photo courtesy of University of NUS)

research team at the National University of Singapore (NUS, Singapore; www.nus.edu.sg) has created an ingestible Xray dosimeter capable of real-time radiation dose detection. By integrating their innovative capsule design with a neural-network-based regression model that calculates radiation dose based on data captured by the capsule, the researchers achieved approximately five times more accurate dose monitoring compared to existing standard methods. The novel ingestible X-ray dosimeter can measure radiation dose, pH changes, and temperature in real time during gastrointestinal radiotherapy. While currently designed for monitoring radiotherapy doses in gastric cancer, the capsule could also be adapted to track treatment for various malignancies with modifications to its size.

research team that included scientists from the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI, Aargau, Switzerland; www.psi.ch) has successfully enhanced mammography, an X-ray imaging technique used for early-stage tumor detection, leading to significantly improved reliability and a less distressing experience for patients. The researchers extended conventional computed tomography (CT) to yield significantly higher image resolution while maintaining the same radiation dose. This improvement could facilitate the earlier detection of small calcium deposits or microcalcifications, potential indicators of breast tumors, thus improving the survival prospects for affected women.

Sustainable Solar Cell Material Could Transform Medical Imaging

team of researchers, jointly led by the University of Oxford (Oxford, UK; www.ox.ac.uk) and the University of Cambridge (Cambridge, UK; www.cam.ac.uk), has discovered that bismuth oxyiodide (BiOI), a material used in solar cells, can detect X-ray dose rates over 250 times lower than the best commercially used detectors. This discovery could make medical imaging safer and pave the way for new non-invasive diagnostics, such as

New Detector Technology 2.5 Times More Sensitive to X-Rays and 4 Times Faster

next-generation 3D detector technology can enable the development of 3D detectors that are at least 2.5 times more sensitive and four times faster in acquisition speed than existing detectors of the same class. Rayence (Seoul, South Korea; www.rayence.com) has success-

Image: BiOI ruby-like crystals can improve medical imaging safety by lowering intensities of harmful X-rays (Photo courtesy of University of Cambridge)

X-ray video techniques. The researchers are now working on increasing the size of BiOI detectors while maintaining the exceptional properties of single crystals in order to deliver the unique benefits of BiOI to society.

World’s First Handheld and Dynamic Digital X-Ray System

M Image: The SPAD-GS (Global Shutter) is a next-generation 3D detector technology (Photo courtesy of Rayence)

icro C, the world’s first handheld dynamic digital radiographic Xray system, from OXOS Medical (Atlanta, GA, USA; www.oxos. com), is capable of delivering unparalleled image sharpness and clarity in the smallest form factor, making X-ray more accessible. Micro C outperforms conventional X-ray solutions in terms of speed, safety, and HospiMedica International November-December/2023

MEDICAL IMAGING

Annual Review 2023 Printable X-Ray Detectors to Could Revolutionize Imaging Applications

Image: The Micro C handheld dynamic digital radiographic X-ray system (Photo courtesy of OXOS)

intelligence. With its advanced technology, this radiographic imaging device can be used at the point of care, providing exceptional sharpness and clarity while reducing radiation exposure. This means that X-ray imaging can be performed quickly and safely, wherever required.

he field of imaging applications could witness a significant advancement following the demonstration of a pathway to multi-energy X-ray detection with increased flexibility and sensitivity by researchers at Exciton Science (Melbourne, VIC, Australia; www.excitonscience.com). Developed by a team at Monash University (Melbourne, VIC, Australia; www.monash.edu), the technology is based on solution-processed, printable diodes made utilizing perovskite thin films, a component generally associated with next-generation solar energy devices. The latest research has shown that a perovskite-based multi-energy X-ray detector can operate across a wide range of energies, from 0.1 KeV to the 10s of KeV, surpassing the capabilities of traditional multi-energy X-ray detectors. This breakthrough technology has the potential to revolutionize the field of imaging applications.

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new study by researchers at Yonsei University (Seoul, South Korea; www.yonsei.ac.kr) has found that dual source CT (DSCT) scanners can eliminate the requirement for beta blockers to regulate heart rates during coronary CTA exams, consequently decreasing the time taken to complete the scans, which is particularly important for chest pain patients in emergency settings. Based on the findings, the researchers have suggested that shorter completion times from using DSCT scanners could expedite treatment for patients who are in urgent need of treatment.

Photon-Counting CT Beats Dual-Source CT at Detecting Heart Defects in Babies

study by researchers at RWTH Aachen University Hospital (Aachen, Germany; www.ukaachen.de) has found that a new advanced form of CT imaging called photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) offers superior cardiovascular imaging quality at a comparable radiation dose to dual-source CT (DSCT) for infants with suspected cardiac defects. PCCT is an emerging imaging technique that records the exact count and energy measurements of incoming X-ray photons. In comparison to DSCT, PCCT delivers higher image resolution and/or lower radiation doses, a feature that is especially useful in pediatric imaging. The researchers found that the PCCT images were sharper, had less image noise, and demonstrated higher contrast than DSCT images. The mean overall visual quality of the images was higher for PCCT than DSCT, using a similar radiation dose.

Photon-Counting CT Allows for Comprehensive Lung Imaging

new study by researchers at Hannover Medical School (Hannover, Germany; www.mhh.de) has led to the discovery of a new CT technology that facilitates a comprehensive, simultaneous analysis of lung structure and function, an achievement beyond the capabilities of standard CT. The researchers developed a chest imaging protocol that provides information about the structure and function of the lungs. This protocol employs the recently introduced photon-counting CT technology, which allows for high-quality images at a radiation dose lower than that of a standard chest CT. It also delivers improved spatial resolution and spectral imaging capabilities, which leverage the energy information from X-rays to determine tissue composition. The novel protocol requires advanced software, but no additional hardware. HospiMedica International November-December/2023

Medical Imaging

Annual Review 2023 ULTRASOUND Anatomically Precise Ultrasound-Based Technique to Enable Noninvasive Biopsies for Brain Tumors

new method called sonobiopsy, developed by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL, St. Louis, MO, USA; www. medicine.wustl.edu), uses ultrasound technology and microbubbles to temporarily disrupt the blood-brain barrier, allowing vital molecules like RNA, DNA, and proteins to move into the bloodstream where they can be detected and studied. The researchers who had developed and previously tested the technique in animals have now demonstrated the technique to be feasible and safe for use in humans, paving the way for noninvasive biopsies for suspected brain tumors and other brain diseases. The new device can be seamlessly incorporated into existing medical procedures without the need for extra training for the neurosurgeons involved.

Noncontact Laser-Based Ultrasound Delivers Same Performance as MRI and CT at Lower Cost

esearchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA; www.web.mit.edu) and their collaborators at the Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston, MA, USA; www.massgeneral. org) have developed a new medical imaging device called the Noncontact Laser Ultrasound (NCLUS) that offers a cost-effective alternative, delivering capabilities similar to MRI and CT on a portable, automated platform. This laser-based ultrasound system generates images of interior body features like organs, fat, muscles, tendons, and blood vessels. Since NCLUS requires no manual pressure or coupling gels (unlike contact probes), it can be particularly suitable for patients with sensitive or painful body areas, frail conditions, or infection risks. Additionally, the system measures bone strength and holds promise for monitoring stages of disease progression.

Biodegradable Ultrasound Could Make Brain Cancers More Treatable

esearchers at University of Connecticut (Storrs, CT, USA; www.uconn.edu) have developed a revolutionary, biodegradable ultrasound implant, considerably more powerful than earlier models, could improve the treatment of brain cancers. The ultrasound device implanted directly in the brain can be used repeatedly to allow chemotherapy to permeate the brain and eliminate tumor cells. An implantable ultrasound device already exists in the market, but it’s made of potentially toxic ceramic materials that require surgical removal post-treatment. The researchers had earlier built a safe, biodegradable piezoelectric ultrasound brain implant, although it wasn’t as powerful as the traditional ceramic variants. In their latest research, the team employed a completely new method to create a biodegradable polymer ultrasound that is as powerful as the ceramic models.

Image: Wearable ultrasound patch tracks blood pressure in a deep artery or vein (Photo courtesy of Chonghe Wang/Nature Biomedical Engineering)

Ultrasound Breakthrough Could Have Major Impact on Disease Diagnostics

nvestigators at Texas A&M University (College Station, TX, USA; www.tamu.edu) have developed a new technique that enables researchers to accurately determine both Young’s modulus (YM) and Poisson’s ratio (PR) without invasive procedures. To accurately gauge tissue stiffness, scientists require both these distinct measurements. YM

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Stamp-Size Wearable Ultrasound Patch Provides Cardiac Imaging on the Go

team of researchers, led by the University of California San Diego (La Jolla, CA, USA; www.ucsd.edu), has developed an ultrasound patch that non-invasively monitors blood pressure in arteries deep beneath the skin to detect cardiovascular problems much earlier and with more precision. The soft, stretchy ultrasound patch can be worn on the skin for obtaining precise readings of central blood pressure each time, even when the user is on the go, and can also get a good reading through fatty tissue. In trials, the researchers found the patch recordings to be comparable to those collected using a traditional ultrasound probe. Some of its applications include real-time, continuous monitoring of blood pressure changes in patients diagnosed with heart or lung disease, as well as those who are seriously ill or undergoing surgery. LINKXPRESS COM

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Annual Review 2023

MEDICAL IMAGING serves as a mechanical parameter for tissue stiffness, while PR measures the compressibility of the tissue. The study is not only the first to accurately measure both YM and PR, but the method is also among the first to treat tissue as a changing material. Moving forward, the researchers aim to test the model’s applicability in the human body.

Diagnostic Ultrasound Bra Detects Breast Cancer Earlier

esearchers from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA; www.web.mit.edu) aiming to increase the overall survival rate for breast cancer patients have developed a wearable ultrasound device that could detect tumors in their early stages. The

Microbubble Technology Helps Surgeons Target Cancer with Ultrasound

new study by researchers at the University of Strathclyde (Glasgow, UK; www.strath.ac.uk) has found that microbubble technology holds great potential in assisting surgeons to target cancer more precisely. This new technology could greatly minimize the need for invasive surgeries, significantly enhancing the quality of life for bowel cancer patients. The study revealed that by injecting patients with safe microscopic gas bubbles, ultrasound technology could be utilized by surgeons to locate which areas of tissue the cancer has spread to. The acquired data could help minimize the removal of healthy tissue, thus reducing the complexity of surgery and the risks associated with it for the patients. This innovative approach could revolutionize the treatment of bowel cancer in the near future.

MRI MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound Burns Breast Cancer Tumors without Surgery

I Image: A wearable ultrasound scanner could detect breast cancer earlier (Photo courtesy of MIT)

researchers developed a flexible patch that can be attached to a bra and allows the wearer to maneuver an ultrasound tracker to image breast tissue from different angles. This tool could be particularly beneficial for patients at a high risk of developing breast cancer between routine mammograms.

New Tool Uses Ultrasound ‘Tornado’ to Break Down Blood Clots in the Brain

esearchers at North Carolina State University (Raleigh, NC, USA; www.ncsu.edu) have developed a new tool and technique that uses “vortex ultrasound” – a sort of ultrasonic tornado – to break down blood clots in the brain. The researchers found that the new approach was quicker in eliminating clots formed in an in vitro model of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) as compared to the existing techniques. The researchers conducted proof-of-concept in vitro testing by using cow blood in a 3D-printed model of the cerebral venous sinus and found that the new tool could dissolve an acute blood clot in less than 30 minutes.

n a significant breakthrough in the field of non-invasive treatments for breast cancer, scientists from the Huntsman Cancer Institute at University of Utah Health (Salt Lake City, UT, USA; www.healthcare. utah.edu) have developed a technology capable of eliminating tumors without the need for surgical intervention, all within an outpatient setting. The MUSE breast cancer treatment system employs a twostep, non-surgical approach for locating and ablating, or removing, breast tumors. Initially, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is utilized to identify and pinpoint the tumors. Once the tumors are located, focused ultrasound technology is used to heat and subsequently destroy the cancerous cells. The entire treatment, which allows the patient to stay awake, takes about 90 minutes and is completed within a few hours.

Accelerated MRI with AI Image Reconstruction Nearly Halves Scan Times

study which is part of the fastMRI initiative established by NYU Langone Health (New York, NY, USA; www. nyulangone.org) and Meta AI Research (New York, NY, USA; ai.meta.com) (formerly Facebook) in 2018, has led to the joint development of the fastMRI AI model. An MRI examination that takes as much as 30 minutes can be completed in less than five minutes by using fastMRI, making examination time for MRI comparable to that for X-rays or CT scans. Reconstructing MRI scans with AI, which is four times faster than standard scans, has the potential to expand MRI access to more patients and lower appointment wait times.

World’s First Whole-Body Ultra-High Field 5.0T MRI Visualizes Previously Unseen Anatomical Structures

Image: The new tool uses “vortex ultrasound” to break down blood clots (Photo courtesy of CDC, Stephanie Rossow)

nited Imaging Healthcare (UIH, Warsaw, Poland; www.unitedimaging.com) has unveiled the uMR Jupiter 5.0T, the world’s first whole-body ultra-high field 5.0T MRI, for the first time internationally. The uMR Jupiter 5.0T, as an entirely new species, sets itself apart from the pack. It has successfully mastered the technical challenges of ultra-high-field MRI and is now the first machine in the world to achieve whole-body clinical applications. Thanks to its higher resolution and SNR of 5.0T, radiologists can now visualize anatomical structures that were previously unseen on 3.0T MRI. This feature enhances diagnostic confidence and facilitates precise preoperative planning.

HospiMedica International November-December/2023

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MEDICAL IMAGING Oxygen-Enhanced MRI Offers Vision Inside Tumors

Annual Review 2023 Pioneering MRI Method Captures Brain Glucose Metabolism without Need for Radioactive Substances

ntil now, radioactive substances have been used to map glucose metabolism in the brain. Now, a new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method developed by researchers at the Medical University of Vienna (Vienna, Austria; www.meduniwien.ac.at) that utilizes a harmless glucose solution can provide reliable results and is compatible with most MRI scanners. The researchers examined and substantially improved the existing diagnostic methods for mapping brain glucose metabolism. However, additional studies will be needed to confirm the findings before this less-invasive technique can be implemented for patient benefit.

Image: New scan measures tumor oxygen levels in real-time to help guide treatment (Photo courtesy of ICR)

team of researchers from The University of Manchester (Manchester, UK; www.manchester.ac.uk) and The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR, London, UK; www.icr.ac.uk) have achieved a breakthrough by combining two cutting edge technologies: an MRI scanner that also delivers radiotherapy - called MR-Linac - to measure the oxygen levels in tumors. Identifying cancers that are deprived of oxygen can aid in tailoring effective, targeted treatments for such tumors. Oxygen-enhanced MRI, as the technique is called, was able to distinguish between tumor portions with different oxygen levels; areas with good oxygenation showed varied responses compared to those that were oxygen-depleted, thereby helping to identify the sections of the tumor that were starved of oxygen and may be resistant to radiotherapy.

Combo of Two MRI Techniques Detects Deadly Heart Condition Before Symptoms Appear

collaborative research involving investigators from University College London (UCL, London, UK; www.ucl.ac.uk) has revealed that a combination of two types of heart scan techniques could enable medical professionals to detect hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) earlier than current conventional tests allow. The team employed two advanced heart scanning techniques: cardiac diffusion tensor imaging (cDTI), a type of MRI scan that reveals how individual heart muscle cells are organized and packed together (the heart’s microstructure), and cardiac MRI perfusion (perfusion CMR), which identifies problems with small blood vessels supplying the heart muscle (microvascular disease). The early detection of HCM could also support trials exploring gene therapies and medications aimed at preventing the disease’s development in high-risk individuals.

World’s First 30 Minute Full Body MRI Scanner Introduced

zra’s (New York, NY, USA; www.ezra.com) newest proprietary AI, Ezra Flas, enhances the quality of MRI scans, thereby facilitating rapid, cost-effective cancer detection. Ezra provides individuals with preventative, proactive, and continual cancer screening through its Full Body MRI. This allows for the monitoring of potential cancer and over 500 conditions across up to 13 organs, facilitating earlier disease detection. Ezra also incorporates a low-dose chest CT scan, where appropriate, for lung cancer screening and evaluating heart disease risk. Previously, the Ezra Full Body MRI took an hour and cost USD 1,950, but with the implementation of Ezra Flash, it now takes only 30 minutes and costs USD 1,350, marking a price reduction of 30%. Ezra’s ultimate ambition is to offer a 15-minute full body MRI scan at a cost of USD 500, a goal they aim to achieve in the next two to three years.

POC Neonatal MRI Offers Transformative Neuroimaing Inside NICU

he Embrace Neonatal MRI system from Aspect Imaging (Los Angeles, CA, USA; www.aspectimaging.com) which is specifically designed for neonatal care is transforming neonatal neuroimaging by allowing scans to be performed right inside the NICU. Embrace is the world’s first FDA-cleared and CE-approved MRI system that is particularly designed to meet the unique imaging requirements of premature and newborn babies. Unlike conventional MRI systems, the Embrace is compact and self-contained, making it suitable for installation directly in the NICU—a setting where space is at a premium and the risks are too high to accommodate a full-sized adult MRI scanner.

Ultra-Powerful MRI Merged With Light-Sheet Microscopy Provides 64 Million Times Sharper Brain Images

n a groundbreaking achievement coinciding with the first MRI’s 50th anniversary, researchers led by Duke University (Durham, NC, USA; www.duke.edu) have significantly enhanced MRI resolution, resulting in the clearest images of a mouse brain ever captured. While the research focused on mice rather than humans, the improved MRI offers a groundbreaking method to visualize the entire brain’s connectivity at unparalleled resolution. The researchers believe that the insights gained from mouse imaging will ultimately contribute to a better understanding of human conditions, such as age-related brain changes, dietary impacts, or neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Image: Embrace is the first FDA 510(k) cleared and CE marked dedicated neonatal MRI system (Photo courtesy of Aspect Imaging) HospiMedica International November-December/2023

Medical Imaging

Annual Review 2023 New Use for Copper in MRI Contrast Agent Design Improves Diagnosis

Portable, Ultra-Low-Field MRI System Brings Brain Imaging to Bedside

n groundbreaking research, scientists at the University of Birmingham (Birmingham, UK; www.birmingham.ac.uk) have uncovered a novel application of copper in designing MRI contrast agents. This finding holds promise for generating superior, safer images that facilitate easier and safer patient diagnosis. The researchers identified a novel copper protein binding site that holds significant potential for use in MRI contrast agents to enhance the visibility of internal body structures. This discovery defies the traditional belief that copper is ill-suited for MRI contrast agents and may contribute to the creation of new imaging agents posing fewer risks and side effects than those currently in use.

MRI Technology Distinguishes Between Pathological and Healthy Brain Tissue without Contrast Agents

research team led by The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (Jerusalem, Israel; www.huji.ac.il) has introduced a revolutionary MRI technology that could revolutionize understanding of iron homeostasis in the brain. What sets this new MRI approach apart is its ability to notice shifts in the brain’s capacity to manage iron, both across various regions and as the brain ages. The technology can also identify changes in how iron is handled and how genes related to iron are expressed in abnormal tissues. Perhaps most significantly, it can differentiate between cancerous and non-cancerous tissues without needing potentially harmful contrast agents. This new approach to MRI marks a groundbreaking advancement in assessing iron balance in the human brain.

Deep Learning Enables Fast 3D Brain MRI at 0.055 Tesla

yperfine’s (Guilford, CT, USA; hyperfine.io) Swoop Portable MR Imaging System, the world’s first FDA-cleared portable magnetic resonance brain imaging system, has received FDA clearance for an updated software which brings image quality enhancements to its diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) sequence. Swoop takes diagnostic MR scans right to the patient’s location. This has the potential to shorten ICU stays and their associated costs by enabling quicker diagnosis and reducing interruptions in patient care. For hospitals, using the Swoop system in the ICU allows for more effective staff allocation. It minimizes the logistics involved in moving patients for imaging, freeing up staff to focus on immediate patient needs in the ICU or assist other patients. Moreover, compared to traditional MRI systems, the Swoop can deliver results three to seven hours faster.

PET PET Imaging Breakthrough to Help Detect Brain Tumors

new study by researchers at the University of Turku (Turun yliopisto, Finland; www.utu.fi) has shed light on the use of folate-based radiopharmaceuticals in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to detect folate receptors in brain tumors. The research team observed that brain tumors contain a higher amount of folate receptor expression compared to surrounding brain tissue. This finding has been confirmed in both experimental models and samples obtained from human tumors. The researchers are optimistic that this significant discovery will pave the way for further investigation into the detection and treatment of brain tumors using folate targeting techniques.

n a new study aiming to advance brain ultralow-field (ULF) MRI for Fast PET/MRI Protocol Cuts speed and quality via deep learning, researchers at The University Breast Cancer Scan Times in Half of Hong Kong (Hong Kong, PRC; www.hku.hk) have proposed a fast esearchers at the University of Dusseldorf (Dusseldorf, Germany; acquisition and deep learning reconstruction framework to speed up www.hhu.de) have found that the time for breast cancer imaging via brain MRI at 0.055 tesla. The researchers successfully achieved fast 3D PET/MRI can be reduced by half without sacrificing crucial diagnostic brain MRI at 0.055 T by directly combining the accelerated MR data data. The researchers managed to reduce the duration of F-18 FDG-PET/ acquisition and the DL 3D image formation that reconstructs images MRI protocols from 20 minutes to less than 10 minutes in scans of breast from incomplete 3D k-space data with SR. The new approach success- cancer patients with small tumors, without missing any vital findings. fully overcomes the limitations of low signal strength, allowing for the 2:09 vc HospiMedica_clr_3.75x7.5_Eng23Oct100_12369.pdf 1 10/9/23 ThisPMdiscovery could potentially boost the usage of this method for breast detailed reconstruction of fine anatomical features. cancer diagnosis and increase efficiency within radiology departments. vc HospiMedica_clr_Eng 7.625 x 3.5 due 10/10/2023

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Annual Review 2023

TOP NEWS DEVELOPMENTS OF 2023

For more information on news developments listed below, logon to www.hospimedica.com and type appropriate keyword(s) into search engine to access full story from news archive

Tiny Implantable Device Helps Kill Cancer

n interdisciplinary research team at UCLA (Los Angeles, CA, USA; www.ucla.edu) has reported encouraging results in laboratory studies testing a tiny implantable device they call a SymphNode, which is designed to keep regulatory T cells in check only in the area around a tumor while summoning and strengthening tumor-fighting cells. SymphNode is a tiny biodegradable sponge about the size of a pencil eraser that is made from alginate, the same jiggly polymer used to thicken pudding. When surgically implanted directly next to a tumor, the sponge stimulates the body’s immune response against cancer in multiple ways. The device was shown to drive tumors into remission, eliminate metastasis, prevent the growth of new tumors and result in longer survival in mice.

Near-Real-Time Sepsis Monitoring and Alerting System to Reduce Hospital Readmission Rates

ERSOWN, Inc. (Jacksonville, FL, USA; www.persown.com) is addressing the global burden of sepsis with the launch of a lifesaving, early detection sepsis technology designed to provide the best possible information to clinicians to make important, time-critical decisions. PERSOWN has launched SMASH-H (Sepsis Monitoring and Alerting System for Hospitals and Homes), powered by healthcare analytics from SAS (Cary, NC, USA; www.sas.com). SMASH-H will process any changes to a patient’s health data on 10-minute intervals using a suite of powerful SAS artificial intelligence tools to provide time-series predictive analytics. This will deliver the highest-quality actionable information to the hospital’s current visual monitoring and alerting software.

AI Helps Hospitals Prioritize Patients for Urgent Intensive Care and Ventilator Support

research team at Swansea University (Swansea, UK; www.swansea. ac.uk) has developed a ‘digital twin’ that can help hospitals to prioritize patients for urgent intensive care and ventilator support. The innovative three-tiered system uses deep learning methods to build patient-specific digital twins to identify and prioritize critical cases among patients with severe pneumonia. The system could potentially allow patients to be seen more quickly and receive the most effective treatment based on data from previous pneumonia sufferers.

Groundbreaking Biomaterial Injected Intravenously Repairs Cells and Tissue Damaged By Heart Attack and TBI

team of bioengineers and physicians at the University of California San Diego (La Jolla, CA, USA; www.ucsd.edu) has developed a new biomaterial that can be injected intravenously to reduce inflammation in tissue and encourage cell and tissue repair. Researchers who developed the biomaterial also tested it and proved its effectiveness in treating tissue damage as a result of heart attacks in rodent as well as large animal models. They also provided proof of concept in a rodent model that the biomaterial may benefit patients with traumatic brain injury and pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Ingestible Sensor Could Replace Invasive Procedures for Diagnosing GI Motility Disorders

ngineers at MIT (Cambridge, MA, USA; www.web.mit.edu) and Caltech (Pasadena, CA, USA; www.caltech.edu) have developed an ingestible sensor that allows its location to be monitored as it moves through the digestive tract and could help doctors diagnose gastrointestinal motility disorders more easily. The tiny sensor detects a magnetic field

Image: The sensor sends its location as it moves through the GI tract to reveal where slowdowns in digestion may occur (Photo courtesy of MIT)

created by an electromagnetic coil located outside the body. In the new study, the researchers showed that they could use the technology to track the sensor as it moved through the digestive tract of large animals. The device could offer an alternative to more invasive procedures, such as endoscopy, that are presently being used to diagnose GI motility disorders.

Tiny Swallowable Vibrating Capsule Could Transform Treatment of Gut-Brain Interaction Disorders

n a pioneering study, scientists at the Laureate Institute for Brain Research (LIBR, Tulsa, OK, USA; www.laureateinstitute.org) had participants ingest a minimally invasive vibrating capsule developed by Vibrant Ltd. (Newton, MA, USA; www.vibrantgastro.com). This was done to assess neural reactions during gastrointestinal stimulation, introducing a unique method to examine the complex gut-brain nexus. The team found that the participants could sense the capsule’s vibration under two scenarios: normal and intensified. The heightened stimulation resulted in superior perceptual accuracy, quicker identification of the stimulation, and a decrease in reaction time variability, implying potential for further exploration of this method within various clinical cohorts. The findings mark a notable advancement as they validate the viability of this novel approach to study gut feelings.

Critical Care Technology Reduces Length of Stay and Ventilation in ICU

he smART+ Platform from ART MEDICAL (Netanya, Israel; www. artmedical.com) is a cutting-edge platform with integrated software and sensor-based tools that is designed to detect and reduce the risk of feeding-related complications while enhancing feeding efficiency. The platform continuously monitors nutrient delivery and automatically identifies and compensates for any feeding interruption, ensuring the appropriate nutrition is delivered and reducing the risk of malnutrition. The platform’s sensors and monitoring technology also help identify acute kidney injury and potential reflux events, both of which can be life-threatening if not detected early.

New Instrument Could Transform Oral Cancer Diagnosis

n innovative new instrument that could transform oral cancer diagnosis is currently under development by researchers at the University of Liverpool (Liverpool, UK; www.liverpool.ac.uk) and Liverpool Head & Neck Centre (LHNC; Liverpool, UK; www.livheadandneck.co.uk). The hand-held device named Liverpool Diagnostic Infrared (LDIR) Wand uses a small number of infrared lasers, combined with machine learning algorithm analysis of infrared spectral images of tissue, to rapidly and accurately idenHospiMedica International November-December/2023

CRITICAL CARE

Annual Review 2023 tify lesions in the mouth that will develop into cancer. The researchers will initially develop a prototype of the LDIR Wand for use in histopathology laboratories that could eventually be used in clinics for real-time diagnostics.

Bracelet Troponin Sensor Predicts Heart Attack With 90% Accuracy in Five Minutes

n experimental wrist-worn device developed by RCE (Carlsbad. CA, USA; www.rce.ai) has been found to predict troponin-I and blocked arteries with 90% accuracy in five minutes, potentially preventing more heart muscle damage. The wrist-worn sensor operates using infrared light to detect troponin-I in the bloodstream via the skin. This device then wirelessly transmits information using Bluetooth to a cloud-based system where a machine learning algorithm relates the information to training data to predict the wearer’s troponin level. Researchers are confident that the new wearable sensor will aid in augmenting the diagnostic process by providing an early assessment of whether the patient is experiencing a heart attack, even before lab results become available.

Self-Propelling Micro/Nanorobots Provide Precision Treatment of Gastrointestinal Inflammation

that the use of a stick-on sensor that alerts clinicians about lung fluid buildup can reduce the likelihood of heart failure patients being readmitted to the hospital by 38% within 90 days. The device, known as the µCor (“microcor”) system (Zoll Medical; www.zoll.com), uses radiofrequency signals to measure the wearer’s thoracic fluid index, which is an indicator of fluid in the lungs. By remotely providing clinicians with actionable information about a patient’s condition, the device encourages clinicians to adjust medications earlier and prevent complications from worsening.

Swallowable Robotic Pill Designed To Deliver Medication Could Eliminate Painful Injections

he RaniPill GO capsule from Rani Therapeutics (San Jose, CA, USA; www.ranitherapeutics.com) is a swallowable robotic pill designed to deliver drugs while minimizing gastrointestinal discomfort could improve the lives of millions of patients suffering from chronic conditions by replacing painful injections. Designed to ensure the drug remains protected within the pill until it reaches the desired location, the robotic pill acts as a swallowable auto-injector, enabling safe and painless intestinal injection of the drug. Additionally, the highly vascularized nature of the intestinal wall facilitates rapid drug absorption.

esearchers at the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Beijing, China; www.cas.cn) have developed a twin-bioengine yeast micro/nanorobot (TBY-robot) with self-propelling and self-adaptive capabilities that can autonomously navigate to inflamed sites for providing gastrointestinal inflammation thera-

Image: Twin-bioengine self-adaptive micro/nanorobots developed for gastrointestinal inflammation therapy (Photo courtesy of SIAT)

py through enzyme-macrophage switching (EMS). The TBY-robot was built by asymmetrically immobilizing glucose oxidase and catalase onto the surface of anti-inflammatory nanoparticle-packaged yeast microcapsules. The self-adaptive TBY-robot offers a safe and promising strategy for the precision treatment of gastrointestinal inflammation and other inflammatory diseases.

Stick-On Sensor Could Reduce Hospital Readmissions for Heart Patients

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CRITICAL CARE Wireless, Battery-Free Electronic Bandage Speeds Wound Healing by 30%

suming battery while simultaneously administering an experimental class of cancer drugs in mice with cancer caused the tumors to shrink or disappear within two weeks. The implantable self-charging battery is powered by salt water injected into its surrounding area. The battery generates very low voltage electricity and consumes oxygen, creating a hypoxic environment that can enhance the efficacy of hypoxia-activated prodrugs (HAPs). Further research is required to ensure the compatibility of the battery with human tissue before testing it in humans.

Breakthrough Could Dramatically Reduce Deaths from Childbirth-Related Bleeding

Image: First transient electronic bandage speeds healing by 30% (Photo courtesy of Northwestern University)

esearchers at Northwestern University (Evanston, IL, USA; www. northwestern.edu) examining the use of electrical stimulation therapy to close stubborn wounds in diabetics have developed a first-ofits-kind small, flexible, stretchable bandage that accelerates healing by delivering electrotherapy directly to the wound site. Injuries are known to disrupt the body’s normal electrical signals. By applying electrical stimulation, the body’s normal signals can be restored, thus attracting new cells to migrate to the wound bed. The bandage also actively monitors the healing process and then dissolves harmlessly - electrodes and all - into the body after it is not needed. In an animal study, the new bandage healed diabetic ulcers 30% faster than in mice without the bandage.

World’s First Bedside EEG Device Detects Acute Brain Failure

he DeltaScan Brain State Monitor from Prolira BV (Utrecht, The Netherlands; https://us.prolira.com) is the world’s first bedside electroencephalogram (EEG) device that provides clinicians with a quick and objective measurement of acute brain failure, even before symptoms develop. With a simple bedside measurement of polymorphic delta waves in the EEG, performed by either nurses or technicians, a clear negative or positive output can be obtained in less than five minutes without the need for specialized personnel or complicated equipment. Prolira has received 510(k) clearance from the FDA for the DeltaScan Brain State Monitor to aid in the diagnosis of acute encephalopathy in hospitalized patients over 60 years old.

Machine Learning Programs Predict Mortality Risk by Analyzing Results from Routine Hospital Tests

pivotal study carried out by researchers from the World Health Organization (WHO, Geneva, Switzerland; www.who.int) and the University of Birmingham (Edgbaston, UK; www.birmingham.ac.uk) has found that a novel intervention, called E-MOTIVE, could represent a significant advancement in decreasing fatalities from postpartum bleeding. The findings of the landmark study involving more than 200,000 women across four countries indicated that accurately quantifying blood loss with an inexpensive, simple collection device known as a ‘drape’ and simultaneously administering WHO-endorsed treatments - as opposed to sequential delivery - led to significant improvements in outcomes for the women. Additionally, there was a significant decline in the rate of blood transfusions due to bleeding, which is particularly important in low-income nations where blood is a scarce and costly resource.

‘AI Doctor’ Predicts Patient Outcomes and Hospital Readmission

breakthrough AI program developed by a research team from NYU Grossman School of Medicine (New York, NY, USA; www.med. nyu.edu) can interpret physicians’ notes to reliably calculate patients’ mortality risk, hospital stay duration, and other significant care factors. This technology, which automates basic tasks, could streamline workflows and free up more time for doctors to communicate with their patients. This innovative tool estimates the likelihood of a patient getting readmitted within 30 days post-discharge and is currently in use at NYU Langone Health hospitals.

New Technology Uses Bio-Printed ‘Patches’ to Repair Damaged Heart Tissue

esearchers from The University of Technology Sydney (UTS, Sydney, Australia; www.uts.edu.au) have demonstrated the potential of bio-engineered heart tissues in promoting the safe and effective recovery of patients recovering from the damage due to an extensive heart attack. The cutting-edge technology fabricates personalized ‘bio-inks’ utilizing stem cells obtained from a patient’s body. These

ospital ECGs are mostly read by a doctor or nurse at the patient’s bedside, but now researchers are applying artificial intelligence (AI) to gather additional information from those results to improve patients care. A research team at University of Alberta (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; www.ualberta.ca) has developed and trained machine learning programs using a massive dataset of 1.6 million ECGs performed on 244,077 patients spanning over a period from 2007 till 2020. The algorithm predicted the risk of death from all causes within one month, one year, and five years with an impressive 85% accuracy rate, ranking the patients into one of five categories, ranging from the lowest to the highest risk.

Implantable Self-Charging Battery Kills Tumor Cells by Sucking Oxygen

new study by researchers at Fudan University (Shanghai, China; www.fudan.edu.cn) has found that implanting an oxygen-con-

Image: Personalized ‘bio-inks’ are used to 3D-print cardiac tissues to repair areas of dead tissue caused by heart attacks (Photo courtesy of UTS) HospiMedica International November-December/2023

CRITICAL CARE

Annual Review 2023 “bio-inks” are subsequently utilized for 3D-printing cardiac tissues to repair the regions affected by dead tissues resulting from a heart attack. Further testing for the long term effects of this technology are underway before it enters clinical trials.

AI Technique Could Revolutionize Alzheimer’s Treatment

team of mechanical engineers, neuroscientists, and computer scientists led by University of Rochester (Rochester, NY, USA; www.rochester.edu) has developed novel artificial intelligence-based velocimetry measurements to accurately measure the flow of brain fluid. Any anomalies in this fluid movement are associated with various neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer’s, small vessel disease, strokes, and traumatic brain injuries. However, measuring these fluid dynamics in vivo poses a significant challenge. The new technique offers an innovative way to measure fluid circulation around the brain’s blood vessels, potentially paving the way for breakthrough treatments for conditions like Alzheimer’s.

cross-contamination, proving valuable in settings where infection control is paramount.

Handheld Device Uses Fiber Optic Sensor to Determine Correct Nasogastric Feeding Tube Placement

GPod Global (Cheshire, UK; www.ngpodglobal.com) has developed the NGPOD system, a device designed to tackle the risks associated with traditional nasogastric placement confirmation techniques. The portable NGPod device employs a fiber optic sensor that is introduced directly into the stomach via the feeding tube, eliminating the need for aspirate while transmitting light signals back to a handheld device. The NGPOD system also eliminates the need to aspirate gastric contents from the patient and reduces the risk of clinical interpretation errors by providing a safe bedside test that delivers a clear ‘yes’ or ‘no’ result. The device also reduces the requirement for unnecessary X-rays to confirm placement, contributing to patient safety and cost-efficiency.

Chest E-Tattoo for Continuous, Mobile Heart Monitoring Could Catch Cardiovascular Diseases Early

team led by researchers at The University of Texas (Austin, TX, USA; www.utexas.edu) has developed an ultrathin, lightweight electronic tattoo, or e-tattoo, for continuous, mobile heart monitoring. This device, which adheres to the chest, includes two sensors that collectively provide comprehensive insights into heart health, increas-

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Photonic Radar System Enables Contactless, High-Definition Detection of Vital Signs for ICU Patients

photonic radar system developed by scientists at The University of Sydney (NSW, Australia; www.sydney.edu.au) enables non-contact, high-definition detection of vital signs, potentially benefiting ICUs, aged-care facilities, and individuals with sleep apnea or infants with breathing issues. The system facilitates highly accurate, non-invasive monitoring and is capable of detecting vital signs from a distance, thereby eliminating the need for physical contact with patients. This increases patient comfort and minimizes the risk of LINKXPRESS COM

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CRITICAL CARE Non-Invasive Adhesive Hydrogel Patch Marks Breakthrough in Treatment of Collapsed Airways in Newborns

team of engineers at EPFL (Lausanne, Switzerland; www.epfl. ch), in collaboration with pediatric airway surgeons at CHUV (Lausanne, Switzerland; www.chuv.ch), has developed an innovative adhesive hydrogel patch that promises to revolutionize the treatment of tracheomalacia. In a novel approach, the non-invasive adhesive hydrogel patch can be used to wrap around and support the damaged trachea, thereby opening the airway. Their successful demonstration of the adhesive hydrogel patch proves its ability to adhere strongly to moist tracheal surfaces, providing structural support to a fully collapsed trachea even under negative pressure, increasing the volume by up to 50%. The positive results have demonstrated the potential for the use of adhesive hydrogels as a new approach in the clinical treatment of tracheomalacia.

Sensor Patch Offers Non-Invasive Leak Diagnosis and Sealing of Post-Abdominal Surgery Sutures

esearchers at Empa (Zurich, Switzerland; www.empa.ch) and ETH Zurich (Zurich, Switzerland; www.ethz.ch) have developed a new hydrogel-polymer patch that prevents highly acidic digestive juices and bacteria-laden food residues from escaping the digestive tract, following abdominal surgery. This can avert peritonitis or potentially

Image: The first ever device to monitor transplanted organs detects early signs of rejection (Photo courtesy of Northwestern University)

success in individuals with blood cancer. Edity is poised to take the next leap, aiming to utilize these retrained immune cells, to target solid tumors that create treatment challenges. Patients can provide a blood sample from which specialized white blood cells known as T cells are extracted. These cells are then engineered in a laboratory setting to carry the necessary medication for treatment. After a brief incubation period, the engineered cells are reintroduced into the patient’s body. Loaded with medication, the immune cells navigate directly to the patient’s damaged cells and start repairing the diseased tissues.

First-Ever Implantable Device Detects Organ Transplant Rejection Three Weeks Earlier Than Current Methods

esearchers at Northwestern University (Evanston, IL, USA; www. northwestern.edu) have created the first ever device to monitor transplanted organs can sense warning signs of rejection up to three weeks earlier than current methods. This soft, ultrathin implant sits directly on the transplanted kidney and monitors temperature fluctuations, which are often related to inflammation and other bodily reactions that can indicate transplant rejection. The device then sends this data wirelessly to a nearby smartphone or tablet, alerting the patient or medical professionals. A surgeon could implant the device immediately following the transplant surgery, while the patient is still in the operating room, allowing it to monitor the kidney without requiring additional procedures.

Ingestible Smart Pill Tracks Key Biological Markers of Bowel Diseases in Real Time

Image: The sensor patch can withstand several times the pressure in the abdominal cavity (Photo courtesy of Empa)

life-threatening blood poisoning (sepsis). What sets this patch apart is the integration of non-electronic sensors that sound an “alarm” before digestive juices can leak into the abdominal cavity. Moreover, these patches can be customized with sensors designed for various parts of the digestive tract. Additionally, if required, the patch can release medication like antibacterial agents.

Reprogrammed Immune Cells Hunt Down and Destroy Cancer Cells

breakthrough in targeted cell therapy by Edity Therapeutics (Rehovot, Israel; www.edity-tx.com) makes it possible to reprogram a patient’s own immune cells, giving them the ability to hunt down and destroy these cancer cells. The concept of reprogramming a patient’s own cells to fight cancer has demonstrated

esearchers at MIT (Cambridge, MA, USA; www.web.mit.edu) and Boston University (Boston, MA, USA; www.bu.edu) have developed a groundbreaking innovation: a smart pill, about the size of a blueberry, that could revolutionize the way inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are diagnosed and treated. This pioneering device is the first ingestible technology that can automatically identify and relay real time data about critical biological indicators of potential complications. The latest work significantly advances earlier research with the current pill being more than six times smaller than the earlier prototype, conforming to safe, ingestible dosage forms available in the market.

Pocket-Sized Device Uses Heat Signatures and Bacterial Fluorescence for Earlier Identification of Infected Wounds

cientists at Western University (Toronto, ON, Canada; www. uwo.ca) and Swift Medical (Toronto, ON, Canada; www. HospiMedica International November-December/2023

CRITICAL CARE

Annual Review 2023 swiftmedical.com) have built a device run from a smartphone or tablet app that enables advanced imaging of a wound in order to identify infection. Dubbed the Swift Ray 1, the device works with smartphones and tablets to capture medical images capable of identifying infected wounds. By capturing both the heat emitted by a wound and the fluorescence of bacteria, the device aids clinicians in distinguishing between inflammation and a potentially dangerous infection. This advancement could expedite interventions, enabling the identification of infections before they escalate into severe health risks.

Implantable Device Could Eliminate Insulin Injections for Diabetics

potential method of managing Type 1 diabetes is the transplantation of pancreatic islet cells capable of producing insulin. This could help eliminate the need for regular insulin shots. The downside is that these cells eventually get depleted of oxygen, halting their insulin production. To address this issue, engineers at MIT (Cambridge, MA, USA; www.web.mit.edu) have created a new implantable device that not only houses hundreds of thousands of insulin-making islet cells but also contains its own mechanism for producing oxygen by splitting water vapor found naturally in the body. The team is now considering scaling up the device to the size of a chewing gum stick for trials in people with Type 1 diabetes.

an ambulance, speeding up the time to appropriate treatment. The brain-wave cap enables an EEG (brain wave test) to be performed in the ambulance to identify whether the stroke is ischemic and classify the size of the blocked blood vessel in the brain. The size of the blockage guides the course of treatment: if it’s a small ischemic stroke, blood thinners are administered; for a large ischemic stroke, surgical removal of the clot at a specialized hospital is necessary.

Novel Microneedle Patch Immediately Stops Bleeding After Injury

esearchers at Penn State (University Park, PA, USA; www.psu. edu) have developed a novel microneedle patch that is capable of immediately stopping bleeding after injury. The hemostatic microneedle technology can be applied like a typical adhesive bandage to quickly stop bleeding. The biocompatible and biodegradable microneedle arrays (MNAs) on the patch increase its surface contact with blood and accelerate the clotting process. The needles also increase the adhesive properties of the patch through mechanical interlocking to promote wound closure.

Digital Microscopy and AI Clinical and Research Applications

Cutting-Edge Robot to Detect Breast Cancer Earlier and More Accurately

research team at the University of Bristol (Bristol, UK; www. bristol.ac.uk) has leveraged the latest technological advances in manipulation and sensor technology to develop a device that can carry out Clinical Breast Examinations (CBE) efficiently. The CBE manipulator is engineered to apply specific forces similar to those exerted by a human examiner. Moreover, it is capable of detecting lumps at greater depths thanks to advanced sensor technology. The device could also potentially be used in conjunction with other existing diagnostic methods, like ultrasound tests. This innovation could transform how women monitor their breast health by offering them electronic CBEs in convenient locations like pharmacies and health centers.

Smart Brain-Wave Cap Diagnoses Stroke in Ambulance and Sends Patients to Correct Hospital

eurologists at Amsterdam UMC (Amsterdam, Netherlands; www.amsterdamumc.org) have invented a novel brain-wave cap that enables stroke diagnosis right inside

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Annual Review 2023 TOP NEWS DEVELOPMENTS OF 2023

Reusable Surgeon’s Scalpel Provides Precise Unobstructed Illumination in Anatomic Danger Zones

he Lumohs reusable scalpel from Nano Surgical, LLC (Delray Beach, FL, USA; www.lumohs.com) enables shadowless illumination just millimeters from the surgical site precisely where overhead lighting cannot reach, thus providing enhanced visualization of nerves and vessels in anatomic danger zones. Featuring a patented design to meet the challenges of reusability, portability, autoclavability and practical economics, Lumohs provides shadowless illumination under and at all angles to the skin in front of the blade for unobstructed illumination during biopsies, excisions, Mohs surgery and more.

Remotely Controlled Miniature Biological Robots Could Be Used For MIS and Detection of Disease Biomarkers

For more information on news developments listed below, logon to www.hospimedica.com and type appropriate keyword(s) into search engine to access full story from news archive microimplants that could be implanted in the body for life. In addition to communicating with each other wirelessly, securely and in real time, these implants also allow the patient and doctor to communicate with the network from outside at any time. The tiny assistants that can be implanted in the body could improve the quality of life for people with functional limitations. These miniature assistants can act as a stimulus in patients with tinnitus or digestive tract disorders or help a person’s hand to regain the ability to grip.

Tiny Flexible 3D Bioprinter Could Be Used As All-In-One Endoscopic Surgical Tool

ngineers at The University of New South Wales (UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia; www.unsw.edu.au) have developed a miniature and flexible robotic arm that could be utilized to 3D print biomaterial directly onto organs within the human body. This soft robot can be inserted into the body in the same way as an endoscope and has the capacity to directly deliver multilayered biomaterials right onto the

esearchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Champaign, IL, USA; www.illinois.edu), Northwestern University (Evanston, IL, USA; www.northwestern.edu) and collaborating institutions have developed remotely controlled miniature biological robots that could find potential applications in medicine, such as minimum invasive surgery or detection of cancer within the human body. The hybrid “eBiobots” are the first to combine soft materials, living muscle and microelectronics. The design offers potential for future integration of additional microelectronics, such as chemical and biological sensors, or 3D-printed scaffold parts for functions like pushing or transporting things that the biobots can encounter.

Revolutionary Surgery Closure Device Could Reduce Patient Visits to OR

n innovative device named the AbClo from InventoRR MD (Toronto, ON, Canada; www.inventorrmd.ca) offers a non-invasive method for closing an open abdominal incision without surgery at the patient’s bedside, thereby improving patient safety and experience, while freeing up OR staff for other procedures. AbClo works like a corset, supporting and stabilizing the abdominal wall to prevent damage and restore the equilibrium of the muscles in the torso. It can be applied in the ICU where it is sequentially tightened at the bedside so that the edges of the abdominal wall can meet in the middle for reattachment.

Wirelessly Connected Microimplants Enable Patient-Doctor Communication

group of researchers, led by the Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT (Sulzbach, Germany; www.ibmt.fraunhofer. de), has developed a new generation of active, wirelessly connected

Image: A new soft robot makes 3D bioprinting inside the human body possible (Photo courtesy of UNSW)

surface of internal organs and tissues. The proof-of-concept device, known as F3DB, features a highly maneuverable swivel head that ‘prints’ the bioink, attached to the end of a long and flexible snake-like robotic arm, all of which can be controlled externally. The printing head, which consists of soft artificial muscles that enable it to move in three directions, functions similarly to conventional desktop 3D printers.

First-Of-Its-Kind Technology Enables Replacement of Diseased Heart Valve without Surgery

Image: The microimplant consists of an eight-layer circuit board (Photo courtesy of Fraunhofer IBMT)

unique platform offers a first-of-its-kind technology for allowing implantation of a biological bioprosthesis to replace a leaky mitral valve through catheterization only. The novel RoseDoc platform developed by TruLeaf Medical (Or Akiva, Israel; www.truleaf-medical. com) enables a ground-breaking procedure that is minimally invasive, performed on a beating heart via two needle punctures without surgery or the use of a heart-lung machine. The procedure is associated with significantly lower risk than traditional open-heart mitral valve surgery. This means that millions of patients across the world, who until now were considered to be inoperable, can receive a new valve and look forward to a substantial improvement in their functional capacity, quality of life and life expectancy.

HospiMedica International November-December/2023

Annual Review 2023 Heart Valve Which Grows Along With Child Could Reduce Invasive Surgeries

revolutionary prosthetic pulmonary valve replacement, known as the Autus Valve, designed at Boston Children’s Hospital (Boston, MA, USA; www.childrenshospital.org) specifically for pediatric patients can expand over time inside a child’s anatomy. The valve can be fitted to the child’s individual body size and also adjusted for size if required through a minimally-invasive transcatheter balloon dilation procedure to maintain blood flow. This could eliminate the need to perform invasive replacement surgeries every few years as the child will not require another replacement procedure until reaching adulthood.

‘Molecular Imaging’ Lights up Tumors for Surgeons to Enable Precise Removal

pioneering technique developed by engineers at University College London (UCL, London, UK; www.ucl.ac.uk) that combines highlydetailed, real-time images of inside the body with a type of infrared light has been successfully used for the first time to differentiate between cancerous tumors and healthy tissue during surgery. The engineers used the technique during preclinical testing in mice to successfully identify part of a tumor that had not been removed during surgery. The technique may have significant implications for treating neuroblastoma in children, which is the most common form of solid cancer tumor, apart from brain tumors, found in children.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUES porous, three-dimensional foam is water-repellent, which means it resists blood, microbes, and proteins. Its versatility, functionality, and relatively low production costs could make it an invaluable asset for future clinicians. The material's effectiveness was confirmed through testing, which revealed a 99.9% bacterial reduction using E. coli as the test bacterium when compared to a simple polymer.

New Keyhole Surgery Technique for Prostate Cancer Reduces Postoperative Complications

urgeons at the University Medical Centre Mannheim (Mannheim, Germany; www.umm.de) have demonstrated that a minor technical alteration to prostate cancer keyhole surgery can reduce one of the most prevalent post-operative complications by more than half, namely lymphatic fluid accumulation in the pelvis. The method involves fashioning a small peritoneal flap or opening, which is attached into the pelvis, thereby creating an exit route for lymphatic fluid to drain into the abdomen for better absorption. Normally, the drainage process for lymphatic fluid can take anywhere from three days to three weeks,

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Self-Folding Surgical Tools Fit Through Catheter for Minimally Invasive Procedures

esearchers from ETH Zurich (Zurich, Switzerland; www.ethz.ch) have devised a technique to transport large devices through a narrow catheter, expanding the possibilities for designing minimally invasive surgical tools. This pioneering approach to minimally invasive surgical instruments allows larger objects to be introduced into the body via a narrow catheter. This can be done by disassembling the devices into individual components and sliding them through the catheter in a row, similar to a string of pearls. Upon reaching the catheter's end, the parts self-assemble into a predetermined shape, facilitated by integrated magnets.

Antimicrobial ‘Superfoam’ Could Reduce Infections from Implanted Medical Devices

cientists at University of Georgia (Athens, GA, USA; www.uga. edu) have developed a new, versatile foam material that could significantly decrease infections related to implanted medical devices. This

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SURGICAL TECHNIQUES and patients may require hospital admission until the treatment is concluded after the fluid accumulation finally stops.

First-In-Human Bladder Transplant to Revolutionize Treatment of Terminally Compromised Bladders

Smart Surgical Implant Coatings Warn of Early Device Failure and Prevent Infections

urgeons at Keck Medicine of USC (Los Angeles, CA, USA; www. keckmedicine.org) have initiated a clinical trial to conduct the world's first human bladder transplant. The trial is actively screening potential participants for this groundbreaking transplantation. During the operation, the patient's diseased bladder will be removed and replaced with a healthy bladder from a deceased donor. This first-ofits-kind bladder transplant will be conducted entirely using robotic surgery. This advanced form of minimally invasive surgery allows surgeons to employ a high-definition, three-dimensional camera to direct a robot in performing surgery through smaller, more accurate incisions with greater dexterity than possible with hand-held surgical instruments. RS TO LY IBU APP R T O DIS ED T IT NV

Smart coatings on orthopedic implants could repair or replace devices before they fail (Photo courtesy of Beckman Imaging Technology Group)

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multidisciplinary team of researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Champaign, IL, USA; www.illinois. edu) has developed "smart" coatings for orthopedic implants that can provide early warnings of device failure while eliminating infection-causing bacteria. The coatings integrate flexible sensors with a nanostructured antibacterial surface, inspired by the wings of dragonflies and cicadas. These smart coatings feature bacteriadestroying nanopillars on one side and strain-mapping flexible electronics on the other, which could help physicians monitor patient rehabilitation and address device issues before failure occurs. The team's study showed successful infection prevention in live mice and the ability to provide early warnings of implant or healing failures in sheep spine experiments.

Smart Sutures Could Help Patients Heal After Surgery

team of engineers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA; www.web.mit.edu) who set out to improve upon the existing tissue-derived suture have developed "smart" sutures which not only secure tissue, but also sense inflammation and deliver drugs. These new sutures, based on animal tissue, are similar to the catgut sutures. However, in a modern adaptation, the engineers have coated these sutures with hydrogels capable of being embedded with sensors, medication, or cells that release therapeutic molecules. Researchers anticipate that these sutures can assist patients with Crohn's disease in their recovery after intestinal surgery. Furthermore, the researchers suggest these sutures could also be modified for healing wounds or surgical cuts elsewhere in the body.

New Device Makes Heart Ablations Safer by Gently Diverting Esophagus

new device developed at The Ohio State University (Columbus, OH, USA; www.osu.edu) gently shifts the esophagus away from the danger zone during a catheter ablation to prevent potential lifethreatening injuries, thereby enhancing patient safety significantly. With the new device, surgeons can employ suction force to draw in the esophagus and subsequently shift the entire segment about an inch aside to successfully establish a safe path for delivering energy during the catheter ablation procedure. When the innovative device was employed in a clinical trial, less than 5% of patients incurred any esophageal damage, and those injuries were notably less severe than in the control group.

HospiMedica International November-December/2023

SURGICAL TECHNIQUES

Annual Review 2023 Virtual Blood Vessel Technology Could Prevent Unnecessary Invasive Stent Placements

cutting-edge technology that creates 3D computer models of blood flow through the heart's arteries can benefit heart disease patients by preventing invasive procedures. The innovative VIRTUHeart technology, developed by researchers at the University of Sheffield (Sheffield, UK; www.sheffield.ac.uk), re-creates the less commonly used but highly invasive Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) test. By utilizing a patient's angiogram images, the VIRTUHeart system generates a "virtual FFR", creating computer models of their blood vessels, thus enabling doctors to evaluate blood flow and gain more comprehensive insights into the blockages.

Next Gen Energy-Based Surgical Robots to Perform Operations without Touching Human Tissue

orcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI, Worcester, MA, USA; www.wpi.edu) researcher Loris Fichera has been awarded a USD 600,000 grant by the National Science Foundation (NSF, Alexandria, VA, USA; www.nsf.gov) for a five-year project that aims to create a new category of surgical robots. The new generation of energy-based surgical robots will be able to better understand and monitor the effects of heat on body tissues, enabling surgeons to perform minimally invasive surgeries with greater precision and without harming healthy tissue. These robots will be capable of treating diseases by delivering concentrated energy, such as light, without cutting or touching human tissues.

AR wearable devices in the operating room and beyond. The survey of over 500 surgeons across the United States reveals a strong desire among these medical experts to integrate AR smart glasses into their daily practices, underscoring a positive outlook on the future role of AR in healthcare. According to the report, an impressive 25% of surgeons have already adopted these advanced tools, integrating them smoothly into their surgical processes. Furthermore, a significant 31% of surgeons are actively contemplating the use of AR smart glasses, recognizing their potential value.

Wearable Device Could Improve ‘Tactile’ Sensitivity during Robotic Surgery

esearchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine (Baltimore, MD, USA; www. hopkinsmedicine.org) have designed a wrist-worn sensor device that vibrates proportionately to the pressure exerted on the tissue during surgical training scenarios. The more force applied, the stronger the resulting vibration. Although devices like this might initially slow the learning process as users adapt to the feedback, the researchers anticipate that it will ultimately enhance the overall training process. The next stage of the study will explore how effectively using this device can contribute to improved surgical performance and patient safety.

Tumor-Destroying System Uses Smart Needle to Treat Cancer

urrent Surgical Inc. (Washington, DC, USA; www.currentsurgical. com) is developing a precision guided needle that is capable of accurately destroying tumors without affecting surrounding healthy tissue. The company's smart surgical needle technology integrates high-resolution

Ultra-Thin Endo-Microscope Provides Unprecedented Visualization of Sensitive Brain Areas

n international research team including scientists from Leibniz IPHT (Jena, Germany; www.leibniz-ipht.de) has created an ultra-thin endo-microscope that offers gentle in-depth observations, enabling detailed investigation of the brain. The endoscope has a diameter of only 110 micrometers, making it about as thin as a human hair. This slim structure

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Image: The ultra-thin fiber-based endo-microscope can help understand neuronal communication (Photo courtesy of Leibniz IPHT)

allows the device to capture images deep within tissues and at a subcellular level. This innovation could potentially help in studying the onset and progression of severe neuronal diseases, providing new insight for neuroscientists to formulate strategies against these debilitating conditions.

Use of AR Smart Glasses to Transform Surgical Practices

report released by Vuzix Corporation (Rochester, NY, USA; www. vuzix.com), a supplier of smart glasses and augmented reality (AR) technology and products, highlights the immense potential of LINKXPRESS COM

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Annual Review 2023

SURGICAL TECHNIQUES sensors and real-time image analysis, offering physicians enhanced control and immediate feedback during tumor destruction. Consequently, surgeons could treat any solid tumor, regardless of its location, enabling millions of patients to benefit from curative surgery without the traditional constraints.

tentacle robot could travel 37% deeper into the lungs compared to standard equipment, causing less tissue damage. The robot could not only enhances navigation during lung biopsies but also pave the way for significantly less invasive treatments.

Self-Propelled Medical Microrobots Could Perform Non-Invasive Surgeries

Bimanual Magnetic Soft Robots Perform First Ever Skull Base Surgery

team of engineers at the University of Colorado Boulder (Boulder, CO, USA; www.colorado.edu) has designed a new class of tiny, self-driven robots capable of moving incredibly fast through liquid. This innovation might pave the way for transporting prescription drugs to hard-to-access

or the first time, researchers at the University of Leeds’ (West Yorkshire, UK; www.leeds.ac.uk) STORM Lab have demonstrated the successful use of dual magnetic soft robots for skull base surgery. The team has been exploring ways to independently control two magnetic robots so they can collaborate within a limited area inside the human body. The goal is for one robot to manage a camera and the other to operate a laser to remove tumors. Composed of silicone to minimize tissue damage, these devices are maneuvered by magnets on robotic arms situated outside the patient's body. The team carried out a successful trial using a skull replica where two robots performed endonasal brain surgery—a technique where a surgeon accesses the front regions of the brain and the top of the spine through the nose.

‘Droplet Battery’ Could Power Next-Generation Wearable Devices and Implants

R Image: Microrobot seen under a scanning electron microscope (Photo courtesy of Shields Lab)

regions within the human body in the future. The size of these microrobots is remarkably small, each only 20 micrometers wide, which is several times tinier than the diameter of a human hair. Additionally, they possess astonishing speed, reaching about 3 millimeters per second or roughly 9,000 times their length per minute, outpacing a cheetah in relative terms.

Tiny Surgical Robot Travels Deep Into Lungs to Detect and Treat Cancer

team of engineers, scientists and clinicians based at the University of Leeds’ (West Yorkshire, UK; www.leeds.ac.uk) STORM Lab has created a miniature robot capable of travelling deep into the lungs to identify and treat early signs of cancer. This remarkably small, ultra-soft, magnetically controlled tentacle, merely two millimeters in diameter, can access the smallest bronchial tubes, potentially revolutionizing lung cancer treatment by allowing a more precise, personalized, and minimally invasive approach. When tested on cadaver lungs, the magnetic

esearchers at University of Oxford (Oxford, UK; www.ox.ac.uk) have created a miniature power source that can alter the activity of cultured human nerve cells. Drawing inspiration from how electric eels generate electricity, this device employs internal ion gradients to generate energy. According to the researchers, the device's modular design could facilitate the combination of multiple units to enhance generated voltage and/or current. This potential advancement could pave the way for powering next-generation wearable devices, bio-hybrid interfaces, implants, synthetic tissues, and microrobots.

Microdevices Implanted Into Tumors Can Treat Brain Cancer

esearchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital (Boston, MA, USA; www.brighamandwomens.org) have designed a tiny device, no larger than a grain of rice, that is capable of conducting multiple experiments concurrently to assess the impact of novel treatments on hardest-to-treat brain cancers. This innovative device designed for testing glioma treatments can be integrated seamlessly into standard surgical procedures and offers unprecedented insights into drug effects on glioma tumors. The device did not cause any adverse reactions in a phase 1 clinical trial, confirming its safety and seamless integration into surgical practice.

Breakthrough Brain Implant Allows People with Spinal Cord Injuries to Move Their Limbs

cientists at a state-of-the-art lab at École Polytechnique de Montréal (Montreal, Canada; www.polymtl.ca) are designing a breakthrough brain implant to boost mobility that would allow people with spinal cord injuries to move their limbs more easily and with less effort. The implanted neuromodulation device which operates similarly to those used for reducing Parkinson’s disease-related tremors can be compared to a pacemaker. It delivers precise electrical pulses to brain regions responsible for mobility and has already demonstrated promising results in improving leg movement in rats.

Steerable Lung Robot Reaches Targets Not Possible Even With Robotic Bronchoscope

R Image: Close-up of a magnetic tentacle robot next to a phantom bronchiole (Photo courtesy of University of Leeds)

esearchers at UNC School of Medicine (Chapel Hill, NC, USA; www.med.unc.edu) working on a highly flexible, yet robust, robot that can navigate through lung tissue have reached a new milestone. The team has successfully proved that their robot can autonomously travel from one point to another while avoiding crucial anatomical

HospiMedica International November-December/2023

SURGICAL TECHNIQUES

Annual Review 2023 structures like small airways and blood vessels in a living lab model. Made from a nickel-titanium alloy, the robotic needle is designed to enable steering along curved paths and is laser-etched to enhance its bendability and enable smooth movement through tissue.

Sense-And-Respond Implant Technology Could Halve Cancer-Related Deaths

team of researchers led by Rice University (Houston, TX, USA; www.rice.edu) has been awarded a USD 45 million grant by the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) to speed up the development of a sense-and-respond implant technology that could reduce cancer-related fatalities in the U.S. by over half. The new miniature implant capable of continuously monitoring a patient's cancer and adjusting their immunotherapy dose in real time could become a game-changer. This device could supply real-time data from the tumor site, which could then be used to tailor more effective, tumor-specific therapies. The grant is set to fast-track the development and testing of this novel approach, focusing on significantly enhancing immunotherapy results in patients suffering from hard-to-treat cancers such as ovarian and pancreatic types.

Dissolving Wireless Implant, Monitors and Treats Heart Disease

collaborative effort between researchers from Northwestern University (Evanston, IL, USA; www.northwestern. edu) and George Washington University (Washington, DC, USA; www.gwu.edu) has resulted in the creation of a groundbreaking implantable device to monitor and treat heart disease and dysfunction immediately after a severe cardiac incident. Remarkably, once its purpose is served, the device harmlessly decomposes within the body, thereby eliminating the need for its surgical removal. By avoiding complications due to surgical extraction and reducing infection risks, the device’s bioresorbable feature could improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare expenses.

Refillable, Fully Implantable Medical Device Delivers Medicine Directly to Brain

Image: The soft, wireless implant monitors the heart without requiring removal (Photo courtesy of Northwestern University)

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HospiMedica International November-December/2023

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raniUS LLC (Baltimore, MD, USA; www.craniusmed.com) has developed a groundbreaking solution to overcome the blocking of drugs by the blood-brain barrier. The company’s implantable drug delivery device, NeuroPASS, is capable of circumventing the blood-brain barrier and could revolutionize the treatment of a range of brain-related conditions. NeuroPASS is the world’s first fully implantable, wireless medical device that enables chronic and direct medicine delivery to the brain. It is easily refillable, rechargeable from a distance, and can remain unnoticed under the skin in the skull. The device is versatile, with applications for a variety of brain-related conditions including neurodegenerative diseases and brain tumors.

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Annual Review 2023

3D-Printed Cerebral Cortex Tissues to Enable Personalized Implantation for Brain Injury Repair

cientists at the University of Oxford (Oxford, UK; www.ox.ac.uk) have achieved a breakthrough by successfully 3D printing neural cells that replicate the cerebral cortex's structure - a development that could soon enable tailored repairs for individuals with brain injuries. The scientists created a two-layered brain tissue by 3D printing human neural stem cells. These printed cells showed promising integration when implanted into slices of mouse brain, both structurally and functionally. Beyond their potential for treating brain injuries, these engineered tissues could be valuable for drug testing, understanding brain development, and shedding light on the foundations of cognitive processes.

Nature-Inspired Pressure Sensing Technology to Transform Laparoscopic Surgery

esearchers at the National University of Singapore (NUS, Singapore; www.nus.edu.sg) have created a groundbreaking aero-elastic pressure sensor that could find promising applications in minimally-invasive surgeries and implantable sensors, specifically addressing the problems with existing

Image: An aero-elastic sensor revolutionizes the way pressure is detected (Photo courtesy of NUS)

pressure sensors. The novel aero-elastic pressure sensor, called ‘eAir’, has the potential to revolutionize laparoscopic surgeries by providing surgeons with tactile feedback, enabling more precise manipulation of patient tissues. It can also provide a more gentle way to monitor intracranial pressure (ICP), a key health metric for individuals with neurological disorders.

Smart Scalpel with Built-In Sensors to Pave Way for Robotic Surgery

new study has demonstrated that scalpels with integrated sensors can be effective in monitoring the force applied by surgeons during surgeries, opening up possibilities for streamlined surgical training and procedures performed by robotic devices. Developed by researchers at The University of Edinburgh (Edinburgh, UK; www.ed.ac. uk), the affordable device features a sensor- loaded circuit board embedded in the scalpel's handle. During trials, the data captured by the scalpel revealed that its sensors could accurately track the level of force being applied during surgical procedures, and how the device was controlled over time.

Joystick-Controlled Neurosurgical Robot Could Revolutionize Complex Brain Surgery

ngineers at Children's Hospital Boston (Boston, MA, USA; www.childrenshospital.org) have designed a prototype two-armed, joystick-controlled neurosurgical robot that has the potential to transform complex brain surgeries, such as excising tumors. During tests, neurosurgeons found that the dual-armed robot allowed them to complete delicate operations faster than using traditional manual instruments, all while avoiding the compression of adjacent brain tissue. The robot skillfully executed a range of two-handed neurosurgical tasks required for tumor removal and reducing tumor size in lab-created models. The crowning achievement was the endoscopic extraction of a pineal tumor from the core of a 3D model brain, based on imaging data from an infant patient. HospiMedica International November-December/2023

Annual Review 2023 TOP NEWS DEVELOPMENTS OF 2023

GE HealthCare Acquires CT Navigation Innovator in France

E HealthCare (Chicago, IL, USA; www.gehealthcare.com) has entered into an agreement to acquire IMACTIS (Grenoble, France; www.imactis.com), an innovator in the rapidly growing field of computed tomography (CT) interventional guidance across an array of care areas. IMACTIS has created CT-Navigation, an ergonomic universal solution that provides stereotactic needle guidance, enabling intuitive pre-planning and continuous control throughout a wide range of procedures, from diagnosis to treatment. GE HealthCare is a leader in CT with a large install base and global scale, which provides significant opportunities for the IMACTIS CT-Navigation system at existing client sites.

Bayer Buys Imaging AI Platform Provider in UK

ayer (Leverkusen, Germany; www.bayer.com) has acquired Blackford Analysis Ltd. (Edinburgh, UK; www.blackfordanalysis.com), a global strategic imaging AI platform and solutions provider. The acquisition is part of Bayer's strategy to drive innovation in radiology, including the development and adoption of AI within the clinical workflow, with the goal to ultimately improve patient care and advance the company’s position in digital medical imaging. Blackford provides infrastructure and access to a rich clinical application (ClinApp) ecosystem focused on imaging and analytics. The acquisition follows a development and license agreement between both companies in 2020 that laid the foundation for Bayer’s recently launched medical imaging platform, Calantic Digital Solutions.

GE HealthCare Acquisition Expands Ultrasound Image Guidance Offerings

E HealthCare (Chicago, IL, USA; www.gehealthcare.com) has entered into an agreement to acquire Caption Health (San Francisco, CA, USA; www.captionhealth.com), a privately owned AI healthcare company that creates clinical applications to aid in early disease detection, using AI to assist in conducting ultrasound scans. Caption AI applications make ultrasound examinations easier and faster, allowing a broader set of healthcare professionals to perform basic echocardiogram exams. By adding AI-enabled image guidance to ultrasound devices, the acquisition will enable affordable, convenient access to point of care ultrasound imaging for a variety of clinical uses, including heart examinations.

Medtronic Buys Wearable Insulin Patch Maker

edtronic plc (Dublin, Ireland; www.medtronic.com) has entered into a set of definitive agreements for the acquisition of EOFlow Co. Ltd. (Seongnam, South Korea; www.eoflow.com), which manufactures the EOPatch device - a tubeless, wearable and fully disposable insulin delivery device. With the integration of EOFlow and Medtronic's proprietary Meal Detection Technology algorithm and next-generation continuous glucose monitor (CGM), Medtronic aims to cater to a larger diabetic population. This will allow the company to provide varied insulin delivery options, catering to individual needs and preferences, regardless of their treatment stage.

BD Sells Surgical Instrument Platform to STERIS

ecton, Dickinson and Company (BD Franklin Lakes, NJ, USA; www.bd.com) has signed a definitive agreement to sell its Surgical Instrumentation platform to STERIS (Mentor, OH, USA; www.steris. com) for USD 540 million. The divestiture includes the transfer of V. Mueller, Snowden-Pencer and Genesis branded products as well as

HospiMedica International November-December/2023

For more information on news developments listed below, logon to www.hospimedica.com and type appropriate keyword(s) into search engine to access full story from news archive three manufacturing facilities. The acquisition of BD's surgical instrumentation platform, which complements STERIS's Healthcare segment, will empower STERIS to more effectively meet the product and service demands of hospitals and surgery centers.

Getinge Makes US Acquisition

etinge (Gothenburg, Sweden; www.getinge.com) has acquired 100% shares in Healthmark Industries Company (Fraser, MI, USA; www.hmark.com), a provider of instrument care and infection control consumables, for about USD 320 million. This strategic move expands Getinge's presence in the US sterile reprocessing market and also helps Healthmark expand globally. Since 1969, Healthmark Industries has been developing and marketing solutions to help healthcare facilities deliver surgical instruments and other lifesaving medical devices to their patients. Getinge is a global provider of solutions for operating rooms, intensive care units, sterilization departments, as well as for life science companies and institutions.

Hologic and Bayer in Mammography Alliance

ologic Inc. (Marlborough, MA, USA; www.hologic.com) and Bayer (Leverkusen, Germany; www.bayer.com) have entered into an international partnership to bring together their pioneering technologies. Hologic will provide its advanced mammography gantries, while Bayer will contribute its contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) -approved injection systems. This partnership is designed to fully equip radiologists and their medical staff with a complete package of products and the necessary training to effectively incorporate CEM into their existing operations.

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CRITICARE 2024 – 30th Annual Conference of the

144th Annual Meeting of the American Surgical

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Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine (ISCCM).

Association (ASA). Apr 4-6; Washington, DC, USA;

Mar 1-3; Kolkata, India; isccm.org

meeting.americansurgical.org

WCA 2024 – 18th World Congress of Anaesthesi-

39th Annual EAU Congress – European Associa-

ologists. Mar 3-7; Singapore;

tion of Urology. Apr 4-7; Paris, France; uroweb.org

wca2024.org

UltraCon 2024 – Annual Conference of the Amer-

5th MedExpo Ethiopia 2024. Mar 6-8; Addis Aba-

ican Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM).

ba, Ethiopia; expogr.com/ethiopia/medexpo

Apr 5-10; Austin, TX, USA; aium.org

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ESGO 2024 – 25th European Congress on Gynae-

37th Medicall Expo. Apr 5-7; Hyderabad, India;

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cological Oncology. Mar 7-10; Barcelona, Spain;

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ACC.24 – American College of Cardiology’s 73rd

MEDICA 2023. Nov 13-16; Dusseldorf, Germany;

Critical Care Congress 2024 – 53rd Annual Meet-

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ing of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SC-

HIMSS24 - Healthcare Information and Manage-

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CM). Jan 21-24; Phoenix, AZ, USA; sccm.org

ment Systems Society. Mar 11-15; Orlando, FL,

GA, USA; accscientificsession.acc.org

USA; himss.org

83rd Annual Meeting of Japan Radiological

APSR 2023 – 27th Congress of the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology. Nov 16-19; Singapore;

ISET 2024 – International Symposium on Endo-

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vascular Therapy. Jan 22-25; Miami Beach, FL,

EMIM 2024 – 19th European Molecular Imaging

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USA; iset.org

Meeting. Mar 12-15; Porto, Portugal; e-smi.eu

diology.jp

IRA 2024 – 76th Annual Conference of the Indian

Medical Fair India 2024. Mar 13-15; Mumbai,

WCO-IOF-ESCEO 2024 - World Congress on Oste-

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India; medicalfair-india.com

oporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Dis-

Vijayawada, India; iria2024.com

51st Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of

eases. Apr 11-14; London, UK; wco-iof-esceo.org

Arab Health 2024. Jan 29 - Feb 1; Dubai, UAE;

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WCN 2024 – World Congress of the International

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poro, Japan; jsicm.org

Society of Nephrology (ISN). Apr 13-16; Buenos

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Hospital Equipment Show. Mar 14-17; Seoul,

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8-11; Cairo, Egypt;

21; Poznan, Poland; salmed.pl

Medic West Africa 2024. Apr 17-19; Lagos, Nige-

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sia; abcex.com

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ogy. Mar 22-25; Taipei, Taiwan; aocr2024.org

24th MEDEXPO Africa 2024. Apr 17-19; Nairobi,

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terventional Radiology. Mar 23-28; Salt Lake City,

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CA, USA; hematology.org

28 - Mar 3; Vienna, Austria; myesr.org

UT, USA; sirmeeting.org

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ASUS 2023 – 6th Congress of the Asian Surgical Ultrasound Society. Nov 18-20; Seoul, Korea; asus2023.org CBMI 2023 – 28th Brazilian Congress of Intensive Care Medicine. Nov 23-25; Florianopolis, Brazil; amib.org.br RSNA 2023 – Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America. Nov 26-30; Chicago, IL,

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DxGen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 ECR 2024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Greiner Bio-One. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 HospiMedica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 HospiMedica EXPO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 ISICEM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Lumiquick. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Quantimetrix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Parker. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Puritan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Radcal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 SE-Asian Healtcare Show. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Sekisui. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Singuway. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Sun Nuclear. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Vedalab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Vicolab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 West Medica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

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(JSS). Apr 18-20; Tokoname, Japan; jp.jssoc.or.jp

Surgery. Jun 18-21; Barcelona, Spain; cars-int.org

Europe. Sep 14-18; Lisbon, Portugal; cirse.org

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DCK 2024 – 141st Congress of the German

FIME 2024 – Florida International Medical Expo.

ISS 2024 Annual Meeting – International Skeletal

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Society. Sep 15-20; Montreal, QC, Canada;

and Elderly Care Expo. Oct 9-11; Tokyo, Japan;

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Germany; dgch.de

ICEM 2024 – 22nd International Conference on

Expomed Euroasia 2024. Apr 25-27; Istanbul,

Emergency Medicine. Jun 19-23; Taipei. Taiwan;

ExpoMedical 2024. Sep 18-20; Buenos Aires, Ar-

UEG Week 2024 – United European Gastroenter-

Turkey; expomedistanbul.com

ifem.cc

gentina; expomedical.com.ar

ology. Oct 12-15; Vienna, Austria; ueg.eu

KSCCM-ACCC 2024 – 44th Annual Congress of the

Medical Taiwan 2024. Jun 20-22; Taipei, Taiwan;

20th EuGMS Congress – European Geriatric

Korean Society of Critical Care Medicine. Apr 24-

medicaltaiwan.com.tw

Medicine Society. Sep 18-20; Valenica, Spain;

26; Seoul, Korea; accc.or.kr

ESICM EuroAsia 2024 – European Society of In-

eugms.org

tensive Care Medicine (ESICM) & Indian Society

CBR24 – 53rd Congress of the Brazilian College

for Surgery. Apr 24-26; Leipzig, Germany; dgch.de

of Critical Care Medicine (ISCCM). Jun 21-23;

of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging. Sep 19-21

AAEM24 – 30th Annual Scientific Assembly of the

Bengaluru, India; esicm.org

Salvador, Brazil; cbr.org.br

American Academy of Emergencyr Medicine. Apr

SIIM 2024 – Annual Meeting of the Society for

ACEP24 – Scientific Assembly of the American

27 - May 1; Austin, TX, USA; aaem.org

Imaging Informatics in Medicine. Jun 27-29; Na-

College of Emergency Physicians. Sep 29 - Oct 2;

ECTES 2024 – 23rd Congress of the European

tional Harbor, MD, USA; siim.org

Las Vegas, NV, USA; acep.org

Apr 28-30; Lisbon, Portugal; estes-congress.org ECIO 2024 – European Conference on Interventional Oncology. Apr 28 - May 1; Palma de Mallorca, Spain; ecio.org

MAY

JULY

Pacific Society of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology. May 3-5; Bangkok, Thailand; apscvir.com

JFR 2024 - Journées Francophones de Radiologie.

MEDICA 2024. Nov; Dusseldorf, Germany;

9-12; Bogota, Colombia;

Oct 4-7; Paris, France; jfr.radiologie.fr

medica-tradefair.com

Asia Health 2024. Jul 10-12; Bangkok, Thailand; medlabasia.com SCCT 2024 – 19th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Society of Cardiovascular

indohealthcareexpo.com

ECCC Dubai 2024 - 20th Emirates Critical Care Conference. May 10-12; Dubai, UAE; eccc-dubai. com

ciety of Endocrinology. May 11-14; Stockholm, Sweden; ese-hormones.org KIHE 2024 – 29th Kazakhstan International Healthcare Exhibition. May 15-17; Almaty, Kazakhstan; kihe.kz ATS 2024 – International Conference of the American Thoracic Society. May 17-22; San Diego, CA, USA; conference.thoracic.org Hospitalar 2024. May 21-24; Sao Paulo, Brazil; hospitalar.com 61st ERA Congress – European Renal Association. May 23-26; Stockholm, Sweden; era-online.org EuroAnaesthesia 2024 – European Society of Anaesthesiology. May 25-27; Munich, Germany; euroanaesthesia.org 92nd EAS Congress 2024 – European Atherosclerosis Society. May 26-29; Lyon, France; eas-society.org

Society of North America. Dec 1-5; Chicago, IL,

MICCAI 2024 – 27th International Conference on

USA; rsna.org

2024. Aug 20-22; Mexico City, Mexico; expomed.com.mx International Surgical Week 2024 – 50th World Congress of the International Society of Surgery ISS/SIC. Aug 25-29; Kuala Lumpur,

ESC Congress 2024 - European Society of Cardiology. Aug 30 Sep 2; London, UK: escardio.org

SEPTEMBER EMedic East Africa 2024. Sep 4-6; Nairobi, Kenya; mediceastafrica.com UAA 2024 – 21st Urological Association of Asia Congress Sep 5-8; Bali, Indonesia; uaanet.org ERS International Congress 2024 – European Respiratory Society. Sep 7-11 Vienna; erscongress.org EASD 2024 – 60th Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes. Sep 913; Madrid, Spain; easd.org 47 World Hospital Congress of the International Hospital Federation (IHF). Sep 11-13; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; ihf-fih.org

Radiology. May 28-31; Gothenburg, Sweden; esgar.org

REHACARE 2024 – International Trade Fair for Rehabilitation and

EFORT Congress 2024 – 25th Annual Congress of

Care. Sep 13-16; Dusseldorf, Ger-

European Federation of National Associations

many; rehacare.com

of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. May 29-31; Hamburg, Germany; congress.efort.org

JUNE

ESMO Congress 2024 - European Society for Medical Oncology. Sep 13-17; Barcelona, Spain;

MedtecLIVE 2024. Jun 18-20; Stuttgart, Germany;

HospiMedica International November-December/2023

esmo.org

DECEMBER

celona, Spain; esicm.org

AUGUST

an Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal

NOVEMBER

RSNA 2024 – Annual Meeting of the Radiological

Expo Med – Hospitalar Mexico

ESGAR 2024 – Annual Meeting of the Europe-

South Africa; africahealthexhibition.com

Society of Intensive Care Medicine. Oct 5-9; Bar-

Malaysia; isw2024.org

ECE 2024 – 26th Congress of the European So-

ECISM LIVES 2024 – Annual Congress of European

IndoHealthCare 2024. Jul 31 - Aug 2; Jakarta, Indonesia;

Ray Society. May 5-9; Boston, MA, USA; arrs.org

Africa Health 2024. Oct 22-24; Johannesburg,

bon, Portugal; eusobi.org

an Society of Radiology & Oncology. May 3-7;

ARRS 2024 Annual Meeting – American Roentgen

Hamburg, Germany; eanm.org

OCTOBER

Meditech 2024 – 8th International Health Fair. Jul

ESTRO 2024 – Annual Congress of the Europe-

nance in Medicine. May 4-9; Singapore; ismrm.org

pean Association of Nuclear Medicine. Oct 19-23;

European Society of Breast Imaging. Oct 3-5; Lis-

21; Washington, DC, USA; scct.org

tion – International Society for Magnetic Reso-

EANM 2024 – 37th Annual Congress of the Euro-

ology. Jul 7-10; Amsterdam, Netherlands; eshre.eu

Computed Tomography. Jul 18-

2024 ISMRM & ISMRT Annual Meeting & Exhibi-

Philadelpha, PA, USA; asahq.org

pean Society of Human Reproduction and Embry-

Urological Association. May 3-6; San Antonio, TX,

Glasgow, UK; estro.org

American Society of Anesthesiologists. Oct 18-22;

EUSOBI 2024 – Annual Scientific Meeting of the

AUA 2024 – Annual Meeting of the American USA; auanet.org

ANESTHESIOLOGY 2024 – Annual Meeting of the

ESHRE 2024 – 40th Annual Meeting of the Euro-

feriameditech.com

APSCVIR 2024 – 18th Annual Meeting of the Asia

cine Congress. Oct 13-16; Copenhagen, Denmark; eusemcongress.org

DCK 2024 - 141st Congress of the German Scoiety

Society for Trauma & Emergency Surgery (ESTES).

EUSEM 2024 – 18th European Emergency Medi-

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