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TOP NEWS DEVELOPMENTS OF 2024
RADIOGRAPHY
X-Ray Technique Captures Human Heart with Unprecedented Detail
For the first time, researchers have used a synchrotron X-ray imaging technique to visualize two entire human adult hearts, both healthy and diseased, at the cellular level in 3D. The innovative X-ray technique called Hierarchical Phase-Contrast Tomography (HiP-CT) adopted by scientists at the University College London (UCL, London, UK; www. ucl.ac.uk) and the European Synchrotron (ESRF, Grenoble, France; www. esrf.fr) overcomes the limitations of existing imaging techniques by providing a comprehensive and detailed 3D view of the entire adult human heart. This technique offers a complete 3D visualization at a 20-micron resolution—20 times more detailed than typical clinical CT scans—and can further zoom into a 2-micron cellular level resolution, achieving histological detail without physically sectioning the sample. This method allows for imaging whole organs in detail, uncovering previously unseen structures and connections.
Image: 3D cinematic renderings of the control and diseased heart in anatomic orientation (Photo courtesy of ESRF)
3D-Printable Materials for Reconstructive Surgery Can Be Monitored Using
X-Ray or CT
Researchers from IOCB Prague (Prague, Czech Republic; www.
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uochb.cz) and Ghent University (Ghent, Belgium; www.ugent.be) have been refining the properties of gelatin-based materials and have introduced 3D-printable materials that are easily trackable using X-ray machines or computed tomography (CT). By incorporating a radiopaque (X-ray-contrast) agent, they have enabled the observation of the rate at which implants shrink and whether they sustain any damage. This advancement allows for the ongoing monitoring of these implants, observing their biodegradation and identifying potential mechanical failures. Such data are immensely valuable in clinical settings.
Ultrafast Ultrasound Captures 1000 Images per Second
Aresearch team at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH, Pohang, South Korea; www.postech.ac.kr) has now made significant advancements in microvascular sensitivity by employing ultrafast ultrasound acquisition techniques to capture images at 1,000 frames per second, over 100 times faster than conventional ultrasound
Image: Gelatin-based hydrogels with radiopacity (Photo courtesy of IOCB Prague)
methods. This breakthrough allowed them to image the three-dimensional microvasculature of the kidneys without the need for any contrast agents. In a pioneering feat, they achieved imaging of the entire three-dimensional vascular network of the renal artery, vein, and the minute 167μm (micrometer) thick interlobular arteries and veins in the renal cortex.
Wearable Ultrasound Sticker Identifies Signs of Acute Liver Failure
Engineers at MIT (Cambridge, MA, USA; www.web.mit.edu) have developed a small ultrasound sticker, roughly the size of a postage stamp, capable of monitoring deep internal organ stiffness. When worn on the skin, this sticker can detect signs of diseases like liver and kidney failure or the progression of solid tumors. The sticker emits sound waves that penetrate the skin and reflect off internal organs, with the returning wave patterns indicating organ rigidity. The team has successfully demonstrated that the sticker can continuously monitor organ stiffness for up to 48 hours, detecting subtle changes indicative of disease progression. In early experiments, the sensor identified signs of acute liver failure in rats.
Shape-Shifting Ultrasound
Stickers Detect PostSurgical Complications
Anastomotic leaks are a serious post-operative complication that can occur following gastrointestinal surgeries. These leaks are caused by gastrointestinal fluids escaping through subtle perforations or gaps in the surgical incision, posing significant health risks. Now, a first-of-its-kind sticker developed collaboratively by researchers from Northwestern University (Evanston, IL, USA; www.northwestern.edu) and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis (St. Louis, MO, USA; www.medicine.wustl. edu) could enable clinicians to mon-
itor these abnormal, life-threatening fluid leaks with a simple ultrasound device. The new soft and tiny sticker changes in shape when attached to an organ in response to the body’s changing pH levels. These shape changes, triggered by fluid leakage, can be monitored in real time through ultrasound imaging.
Ultrasound Technology Allows Doctors to Watch Spinal Cord Activity during Surgery
Forthe first time, a technology enables the generation of high-resolution images of the human spinal cord during surgery, marking a significant advancement that could provide relief for millions suffering from
chronic back pain. The technology, known as fUSI or functional ultrasound imaging, has been developed by scientists at UC Riverside (Riverside, CA, USA; www.ucr.edu) and enables clinicians to observe the spinal cord and map its response to various treatments in real-time. Notably, the fUSI scanner is mobile and does not require the extensive infrastructure typically associated with classical neuroimaging methods like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
Image: Doctors can now watch spinal cord activity during surgery (Photo: UC Riverside)
Image: Vascular changes in acute and diabetic renal failure (Photo: POSTECH)
Wearable Ultrasound Device Helps Reduce Sepsis Mortality, Length of Stay, and Cost
FloPatch, developed by Flosonics Medical (Sudbury, ON, Canada; www.flosonicsmedical.com), is the world’s first wireless, wearable Doppler ultrasound device that allows for real-time bloodflow assessments at the point of care, aiding in the resuscitation of critically ill patients, including those suffering from sepsis and septic shock. This FDA-approved, hands-free device attaches to a patient’s neck over the carotid artery, capturing real-time blood flow data with each heartbeat. Advanced analytics decompose each heartbeat into essential health metrics, which are wirelessly sent to a secure iOS application. Capable of being deployed in under three minutes, FloPatch provides rapid, continuous hemodynamic assessments, enabling greater precision in IV fluid management and allowing for informed, timely decisions at the patient’s bedside.
AI Contrast Agent Technology Improves Medical Imaging
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU, Cleveland, OH, USA; www.case.edu) are developing a new approach using artificial intelligence (AI) to create virtual contrast-enhanced images that do not require chemical agents, aiming for a process that is safer, faster, and more cost-effective by relying solely on non-contrast images. This novel imaging method could mitigate the risks associated with chemical contrast materials while also offering cost and time benefits. This advancement is particularly timely, considering recent supply chain challenges, notably the 2022 global shortage of iodinated contrast media.
Imaging Software Aids Lung Diagnosis in Patients Allergic to Medical Contrast Dye
For up to 30% of patients who cannot use medical contrast dye due to allergies or other health conditions, diagnosing critical lung issues like pulmonary embolism can be delayed. This is because non-contrast dye imaging methods are less accurate and typically take longer to administer. Now, researchers at Corewell Health (Southfield, MI, USA; www. corewellhealth.org) have developed new imaging software to address this widespread challenge, offering such patients a more reliable and quicker diagnostic alternative. The software, known as CT-Derived Functional Imaging, or CTFI, utilizes advanced computed tomography technology and has shown potential in minimizing radiation exposure to healthy lung areas adjacent to tumors during treatments. Additionally, it has proven effective in detecting pulmonary embolism by identifying changes in blood mass through a simple non-contrast CT scan during inhalation and exhalation.
AI Tool Accurately Detects Six Different Cancer Types on Whole-Body PET/CT Scans
Anovel artificial intelligence (AI) method has been shown to accurately identify six different types of cancer in wholebody PET/CT scans. This tool, developed by researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (Baltimore, MD, USA; www.hopkinsmedicine.org), also automatically quantifies tumor burden, which can help in assessing patient risk, predicting responses to treatment, and estimating survival probabilities. This deep transfer learning technique (a form of AI) is intended for the fully automated segmentation of tumors and prognosis using whole-body PET/CT scans. The researchers expect that in the near future, generalizable and fully automated AI tools will significantly contribute in imaging centers by supporting physicians in the interpretation of PET/CT scans for cancer patients.
PET/CT Imaging with New Tracing Agent Could Become ‘Gold Standard’ Test for Prostate Cancer Detection
Present guidelines advocate for the use of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to aid in the diagnosis and locoregional staging of prostate cancer prior to radical prostatectomy. Now, a new study by investigators at the University of Alberta (Edmonton, AB, Canada; www.ualberta.ca) indicates that positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) imaging, utilizing a novel tracer, is more effective at determining the extent of prostate cancer in intermediate and high-risk cases compared to the traditional MRI. This method involves the administration of a new radioactive tracer specific to prostate tumors, 18F-PSMA-1007, followed by tracking with PET and CT technologies. The results of a comparative study demonstrated that the new imaging test accurately located and delineated tumor margins in 45% of cases, nearly doubling the accuracy rate of MRI at 28%.
Ultra-High-Performance PET System Provides Never Before Seen Brain Images
Anew
ultra-high-performance brain PET system enables direct measurement of brain nuclei as never before seen or quantified. This system, with its ultra-high sensitivity and resolution, delivers outstanding brain PET images that could drive breakthroughs in treating various brain disorders. Designed by a collaborative team that included researchers from Yale University (New Haven, CT, USA; www.yale.edu), the NeuroEXPLORER PET scanner focuses on ultra-high sensitivity and resolution, as well as continuous head motion correction. Their study revealed a striking improvement in image contrast and quality with the NeuroEXPLORER as compared to the High Resolution Research Tomograph (HRRT), which was the previous state-of-the-art imaging tool. The images produced by the NeuroEXPLORER displayed low noise and remarkable resolution, with clear focal uptake in specific brain nuclei.
Image: FloPatch is the world's first Doppler Ultrasound to help improve the care of patients with sepsis and septic shock (Photo courtesy of Flosonics Medical)
Image: Exceptional brain PET images showing dramatic improvement in resolution and quality over HRRT images (Photo courtesy of SNMMI)
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First Specific PET Scan for TB to Improve Treatment
Acollaborative team that included researchers from the Rosalind Franklin Institute (Oxfordshire, UK; www.rfi.ac.uk) has developed a new radiotracer that targets live tuberculosis (TB) bacteria within the body. Radiotracers are radioactive substances that emit detectable radiation, which PET scanners can convert into detailed 3D images. This new tracer, named FDT, allows for the precise detection of active TB in the lungs, marking the first use of PET scans for this purpose. This method’s significant advantage is its compatibility with standard radiation safety measures and PET scanners, which are increasingly available worldwide. This innovation holds particular promise for improving TB diagnosis in low- and middle-income countries.
New Radiotracer Could Be Game Changer for Detection of Coronary Artery Disease
Anew radiotracer could revolutionize the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD), the disease responsible for the highest mortality worldwide. GE HealthCare’s (Chicago, IL, USA; www.gehealthcare.com) Flyrcado (flurpiridaz F 18) injection is the first PET MPI agent specifically designed for the detection of CAD. Intended for patients with known or suspected CAD, Flyrcado provides greater diagnostic efficacy than SPECT MPI. The injection can be produced offsite in a pharmacy and delivered as a ready-to-use dose, potentially broadening access to PET MPI, improving diagnostic accuracy in hard-to-image patients, such as those with a high body mass index (BMI) and women.
Full-Body MRI Device Tracks Moving Tumors in Real-Time During Proton Therapy
Scientists
at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR, Dresden, Germany; www.hzdr.de) and the Dresden University Medical Center (Dresden, Germany; www.tu-dresden.de) have ingeniously combined the capabilities of a full-body MRI machine, designed to rotate around the patient, with a proton therapy system. This combination aims to enhance the precision of proton therapy for cancer patients by utilizing real-time MRI imaging during treatment. By combining a full-body MRI device for real-time imaging with a proton therapy system in the form of a prototype, the research team plans to conduct future studies to assess its potential benefits, particularly for mobile tumors located in areas like the chest, abdomen, and pelvis.
New Whole-Body Imaging Technology Makes It Possible to View Inflammation on MRI Scan
Anew technology, called TAM-Sense, is being tested at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine (La Jolla, CA, USA; www.ucsd.edu) to noninvasively examine and quantify macrophages, or immune cells present in tumors. The technology works by feeding macrophages tiny drops of a dye that can be detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The TAM-Sense agent is a fluid composed of very tiny drops of a biologically inert fluorocarbon dye, integrates into the bloodstream upon injection. The macrophages detect and engulf these droplets, then collect at the inflammation sites, making it possible to visualize the dye inside them with a specifically modified MRI scanner. TAM-Sense’s potential extends beyond oncology, offering possible applications across various conditions characterized by significant inflammation, including autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular disorders, and infectious diseases.
Diamond Dust Could Offer New Contrast Agent Option for Future MRI Scans
Anunexpected discovery made in a laboratory suggests that diamond dust, a carbon-based material, might serve as a viable, more tolerable substitute to gadolinium. This breakthrough was achieved at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (Stuttgart, Germany; www.is.mpg.de), where researchers initially used nanometer-sized diamond particles for an entirely different experimental purpose. To their surprise, these diamond particles exhibited unexpected brightness in the MRI experiment, shining even more brightly than the actual contrast agent, gadolinium. If further studies confirm its safety and efficacy, diamond dust could emerge as a groundbreaking contrast agent in future MRI procedures, offering a safer alternative to gadolinium.
World’s Most Powerful MRI Machine Images Living Brain with Unrivaled Clarity
The world’s most powerful magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner has generated its first images of the human brain, demonstrating new precision levels that could shed more light on the mysterious human mind—and the illnesses that plague them. The Atomic Energy Commission (CEA, Paris, France; www.cea.fr) has released groundbreaking in vivo human brain images captured with the Iseult MRI machine, boasting a, unparalleled magnetic field strength of 11.7 teslas. The images captured boast an extraordinary resolution — 0.2 mm in-plane resolution and 1 mm slice thickness — equivalent to the volume of several thousand neurons. The enhanced resolution made possible by the Iseult MRI machine opens the door to gaining insights into brain mechanisms previously beyond reach.
World’s First Sensor Detects Errors in MRI Scans Using Laser Light and Gas
MRI scanners function by generating a powerful magnetic field that aligns protons in the body’s water, carbohydrates, and proteins. These protons are then disturbed by pulsed radio waves, causing them to spin out of alignment. As they realign with the magnetic field, they emit radio waves that are captured to create real-time 3D images of the targeted tissues. A new sensor developed at the University of Copenhagen (Copenhagen, Denmark; www.ku.dk) precisely maps disturbances in the magnetic field, identifying the location and magnitude of these disruptions. This innovative development could soon allow for the correction of distorted MRI images, ensuring that they are accurate and reliable based on the sensor’s data, thus enhancing the effectiveness and reliability of MRI diagnostics.
Image: Diamond dust offers a potential alternative to the widely used contrast agent gadolinium in MRI (Photo: Max Planck Institute)
MRI
Image: uMR Jupiter 5T MRI system is the world's first whole-body ultra-high field MRI to officially come to market (Photo courtesy of United Imaging)
World’s First Whole-Body Ultra-High Field MRI Officially Comes to Market
The world’s first whole-body ultra-high field (UHF) MRI has officially come to market, marking a remarkable advancement in diagnostic radiology. United Imaging (Shanghai, China; www. united-imaging.com) has secured clearance from the FDA for its uMR Jupiter 5T MRI system, a pioneering whole-body MRI system that surpasses traditional barriers in UHF imaging. The uMR Jupiter 5T is the first UHF system approved for whole-body applications and is uniquely equipped with an 8-channel whole-body multi-transmit system, a first for any MRI system regardless of field strength. This advancement in MRI technology enables clinicians to capture images of anatomical structures with extraordinary clarity and detail. Utilizing UHF magnet strength, the uMR Jupiter 5T delivers superior resolution and an unmatched signal-to-noise ratio.
New MRI Method “Lights Up” Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic
cancer is notoriously difficult to detect early due to the
Researchers have now demonstrated a new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique that could potentially make pancreatic tumors “light up” in MRI scans. This novel MRI method, developed by scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science (Rehovot, Israel; www. weizmann.ac.il), functions similarly to glucose tolerance tests used for diagnosing diabetes, by tracking how cells metabolize glucose. The team demonstrated that this method is more sensitive than other MRI techniques that monitor only the final stage of glucose metabolism in cancer cells.
Metamaterials to Make MRI Scans Faster, Cheaper, and More Accurate
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has revolutionized how clinicians diagnose and plan treatment for various conditions by allowing noninvasive internal views of the human body. Despite its benefits, the most advanced MRI technology is often inaccessible due to its bulk, rigidity, and high cost, which limits its availability especially in low-resource and remote areas. Aiming to make MRI technology more accessible, engineers at the Boston University College of Engineering (Boston, MA, USA; www.bu.edu/eng) are now innovating devices that can enhance the speed, affordability, and precision of scans. They are utilizing metamaterials—structures crafted from common materials like copper, fabric, and plastic designed to control electromagnetic waves and radio frequencies—to improve MRI capabilities significantly.
Researchers at California Institute of Technology (Caltech, Pasadena, CA, USA; www.caltech.edu) have developed a novel catheter tube that significantly hampers the ability of bacteria to move upstream, offering a safer and more efficient way to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections without the need for antibiotics. This new design, optimized through advanced artificial intelligence (AI), has shown a remarkable 100-fold reduction in the number of bacteria swimming upstream in laboratory experiments. This groundbreaking design represents a significant advancement in patient care and infection control.
Self-Propelling Nanorobots Reduce Bladder Tumors by 90%
Arecent breakthrough by scientists at IRB Barcelona (Barcelona, Spain; www.irbbarcelona.org) has demonstrated the potential of urea-powered nanorobots in bladder cancer treatment. The nanorobots are essentially tiny machines, composed of porous silica spheres. The mobility of these nanobots significantly increases their chances of reaching and impacting the tumor. Additionally, the localized delivery of the nanorobots, carrying the radioisotope, reduces potential side effects. The high accumulation of the nanorobots in tumor tissue also intensifies the radiotherapeutic impact. In their study, the team achieved a significant 90% reduction in bladder tumor size in mice using a single dose administered by these nanorobots.
World’s First Safe Electric Drug Infusion Pump to Prevent Medical Accidents
Aresearch team at the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM, Daejeon, South Korea; www.kimm.re.kr) has developed the world’s first drug infusion pump with a safe medication administration detection technology. The researchers have been successful in creating the technology for customized sensor modules which are designed to measure the very low flow rates typical of analgesic drug infusion pumps, as well as to detect air bubbles within these pumps. The introduction of this technology is poised to play a significant role in preventing medical accidents caused by excessive analgesic administration post-surgery. It is also expected to facilitate speedy medical services by providing highly accurate data on medication speed and dosage and to reduce the medical staff’s workload in drug injection management.
Novel Endoscopic Sensor System Measures Faulty Gut Electrical Signals for Detection of GI Disorders
An endoscopic sensor device developed by scientists at University of Auckland (Auckland, New Zealand; www.auckland.ac.nz) could allow doctors to diagnose hard-to-identify stomach complaints
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without the need for invasive surgery. This innovative device features an inflatable sphere covered with sensors that are passed down the esophagus, enabling the measurement of gut electrical activity. The endoscopic mapping device aims to give clinicians a clearer picture of exactly where the electrical signals are misfiring. While it may take up to five more years for this endoscopic device to become globally available in hospitals, recent human studies mark a critical first step.
High-Tech Paint Could Eliminate Need for Multiple Surgeries in Heart and Dialysis Patients
Researchers at UVA Health (Charlottesville, VA, USA; www.uvahealth. com) are developing a sophisticated method to prevent clogged transplanted veins in heart and dialysis patients, thereby reducing the frequency of surgeries. This method, called epiNanopaint, involves applying adhesive nanoparticles to the vessels during the initial surgery. These nanoparticles are infused with a drug designed to inhibit the growth of invasive cells. Their stickiness ensures they remain in place, enabling the targeted and prolonged release of the drug at the necessary site. The focus of the research is on targeting the enzyme DOT1L with drugs to prevent vessels from narrowing and optimizing the application of this painting technique for drug delivery. Success in this research could revolutionize treatment for countless patients globally.
Bioelectronic Mesh Grows with Cardiac Tissues for Comprehensive Heart Monitoring
Ateam
of engineers led by the University of Massachusetts Amherst (Amherst, MA, USA; www.umass.edu) has created a bioelectronic mesh embedded with graphene sensors that can record the electrical signals and movements of cardiac tissue at the same time. The tissue-like bioelectronic mesh system is integrated with an array of atom-thin graphene sensors and can simultaneously measure both the electrical signal and the physical movement of cells in lab-grown human cardiac tissue. This breakthrough allows for observation of the heart’s development, providing insights into how its mechanical and electrical functions change over time.
Swallowable Capsule Could Transform Detection of Gastrointestinal Diseases
Aresearch team including scientists from the University of Birmingham (Birmingham, UK; www.birmingham.ac.uk) has developed swallowable sensors to specifically identify gut movement problems, potentially revolutionizing the detection of gastrointestinal diseases and conditions. The ingestible capsule dotted with sensors measures pressure within the gut to detect points of failure. Sized at 3 cm in length and 1 cm in diameter, the capsule is equipped with up to five ultra-thin sensors, each as thin as one or two human hairs. These pressure sensors are capable of monitoring the entire length of the gastrointestinal tract, about eight or nine meters, detecting zones of no movement, normal function, or unusual activity. This ingestible system can provide colorectal medical teams with unprecedented insight into a patient’s digestive tract movement or its absence.
Recyclable ‘Smart Skin’ Monitors Biological Signals on Demand
Researchers at Penn State College of Engineering (University Park, PA, USA; www.psu.edu) have introduced an adhesive sensing device that can be directly applied to human skin to continuously track the wearer’s health indicators. The so-called “smart skin” can be re-
Image: A diagram of the new catheter design (Photo: Caltech)
The Most Clinically Advanced Critical Care Test Menu Now Includes
Creat
Prime Plus provides the most clinical value of any blood gas/critical care analyzer profile by adding essential tests for kidney function (BUN, Creatinine, eGFR), plasma volume (ePV), ionized magnesium (iMg) and MCHC.
Creatinine, eGFR, and BUN
Over 50% of patients admitted to the ICU develop some degree of acute kidney injury.1 Creatinine, eGFR, and BUN monitoring provides indication of changes in kidney function and helps guide therapy to prevent AKI.
Estimated Plasma Volume (ePV)
The plasma volume status of a patient is one of the top priorities in evaluating and treating critical illness including CHF, ARDS, AKI, and Sepsis.2-4
Ionized Magnesium (iMg)
Hypomagnesemia is a frequent finding in critically ill patients.5 Magnesium therapy guided by real time ionized magnesium monitoring has been shown to improve outcome in these patients.6
Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)
Helps differentiate types of anemia.
1. Mandelbaum T et al. Outcome of critically ill patients with acute kidney injury using the AKIN criteria. Crit Care Med 2011;39(12):2659-2664.
2. Kobayashi M et al. Prognostic Value of Estimated Plasma Volume in Heart Failure in Three Cohort Studies; Clin Res Cardiol 2019;108(5): 549-561.
3. Niedermeyer, et al. Calculated Plasma Volume Status Is Associated With Mortality in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Critical Care Explorations: September 2021, V3(9):1-9.
4. Kim HK et al. Prognostic Value of Estimated Plasma Volume Status in Patients with Sepsis. J Korea Med Sci 2020;9(37):1-10.
5. Soliman HM. Development of ionized hypomagnesemia is associated with higher mortality rates. Crit Care Med 2003;31(4):1082-7.
6. Wilkes NJ et al. Correction of ionized plasma magnesium during cardiopulmonary bypass reduces the risk of postoperative cardiac arrhythmia. Anesth and Analg 2002;95(4) 828-834.
programmed to measure heart rate, nerve activity, and glucose levels in real-time and is even recyclable. Importantly, the device maintains its adhesiveness and functionality even on moist or sweaty skin. The team is planning further developments in collaboration with medical professionals to eventually utilize this technology for managing diseases like diabetes and monitoring conditions such as infections or wounds.
Soft, Flexible, Battery-Free Implant Continuously Monitors Bladder Function
Researchers at Northwestern University (Evanston, IL, USA; www. northwestern.edu) have developed a novel, soft, and flexible battery-free implant that attaches to the bladder wall to sense filling and wirelessly sends this data to a smartphone app, allowing real-time bladder fullness monitoring. This innovation marks the first such bioelectronic sensor to provide continuous bladder function monitoring for a prolonged time. The new device could be a game-changer for individuals with paralysis, spina bifida, bladder cancer, or severe bladder diseases, where bladder function is significantly compromised. It not only facilitates patient self-monitoring but also empowers clinicians to remotely observe patient conditions, enabling quicker, more informed treatment decisions.
World’s First AI-Powered Sepsis Alert System Detects Sepsis in One Minute China
Medical University Hospital (CMUH, Taichung, Taiwan; www.cmuh.cmu.edu.tw) has developed the Intelligent Sepsis Early Prediction System (ISEPS), the world’s first AI-powered sepsis alarm system. ISEPS is capable of detecting sepsis and bacteremia risks within just one minute, allowing healthcare professionals to quickly identify patients at an elevated risk. This facilitates the prompt administration of antibiotics, significantly enhancing patient outcomes and preventing progression to sepsis.
Peptide-Based Hydrogels Repair Damaged Organs and Tissues On-The-Spot
Scientists at the University of Ottawa (Ontario, Canada; www. uottawa.ca) have ingeniously combined biomedical expertise with nature-inspired engineering to develop a jelly-like material that holds significant promise for immediate repairs to a wide variety of damaged organs and tissues in the human body. This groundbreaking research could potentially transform millions of lives through the use of peptide-based hydrogels, which are designed to seal skin wounds, administer therapeutic agents to injured heart muscle, and aid in the reshaping and healing of damaged corneas.
AI Doubles Medical Professionals’ Accuracy in Reading EEG Charts of ICU Patients
An assistive machine learning model developed by researchers at Duke University (Durham, N.C., USA; www.duke.edu) can significantly enhance how medical professionals interpret electroencephalography (EEG) charts of patients in intensive care settings. The researchers utilized “interpretable” machine learning algorithms to develop this computational tool. Unlike typical machine learning models, which are often “black boxes” that make it impossible to understand how the conclusions have been arrived at, interpretable models are designed to reveal the processes behind their conclusions. To validate the effectiveness of this technology, a team of eight medical professionals with relevant experience categorized 100 EEG samples into six categories, both with and without AI assistance. Their accuracy improved significantly with the AI, jumping from 47% to 71%, and outperforming those who used a more opaque “black box” algorithm in prior studies.
Machine Learning Delivers Personalized Oxygenation for Patients on Ventilators
In an effort to remove the guesswork out of ventilation, a team from The University of Chicago Medicine (Chicago, IL, USA; www. uchicagomedicine.org) has employed a machine learning model to explore how different oxygen levels might affect outcomes based on individual patient characteristics. Their findings suggest that personalized oxygenation targets could significantly lower mortality rates, potentially revolutionizing critical care practices. Despite the complexity of the algorithm, the input variables are common clinical parameters, making it simple for healthcare teams to use such tools in the future. For hospitals lacking the resources to integrate such advanced machine learning tools into EHRs, there is also the possibility of developing a web-based application that would allow clinicians to input patient characteristics and receive predictions, functioning like an online calculator.
AI Camera Technology Helps Doctors Quickly Assess Severity of Infections
Currently, the severity of an infection is determined by checking vital signs, which are key indicators of a person’s physical health, using a variety of instruments. Now, a new technology that can measure a patient’s pulse, breathing, and blood pressure simply by scanning their face could provide a tool for quickly assessing the severity of acute infection and other medical conditions. The newly-developed method by researchers at the University of Gothenburg (Gothenburg, Sweden; www.gu.se) combines camera technology, software, and artificial intelligence (AI) to potentially replicate the results obtained from traditional instruments by simply scanning a patient’s face for 30 seconds.
Smartphone Face-Screening Tool Helps Paramedics Identify Stroke in Seconds
Stroke often causes unilateral facial muscle impairment, making one side of the face act differently than the other. Now, an innovative smartphone-based facial screening tool promises to help paramedics identify stroke signs much sooner and more accurately than current technologies. Developed by biomedical engineers at RMIT University (Melbourne, Australia; www.rmit.edu.au), this technology leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze facial symmetry and muscle movements, enhancing stroke detection through facial expression recognition. Paramedics can use this simple smartphone tool to quickly assess if a patient has had a stroke, potentially notifying hospitals before the ambulance leaves the patient’s house. While this tool, with an 82% accuracy rate in stroke detection, is unlikely to replace detailed clinical diagnostics, it could significantly speed up the identification of patients requiring urgent care.
Image: The adhesive sensing device seamlessly attaches to human skin to detect and monitor the wearer’s health (Photo courtesy of Jia Zhu/Penn State)
Cont’d from page 10
Nanorobot with Hidden Weapon Precisely Targets and Kills Cancer Cells
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet (Solna, Sweden; www.ki.se) have developed nanorobots capable of eliminating cancer cells in mice, utilizing a weapon concealed within a nanostructure that only activates within the tumor environment, thus protecting healthy cells. The researchers have cleverly concealed the lethal weapon so that it reveals itself only within the environment found in and around a solid tumor, effectively creating a nanorobot designed to selectively attack and destroy cancer cells. The team injected these nanorobots into mice with breast cancer tumors, which led to a significant 70% decrease in tumor growth compared to mice treated with a non-active version of the nanorobot.
Capsule Releases Microscopic Robots into Colon to Treat Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Anovel approach involving a pill that releases microrobots in the colon to combat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing symptoms and promoting the repair of damaged colon tissue in mice, without any toxic side effects. The microrobots, engineered by scientists at the University of California San Diego (La Jolla, CA, USA; www.ucsd.edu), are composed of green algae cells bonded chemically with antiinflammatory nanoparticles. The nanoparticles capture and neutralize pro-inflammatory cytokines in the gut, while the motile green algae cells distribute the nanoparticles throughout the colon, enhancing cytokine removal and aiding tissue healing. When administered orally to mice with IBD, this innovative treatment reduced fecal bleeding, enhanced stool consistency, counteracted weight loss, and reduced colonic inflammation, all without noticeable side effects.
Novel Hydrogel Could Provide Alternative to Pacemakers
Currently, the most effective method to manage cardiac arrhythmias and avert sudden cardiac death is through the implantation of pacemakers. However, pacemakers do not prevent recurring arrhythmias. Researchers from Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU, Erlangen, Germany; www.fau.eu) and the University of Bonn (Bonn, Germany; www.uni-bonn.de) have now invented a novel gel to address this limitation of pacemakers. This new gel combines collagen, an effective and well-tolerated carrier substance, and PEDOT:PSS, an electrically conductive agent, to potentially prevent cardiac arrhythmias. The innovative gel can be directly injected into the heart’s scar tissue to restore electrical conductivity, enhancing communication among cardiac cells. Early trials in animal models show the gel effectively prevents arrhythmias and ventricular tachycardia, potentially eliminating the need for the harsh shocks from ICDs.
Image: The wireless implantable LED-device when combined with a light-sensitive dye destroys cancer cells (Photo: University of Notre Dame)
Wireless Implantable LED Device Treats Deep-Seated Cancers Using Light
Ateamof engineers and scientists at the University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, IN, USA; www.nd.edu) has developed a wireless,
Automation of manual microscopy for urinalysis
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Image: The nanorobot’s weapon can only be exposed in the acidic environment found in and around a solid tumor (Photo: Karolinska Institutet)
implantable LED device that, when used alongside a light-sensitive dye, not only kills cancer cells but also stimulates the immune system’s cancer-targeting response. The device, small enough to be the size of a grain of rice, can be injected directly into a tumor and activated remotely via an external antenna. The aim is to induce a small amount of pyroptotic cell death, which in turn triggers the immune system to begin attacking the cancer. The device is designed not just to administer treatment but also to monitor the tumor’s response, allowing for adjustments in signal strength and timing as necessary.
Pocket-Sized Invention Revolutionizes Ability to Swiftly Detect Pathogens in Hospital Setting
Traditionally, the detection of pathogens in a hospital environment could take several days. Now, a new technology combining a cellphone camera with a Raman spectrometer—a sophisticated laser-based chemical analysis tool—enables the rapid detection of drugs, chemicals, and biological molecules that are invisible to the naked eye. Engineers at Texas A&M University Engineering (College Station, TX, USA; www.engineering.tamu.edu) have developed a handheld cellphone-based Raman spectrometer system. This device allows for the non-invasive identification of potentially hazardous chemicals or materials directly in the field, particularly beneficial in remote locations where traditional, larger laboratory spectrometers are impractical due to their size and power requirements.
Device Powered by Body Heat Marks First Step Toward Battery-Free Wearable Electronics
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering (Pittsburgh, PA, USA; www. engineering.cmu.edu) have demonstrated that a healthcare device can be powered entirely by body heat. The new approach aims at extending the battery life of wearable devices by converting body heat into electrical energy using thermoelectric generators (TEGs). By integrating a pulse oximetry sensor with a flexible, stretchable, wearable thermoelectric power generator composed of liquid metal, semiconductors, and 3D-printed rubber, the novel approach offers a viable solution to battery life issues.
Groundbreaking Vine Robots with Magnetic Skin to Transform Cancer Treatment
Researchers at the University of Leeds (West Yorkshire, UK; www. leeds.ac.uk) have created a new type of robot termed “magnetic vine robots” featuring magnetic skin and movement that is similar to creeping vine plants. Poised to revolutionize cancer diagnosis and treatment, these robots mimic the growth and maneuverability
researchers navigated a
of creeping vines, enabling them to navigate through extremely tight spaces—up to 40% smaller than their normal width—such as the complex pathways of the human bronchial tree. The robots are coated with a magnetic ‘skin’ and manipulated by external magnets, allowing them to perform complex navigational tasks like moving through ‘S’ bends. This feature could be revolutionary for accessing and treating tumors located in hard-to-reach areas of the lungs.
Cutting-Edge 3D-Printed Microneedle Technology Revolutionizes Drug Delivery and Diagnostics
Agroundbreaking system that integrates remote health monitoring and drug delivery using 3D-printed hollow microneedles is set to revolutionize healthcare, particularly benefiting those in underserved or remote areas. Developed by researchers at the University of Victoria (Victoria, BC, Canada; www.uvic.ca) and the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI, Los Angeles, CA, USA; www.terasaki.org/institute), this integrated theranostic microneedle array (MNA) system marks a significant step forward in personalized medicine. The system’s 3D-printed hollow microneedles enable painless and minimally invasive access to interstitial fluid, transforming both drug delivery and diagnostics. It includes an array of colorimetric sensors capable of quantitatively measuring vital health indicators such as pH, glucose, and lactate levels, while also featuring a remotely-triggered mechanism for ondemand drug delivery.
Water-Powered Electric Bandage Improves Healing in Chronic Wounds
In a collaborative project undertaken by North Carolina State University (Raleigh, NC, USA; www.ncsu.edu) and Columbia University (New York, NY, USA; www.columbia.edu), a research team has developed water-powered, electronics-free dressings (WPEDs), which combine electrodes on one side with a compact, biocompatible battery on the other. These single-use bandages are designed to be placed such that the electrodes make direct contact with the wound. Activation occurs through the addition of a single drop of water to the battery, generating an electric field for several hours, known to benefit
Image: The first healthcare device to be powered by body heat was made possible by the use of liquid-based metals (Photo: Carnegie Mellon)
Image: The
soft magnetic robot through the tiny pathways of a brain phantom to the base of an aneurysm (Photo courtesy of International Journal of Robotics Research)
the healing of chronic wounds. During animal tests, these electric bandages accelerated healing by 30% compared to traditional bandages.
Supercharged Silk Could Help Regenerate Heart Tissue
Researchers at the University of New South Wales (UNSW, Sydney, Australia; www.unsw.edu.au) have developed a new microgel from moth silk that can aid tissue regeneration and recovery post-heart attack. This innovative material is derived from the silk of a domestic silk moth, transformed into a jelly-like substance called a microgel using light. This microgel is engineered to mimic the mechanical and physical interactions that cells experience within the body, closely resembling human tissue properties. A study by the researchers demonstrated that when the microgel is applied to the skin of mice, it supports cell and blood vessel growth and fosters new tissue generation. The ultimate aim is to further refine this material to improve treatment for cardiovascular diseases and to support heart muscle in post-heart attack patients. The researchers are planning to develop a cardiac patch that, through the microgel, stimulates heart repair and supports enhanced cardiac function.
Scientists at the College of Engineering at Seoul National University (Seoul, Korea; www.eng.snu.ac.kr) have developed a ‘biodegradable electronic tent’ that offers a new non-invasive approach to brain disease diagnosis. The technology utilizes a needle to implement a biodegradable electronic tent that deploys smoothly between the narrow space of the skull and the brain, spanning a few millimeters. It is made from biodegradable shape-memory polymers and ultrathin biodegradable inorganic electronic devices. Injected through a small opening in the skull, the electronic tent expands to cover a large area comparable to the size of a palm. After serving its diagnostic purpose, the tent naturally dissolves within the body, eliminating the complications associated with permanent medical devices left inside the body.
Wearable Lung Patch Accurately Detects Asthma and COPD
Acommon indicator of conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is wheezing, a highpitched whistling sound caused by inflammation and narrowing of the airways. Physicians typically use digital stethoscopes, considered the gold standard, to listen to and record abnormal lung sounds
like wheezing and crackles—clicking or rattling sounds that often accompany wheezing. They analyze these recordings to determine whether they capture wheezing, crackling, or normal breath sounds. Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, GA, USA; www.gatech.edu) have now developed a deep learning (DL) model paired with a wearable patch equipped with a highly sensitive sensor capable of automatically detecting wheezing sounds. This DL model has the potential to classify respiratory diseases, potentially speeding up diagnosis and treatment.
SmartLab Respiratory Analysis
Image: The electric bandage holds promise for treating chronic wounds (Photo courtesy of Rajaram Kaveti)
Image: The microchip sensor is slightly larger than a penny (Photo courtesy of StethX and Georgia Institute of Technology)
Point of Care
Image: The CytoTracker Leukometer is a portable device that quickly delivers readings based on a single drop of blood (Photo courtesy of RizLab Health)
Handheld White Blood Cell Tracker to Enable Rapid Testing for Infections
Researchers at Rutgers startup RizLab Health Inc. (Princeton, NJ, USA; www. rizlabhealth.com ) have developed an innovative device can rapidly count a person’s white blood cells (WBC), or leukocytes, with a single drop of blood, enabling rapid testing and improved triaging for infections. Called the CytoTracker Leukometer, the device has undergone comprehensive testing, comparing its performance with conventional lab benchtop hematology analyzers used for standard blood tests. These trials confirmed that the CytoTracker Leukometer is at least 97% accurate, thereby meeting established clinical standards. In emergency room settings, the device could expedite the detection of sepsis in patients more swiftly than current methods, which typically involve blood draws and lab testing.
Rapid Bedside Test to Protect Newborns from Life-Threatening Illnesses
Aresearch project is examining the potential of a rapid bedside test for safeguarding newborns from life-threatening illnesses transmitted during birth. The GBS3 study, conducted by the University of Nottingham (Nottingham, UK; www. nottingham.ac.uk), aims to determine whether universally screening pregnant women for Group B Streptococcus (GBS) can reduce the incidence of newborn infections. GBS, a bacterial strain, is the leading cause of severe infections in newborns in the UK. The study compares two methods: a test during a
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prenatal visit around 36 weeks of pregnancy and a quick bedside test conducted as labor begins that delivers results in about 40 minutes. This is the first trial of its kind in the world and the results will help to determine whether routine testing should be introduced in the UK.
Handheld Device Detects Fentanyl in Urine within Seconds
Researchers at University of Texas at Dallas (Richardson, TX, USA; www.utdallas.edu) have developed a first-of-its-kind, handheld device that is capable of accurately detecting fentanyl in urine within seconds. The device contains an electrochemical sensor that operates by generating electrical signals from chemical reactions. This technology can also test other substances for fentanyl by simply diluting a sample in water and applying it to the sensor. The team’s proof-of-concept device can detect trace amounts of fentanyl with 98% accuracy, bypassing the need for expensive and time-consuming lab analyses. The current prototype, designed for urine testing, is a precursor to developing a saliva-based test.
Electrochemical Sensors with Next-Generation Coating Advances Precision Diagnostics at POC
Researchers at Wyss Institute at Harvard University (Boston, MA, USA; www. wyss.harvard.edu ), in collaboration with several institutes in Korea, have developed novel micrometer-thick porous coating with unparalleled biomarker detection abilities. Measuring multiple biomarkers from different molecular classes could inform more comprehensively about the state a disease is in, its severity and progression over time, and even account for person-to-person differences in how it develops. The novel thick porous emulsion coating directly addresses critical hurdles that currently prevent the wide-spread use of electrochemical sensors as central components of comprehensive POC diagnostics for many conditions. However, going far beyond that, it could also open up new opportunities for developing safer and more functional implantable devices, and other healthcare monitoring systems at multiple disease fronts.
Molecular Diagnostic Test System Dramatically Reduces Wait Times
Fast MDx Limited (Middlesex, UK; www. fastmdx.com) and Festo (London, UK; www.festo.com) have jointly designed
and developed the world’s first, low-cost, high-throughput, near-patient molecular diagnostic test system that uses automation technology to detect pathogens with unrivalled speed and cuts the typical waiting time of 24 to 48 hours to just one to two hours without the need for expensive biosafe laboratories. The near-patient test system will provide clinicians with earlier, more informed results, allowing each patient to receive a faster, personalized clinical pathway. Designed for ease of mobility, the system can traverse standard doorways and elevators, resting on four sturdy, lockable casters. Its near-patient functionality allows it to be deployed in diverse settings such as test centers, hospitals, or pathology labs.
POC Myocardial Infarction Test Delivers Results in 17 Minutes
Ahigh-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hscTnI-II) test approved for point-of-care (POC) use in the United States allows emergency departments and other acute care settings to achieve quicker and more precise diagnostic and treatment decisions than previously possible. Polymedco’s (Cortlandt Manor, NY, USA; www.polymedco.com)
PATHFAST hs-cTnI-II has becomes first and only hs-cTnI-II test to be cleared by cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for POC use in the United States. This breakthrough high-sensitivity troponin assay developed for the PATHFAST Biomarker Analyzer delivers results up to three times faster than core lab testing.
Critical Bleeding Management System to Help Hospitals Further Standardize Viscoelastic Testing
The Quantra hemostasis analyzer from HemoSonics (Durham, NC, USA; www. hemosonics.com), part of the Stago Group, empowers healthcare professionals to make individualized, evidence-driven decisions on managing bleeding patients, ensuring that the administered treatments is appropriate and in line with global initiatives to reduce inappropriate transfusions of blood products. The Quantra hemostasis system, comprising the Quantra hemostasis analyzer along with the QPlus and QStat cartridges, facilitates decision-making on bleeding management, thereby elevating patient care and enhancing the efficiency of blood product utilization. Designed for ease of maintenance and simple operation and interpretation, the Quantra System delivers rapid, in-depth whole-blood
coagulation assessments either at the point of care or in lab settings, producing results in under 15 minutes.
Whole Blood Rapid Test Aids
Assessment of Concussion at Patient’s Bedside
Abbott’s (Abbott Park, IL, USA; www.abbott.com) i-STAT TBI test uses whole blood to help assess patients with a suspected mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) or concussion, delivering lab-quality results in 15 minutes. This allows clinicians to conduct assessments at the patient’s bedside, extending its utility to urgent care centers and various other medical settings outside of the hospital emergency room. The i-STAT TBI cartridge has received clearance from the U.S. FDA to be used with whole blood, enabling doctors to assess patients with suspected concussions directly at the bedside. Unlike previous tests that required plasma or serum, necessitating laboratory processing, the new clearance allows for the implementation of the test in diverse medical environments, including urgent care clinics certified to perform moderate complexity tests.
One-Minute Hepatitis C Antibody Test Facilitates Quick Triage
The INSTI HCV Antibody Test from bioLytical Laboratories (Richmond, BC, Canada; www. biolytical.com) is the world’s first one-minute Hepatitis C antibody test that can prove to be an excellent tool in managing this disease. The test detects antibodies to the Hepatitis C virus, which are substances released into the bloodstream upon infection. The test includes procedural control for IgG and IgM and can identify HCV
genotypes 1 through 6, delivering results in as little as 60 seconds. The INSTI Hepatitis C blood is both highly accurate and affordable, designed for ease of use. The fully portable system does not require any additional equipment, is simple to administer via a simple finger prick and requires minimal training, making it adaptable to a variety of settings, including clinics and emergency environments.
POC STI Test Shortens
Time from ED Arrival to Test Results
Anewstudy has demonstrated that a point-of-care (POC) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test can reduce the time from specimen collection to sexually transmitted
Acute Care Diagnostics
infection (STI) result to just 47 minutes per patient, compared to the 25-hour average with standard of care (SOC) lab-processed molecular send-out tests. Conducted by Visby Medical (San Jose, CA, USA; www. visbymedical.com) and John Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD, USA; www.jhu. edu), the study assessed a new approach to managing the three most common nonviral STIs in women, comparing two testing methods at the Johns Hopkins Emergency Department over two separate four-month study periods in 2022 and 2023. The study found that this test also led to significantly higher rates of appropriate treatment and lower rates of antibiotic over-treatment for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections, relative to SOC.
The Intelligent Analyzer
Image: The i-STAT TBI cartridge has received FDA clearance to be used with whole blood (Photo courtesy of Abbott)
Portable Device Analyzes White Blood Cell Activity to Monitor Cancer Patients’ Health
Traditionally, monitoring of white blood cells has been limited to blood tests. Now, a new at-home white blood cell monitor offers doctors the ability to remotely monitor their patients’ health more comprehensively. This device, which avoids blood draws, uses light to scan the skin at the top of the fingernail and employs artificial intelligence (AI) to identify critically low levels of white blood cells. Based on technology first conceived by researchers at MIT (Cambridge, MA, USA; www.web. mit.edu) in 2015, Leuko Labs (Boston, MA, USA; www.leuko.com) developed the device which has successfully enabled the detection of low white blood cell counts in hundreds of cancer patients without the need for blood withdrawal. Later this year, the company plans to initiate a pivotal study that will support its application for FDA approval. Once approved, Leuko anticipates that the device will not only become a standard tool for patient monitoring but will also assist doctors in optimizing cancer treatment regimens.
New, Easy-To-Use CRISPR Based HIV Test Kit to Deliver Results in Minutes
CRISPR, or Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, represents a breakthrough in genetic engineering, allowing selective modifications to the DNA of organisms in lab environments. This technology leverages genome editing systems that occur naturally in bacteria. A research team at the University of Florida (Gainesville, FL, USA; www.ufl.edu) is nearing completion of their HIV detection method that employs CRISPR technology and could act as an early-warning system, potentially saving millions of lives. The innovative CRISPR-based kit is designed to measure HIV RNA levels quickly using a
compact microfluidic device. This palm-sized prototype facilitates rapid self-testing soon after potential exposure, delivering results within minutes to enable earlier treatment for patients.
World’s First Rapid Diagnostic Test Detects Stroke within Minutes
Agroundbreaking diagnostic test can identify a large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke within 15 minutes, expediting patient transfer to specialized care and saves more than 1 hour 30 minutes over the current clinical pathway. The innovative LVOne test from UpFront Diagnostics (Cambridge, UK; www.upfrontdiagnostics.com ) employs a combination of blood-based biomarkers and clinical scoring to accurately detect patients undergoing an LVO stroke. A clinical study has confirmed the efficacy of UpFront’s specific blood biomarkers GFAP and D-dimer, achieving 90% accuracy in identifying LVO strokes. Implementing this biomarker strategy in the field could significantly reduce the time to thrombectomy, lower disability risks and the associated medical and social costs of strokes.
Portable PCR Platform to Detect Multiple Pathogenic Bacteria Targets POC
Prompt Diagnostics (Baltimore, MD, USA; www.prompt-dx.com) is developing a portable PCR platform with high multiplexing capabilities to identify multiple pathogenic bacterial targets and their antibiotic susceptibility, thus aiding in point-of-care treatment decisions. Prompt’s innovative platform is designed to be lowcost and capable of delivering laboratoryquality diagnostics that can inform treatment choices directly at the clinical site. The platform’s advanced PCR assays can quickly provide results, allowing healthcare providers to administer targeted therapies during a patient’s initial visit.
Point-Of-Care EEG System Significantly Reduces Length of Patient Stay in ICU
Anewmulti-center retrospective study has shown a significant association between the early detection of nonconvulsive seizures via point-of-care electroencephalography (POC-EEG) and a reduction in intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS). The study examined patient outcomes using the POC-EEG system from Ceribell, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA, USA; www.ceribell.com) compared to traditional EEG methods. Results demonstrated a significant decrease in ICU stay length, fewer discharges with severe functional disabilities, and a quicker initiation of EEG testing with the Ceribell system versus conventional EEG.
5-Minute Multiplex PCR Testing System to Redefine Point-Of-Care Diagnostics
LEX Diagnostics (Melbourn, UK; www. lexdiagnostics.com) is developing a PCR molecular system that offers both high speed and high sensitivity, capable of completing a test in less than 10 minutes and reporting positive results in as little as 5 minutes. This ensures that results are available quickly enough to impact clinical decisions within the same appointment. The LEX system is designed around a cartridge that receives a dry swab and conducts all necessary sample preparation, processing, and analysis internally, without the need for manual sample elution or other preparatory steps. This design not only speeds up the process but also confines all sample handling within the system, reducing the manual effort required and minimizing the exposure risk for healthcare workers.
Point-Of-Care Lateral Flow Reader Delivers High-Sensitivity Measurements In 10 Seconds
Acustomizable
point-of-care (POC) lateral flow reader combines advanced imaging technology and proprietary algorithms to deliver high-sensitivity measurements in just 10 seconds. The miniDxR lateral flow reader designed by DCN Dx (Carlsbad, CA, USA; www.dcndx. com) for POC testing offers advanced imaging technology, superior sensitivity and specificity, and robust cybersecurity features. The miniDxR utilizes advanced camera-based colorimetry and fluorescence for accurate and precise color and intensity detection, vital for the most sensitive POC diagnostics. It features a modular cartridge nest that can be customized to accommodate a wide variety of lateral flow assay cassettes, ensuring compatibility with a laboratory’s specific needs. It is customizable for diverse diagnostic applications, providing reliable and accurate results in diverse POC settings.
POC Saliva Testing Device Predicts Heart Failure in 15 Minutes
Researchers
at Colorado State University (Fort Collins, CO, USA; www.colostate.edu) have developed a point-of-care electrochemical biosensor that works similarly to lateral flow tests like those used for COVID-19 but is designed for heart failure detection. This biosensor can analyze two heart failure biomarkers from a drop of saliva in about 15 minutes. Dubbed the electrochemical capillary-driven immunoassay (eCaDI), this device integrates innovations from their previous work—a microfluidic saliva device and a biosensor that detects biomarker proteins Galectin-3 and S100A7. In trials, the device was tested with standardized human saliva spiked with biomarker levels indicative of heart failure, where it successfully detected the concentrations of Galectin-3 and S100A7.
Image: The finger-based test takes a minute to noninvasively capture enough information to evaluate white cell levels (Photo courtesy of Leuko Labs)
Handheld Device Puts Power Diagnostic Testing in the Palm of Your Hand
Researchers at the University of Connecticut (Storrs, CT, USA; www.uconn.edu) have developed a platform technology that incorporates PCR-like capabilities within a handheld device. Called lab-in-a-magnetofluidic tube (LIAMT), this new device integrates all necessary functions into a single, portable unit unlike the multiple large machines required for PCR. This system, devoid of heavy equipment like centrifuges and thermal cyclers, offers a significant advancement in making diagnostic tools more accessible and faster— producing results within about an hour compared to the longer processes associated with traditional PCR, where samples often need to be sent away for analysis.
New 8-Minute Blood Test to Diagnose or Rule Out Heart Attack Shortens ED Stay
New research has highlighted a rapid blood test that could improve the treatment for individuals presenting with chest pain at emergency departments. This research was part of the WESTCORPOC clinical trial conducted at Haukeland University Hospital (Bergen, Norway; www. helse-bergen.no), where the safety and efficacy of a novel 0-hour and 1-hour POC hs-cTn test (Atellica VTLI, Siemens Healthineers, siemenshealthineers.com) were compared against the standard laboratory hscTn testing. Results showed that the median emergency department stay was slightly reduced by POC testing—174 minutes versus 180 minutes for the standard group. For patients seen by a physician within 60 minutes, POC testing cut emergency department time by 15 minutes (147 vs 162 minutes). POC testing significantly benefited patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), reducing their emergency department stay by 43 minutes (137 vs 180 minutes), thus allowing quicker admission to the cardiac ward.
Breakthrough Technology Uses Smartphone to Detect Heart Disease in One Minute at POC
CardioSignal (Turku, Finland; www.cardiosignal.com) has developed a groundbreaking technology can detect several major heart diseases with high accuracy using just a single clinical modality, without the need for specialized medical equipment. The technology utilizes motion data from smartphone gyroscopes and accelerometers to monitor specific rotational movements of the heart. This innovative approach enables the precise detection of abnormal heart functions. The process involves placing a smartphone on the patient’s chest for one minute to gather data. A clinically validated algorithm then analyzes the motion data in a secure cloud service, delivering immediate results.
Anew study has demonstrated the effectiveness of a smartphoneenabled, paper-based quantitative diagnostic platform, which improves point-of-care diagnostics by delivering enhanced accuracy, real-time data, and broader accessibility for fast and reliable testing. The study focused on HueDx’s (Pennsylvania, PA, USA; www. huedx.com) innovative platform, which comprises HueTools and HueLab. HueDx’s HueTools are artificial intelligence (AI) tools that shorten assay development from years to months while its HueLab customizable cartridge and app, creates a portable testing solution that eliminates the need for a traditional lab. This research represents a significant breakthrough in colorimetric diagnostic methods, overcoming past challenges in achieving accurate and consistent results in clinical chemistry at the point-of-care without requiring additional hardware.
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Image: The LIAMT handheld processor features a window which the user can look through to view fluorescent virus detection signals (Photo: Ziyue Li)
TOP NEWS DEVELOPMENTS OF 2024
Groundbreaking 2-In-1 Procedure Combines C-Section and Ovarian Cancer Surgery
Women carrying BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations face a significantly higher lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer. Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO), a preventive surgery to remove the fallopian tubes and ovaries, is currently the only confirmed method to substantially lower the mortality risk from ovarian cancer. In a pioneering approach, four women, all carriers of BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations and scheduled for cesarean sections, underwent a combined procedure where they delivered their babies via cesarean and simultaneously had RRSO to reduce their ovarian cancer risk. Post-surgery, all four women expressed high satisfaction with the two-in-one procedure. This innovative approach adopted by the team at University College London (UCL, London, UK; www.ucl.ac.uk), offers a viable option for women carrying BRCA gene mutations who are undergoing cesarean sections.
New Preservation Method Enhances Long-Term Success of Vein Grafts in Coronary Bypass Surgery
Acollaborative study by researchers at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC (Roanoke, VA, USA; www.fbri.vtc.vt.edu) and Carilion Clinic (Roanoke, VA, USA; www.carilionclinic.org) has revealed that by preserving large superficial leg veins intended for coronary bypass grafting in a mixture of the anticoagulant heparin and blood, rather than heparin and saline, the veins were better protected from cell and tissue damage. The findings could significantly impact surgical practices and improve the longevity of vein grafts in coronary bypass surgeries. These findings are expected to influence clinical practice and the development of new solutions for using saphenous vein grafts in the millions of patients who undergo coronary artery bypass graft procedures annually.
Replacement Valve Grows Inside the Body to Revolutionize Heart Treatment
Replacement heart valves that grow inside the body are a step closer to reality following studies led by researchers at Imperial College London (London, UK; www.imperial.ac.uk). Their new approach involves a procedure that begins with a nanofibrous polymeric valve created from a biodegradable polymer scaffold, unlike the durable plastic that is typically used. Once implanted, this scaffold recruits cells and
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guides their development, turning the body into a bioreactor for new tissue growth. Over time, the scaffold is naturally replaced by the body’s own tissues. Although currently focused on heart valve replacement, this technology has potential applications in other areas, such as treating vascular conditions, repairing blood vessels damaged by dialysis, and creating cardiac patches for heart repair.
Cable System for Heart Pumps Reduces Risk of Infection
Engineers at ETH Zurich (Zurich, Switzerland; www.ethz.ch), in collaboration with physicians from the German Heart Centre (Berlin, Germany; www.german-heart-centre.com), have developed a novel cable system for heart pumps. This system utilizes several thin, flexible wires with a rough, irregular surface, in contrast to the stiff, thick cables currently used. The design is inspired by how human hair penetrates the skin without causing infections. Initial tests on skin cell cultures and implantation in sheep compared the new system with traditional thick cables. The results showed that while thick cables caused significant inflammation, the thin, flexible cables resulted in only mild inflammatory reactions.
Magnetic Robot Moves Through Arteries Could
Revolutionize Stroke Treatment
Ischemic
stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted due to a blockage in blood vessels. Now, a cutting-edge technology promises to revolutionize stroke treatment. Scientists at ETH Zurich (Zurich, Switzerland; www.ethz.ch) have created a magnetically operated robot for the treatment of ischemic stroke that is small enough to navigate the intricate network of tiny blood vessels in the human brain. Operated by an external magnet, the robot can rotate and move forward in a controlled way, marking a significant advancement in stroke therapy that could greatly enhance patient outcomes. The robot restores blood flow by drilling through the blockage material in the brain, helping stroke patients to improve their motor functions and overall recovery.
Ultra-Thin Pacemaker Regulates Heartbeats
Millions of individuals depend on pacemakers, small yet vital devices that help maintain a regular heartbeat by regulating the heart’s electrical impulses. In an effort to minimize complications, there’s a growing interest in making these devices smaller and less invasive. Now, researchers at the University of Chicago (Chicago, IL, USA; www. uchicago.edu) have developed a novel wireless device, which derives its power from light and can be implanted to control cardiovascular or neural functions in the body. Remarkably thin, lighter than a strand of human hair, the membranes can be inserted through minimally invasive surgery and do not have any moving components. The findings from
Image: Four women had two-in-one surgery to reduce their risk of ovarian cancer (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)
Image: Helical mCR with articulated magnetic tip (Photo courtesy of ETH Zurich)
this study have the potential to simplify heart surgeries and pave the way for innovative future devices.
Sprayable Gel to Render Minimally Invasive Procedures
Simpler and Safer
Researchers at MIT (Cambridge, MA, USA; www.web.mit. edu) have developed a new gel named GastroShield that can be sprayed onto surgical sites using an endoscope. This gel forms a durable, yet flexible layer, acting as a protective barrier over the affected area, preventing delayed bleeding and reinforcing mechanical integrity of the tissue. The novel gel can withstand the digestive tract’s acidity and enzymatic activity to protect the healing tissues from these aggressive conditions, thus holding potential for other gastrointestinal wounds prone to bleeding like stomach ulcers. Animal testing demonstrated all subjects treated with GastroShield exhibited quick sealing without subsequent perforations, leakages, or bleeding over the following week. GastroShield integrates seamlessly with existing endoscopic techniques and provides up to a week of wound protection to facilitate post-surgery healing.
Surgical Robot Outperforms Human Surgeons in Precise Removal of Cancerous Tumors
Anew robotic system designed by researchers at Johns Hopkins (Baltimore, MD, USA; www.jhu.edu) can perform tumor removal from the tongue with precision that could match or surpass human surgeons. The Autonomous System for Tumor Resection (ASTR), an advanced dualarm, vision-guided robotic system, is specifically designed for tissue removal and translates human guidance into robotic precision. In tests using pig tongue tissue, the team demonstrated ASTR’s ability to accurately remove a tumor and the required 5mm of
surrounding healthy tissue. The team now plans to extend ASTR’s application to internal organs like the kidney, which are more challenging to access.
Smart Implants to Monitor and Promote Bone Healing
An interdisciplinary team of medical specialists, engineers and computer scientists at Saarland University (Saarbrücken, Germany; www.uni-saarland.de ) has developed smart orthopedic implants that can continuously monitor the fracture repair process and actively facilitate bone healing. These orthopedic implants are not ordinary fixation plates used for stabilizing fractures; they are equipped with innovative ‘artificial muscles’ made from shape memory wires, allowing for the control of the healing process through a smartphone. The smart implants
SURGICAL TECHNIQUES
start transmitting data on the healing progress immediately after surgery without the need for further procedures or equipment. It also alerts the patient if excessive pressure is applied to the healing fracture.
Microscopic Probe to Transform Early Cancer Diagnosis
Researchers at the University of Nottingham (Nottingham, UK; www.nottingham. ac.uk) have developed a groundbreaking endoscopic device capable of 3D imaging the stiffness of individual biological cells and complex organisms, an innovation with the potential to revolutionize early cancer detection and treatment. The new technology allows for stiffness measurement of these individual cells using a hair-thin endoscopic probe. This advancement enables, for the
Image: The prototype pacemaker is made of a specially engineered membrane (Photo courtesy of University of Chicago)
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Image: The endoscopic device can 3D image the stiffness of individual biological cells and complex organisms (Photo courtesy of University of Nottingham)
first time, the performance of histology (or investigating microscopic cellular tissue) based on abnormal stiffness at the single cell level inside the body.
Flexible Microdisplay Visualizes Brain Activity in Real-Time to Guide Neurosurgeons
Acollaborative research team that includes engineers and physicians from University of California San Diego (La Jolla, CA, USA; www.ucsd.edu) has developed a flexible microdisplay capable of both monitoring and visualizing brain activity in real-time during surgeries. This thin film integrates an electrode grid with LEDs to offer real-time, visual feedback of brain function, significantly enhancing surgical precision. This technology is designed to provide visual information of the brain to monitor the organ’s states during surgical procedures, helping neurosurgeons make informed decisions about which tissues to remove and which to preserve.
Tiny Wraparound Electronic Implants to Revolutionize Spinal Cord Treatments
Traditional methods for treating spinal injuries typically involve inserting electrodes into the spinal cord and implanting devices in the brain, both of which are procedures with high risks. Now, a team of engineers, neuroscientists, and surgeons from the University of Cambridge (Cambridge, UK; www.cam.ac.uk) has developed a tiny, flexible electronic device that wraps around the spinal cord, presenting a potentially safer alternative for treating spinal injuries. Drawing on advances in microelectronics, the team devised a method to access data across the entire spinal cord by wrapping very thin, high-resolution implants around the spinal cord’s circumference. This breakthrough marks the first successful attempt at safe, 360-degree monitoring of the spinal cord, a significant improvement over previous methods that involved piercing the spinal cord with electrodes, which posed a risk of injury.
Caterpillar Robot with Built-In Steering System Crawls Easily Through Loops and Bends
Ateam of engineers from Princeton University (Princeton, NJ, USA; www.princeton. edu) and North Carolina State University (Raleigh, NC, USA; www.ncsu.edu) has ingeniously combined ancient paper folding techniques with modern materials science to develop a soft robot that can easily navigate through mazes by bending and twisting. The new robot was created out of modular, cylindrical segments featuring an origami form called a Kresling pattern. These segments are designed to operate both independently and as part of a larger assembly, contributing collectively to the robot’s mobility and directional control. This allows the robot not only to crawl forward and reverse but also to lift objects and assemble into longer formations. Its ability to assemble and split up on the move enables the robot to function either as a single entity or as part of a swarm.
Robotic Bronchial Endoscopic System Provides Prompt Intervention during Emergencies
Anovel robotic bronchial endoscopic system developed by a team of engineers at Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM, Daejeon, Korea; www.kimm. re.kr) minimizes side effects and provide timely intervention for airway obstructions caused by food or foreign bodies in infants, young children, or the elderly. The advanced robotic bronchial endoscopic system includes multidirectional endoscopic forceps, ocular position tracking capabilities, and foot pedal control. This system is anticipated to be particularly valuable in emergencies, as it can reduce the number of medical personnel required to manage airway blockages.
Tiny Robots Made from Carbon Could Conduct Colonoscopy, Pelvic Exams or Blood Tests
Researchers at the University of Alberta (Edmonton, AB, Canada ; www.ualberta. ca) are developing cutting-edge robots so tiny that they are invisible to the naked eye but are capable of travelling through the human body to remove blood clots in the brain. These tiny robots, or “actuators,” are designed to swim through the bloodstream to target and destroy tumors, disintegrating harmlessly after their task is accomplished. Although still in the early stages of development, this technology might enable the micro-actuator to bend and eventually walk or swim. In the future, these microrobots could be used non-invasively for medical procedures like colonoscopies, pelvic exams, or blood tests.
Wireless Electronic Suture Enables Postoperative LongTerm Monitoring of Soft Tissue
Researchers at DGIST (Daegu, South Korea; www.dgist.ac.kr) have developed a new suture-type electronic component that can wirelessly monitor vital signs within the body, promising significant advancements in orthopedic and medical rehabilitation, tailored to individual patient needs. This implantable and wireless electronic suture system resembles a conventional medical suture used to close wounds but functions as a wireless strain sensor. The electronic suture combines a medical needle with a thread that not only sutures the wound but also acts as an electronic device, enabling precise monitoring without imposing any additional burden on the patient. The sensor operates remotely without the need for a separate chip or battery, making it practical for medical use.
Adhesive Hydrogel Coatings
Prolong Life of Pacemakers and Medical Implants
Whenmedical devices such as pacemakers are implanted in the body, they often trigger an immune response that results in the accumulation of scar tissue around the device. This scarring, known as fibrosis, can disrupt the function of the devices and may necessitate their removal. To address this issue, engineers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA; www.web.mit.edu) have discovered a simple and universal method to prevent such fibrosis by coating the devices with a hydrogel adhesive. This coating binds the devices to tissue and shields them from attacks by the immune system. This adhesive has potential applications in coatings for epicardial pacemakers — devices positioned on the heart to regulate heart rate.
Glowing Dye Helps Surgeons Remove Hidden Prostate Cancer Cells in Real-Time
Anew approach that combines a glowing marker dye with an imaging system could revolutionize prostate cancer treatment. Researchers at the University of Oxford (Oxford, UK; www.ox.ac.uk) conducted a study demonstrating that the glowing marker dye adheres to prostate cancer cells and aids surgeons in their removal in real time. This innovative approach uses a combination of a glowing marker dye and a targeting molecule called IR800-IAB2M, which enables surgeons to visualize the boundaries of the tumor and detect any cell clusters that have migrated from the tumor to adjacent pelvic tissues and lymph nodes. This helps surgeons
excise all the cancerous tissue while conserving the surrounding healthy tissues, significantly reducing the risk of the cancer recurring and lowering the likelihood of severe side effects postsurgery.
Endoscopic Neurosurgery Approach Targets Difficult Tumors at Skull Base
Tumors at the base of the skull represent some of the most challenging cases for neurosurgical removal as the skull base is densely packed with nerves, blood vessels, and other tissues, not to mention the brain stem. The present method for their extraction has been through the microscopic anterior transpetrosal approach (ATPA). Now, researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University (Osaka, Japan; www.omu.ac.jp) have developed a less invasive surgical method termed as a purely endoscopic subtemporal keyhole ATPA. This technique, reportedly the first of its kind to be described article, targets lesions at the petrous apex of the skull base. By employing an endoscopic approach, the required surgical opening is substantially smaller—only 11.2 cm² compared to 33.9 cm² with the microscopic method, significantly lowering the potential for brain damage.
Method Accurately Estimates Cardiovascular State to Inform Blood Pressure Management During Surgery
In cases where patients in intensive care or undergoing major surgeries experience extreme blood pressure fluctuations, it can lead to significant organ dysfunction. For healthcare providers, merely recognizing that blood pressure is abnormal is insufficient. To administer the appropriate medication effectively, it is crucial to understand the underlying reasons for the change in blood pressure. Now, researchers at the Picower Institute at MIT (Cambridge, MA, USA; www.picower.mit.edu) have introduced a mathematical framework that accurately derive that vital information in real-time. This technique could be used during critical medical procedures such as heart surgeries, liver transplants, and care in intensive units, enhancing treatment for conditions that impact cardiovascular function or blood volume.
Light-Activated Implant to Eliminate Open-Chest Surgeries for Shunt Replacement in Children
Congenital defects in the ventricles, or lower chambers of the heart, severely restrict blood flow to the lungs and body, necessitating surgical intervention for survival. Infants affected by these defects are often small at birth but can grow quickly after the initial shunt placement. To keep pace with their growth, repeated surgeries are required to implant larger shunts. Each surgery carries significant risks for the child. Previously, researchers at Drexel University (Philadelphia, PA, USA; www.drexel.edu) had developed a prototype shunt that could expand by incorporating a hydrogel with polymers connected by crosslinks inside the tube. In their latest research, the team redesigned the shunt to use materials suitable for clinical applications and adjustable to individual needs. Surgeons can activate the light-sensitive hydrogel inside the shunt by inserting the catheter through an artery near the armpit and guiding it to the shunt, thus avoiding open-chest surgery.
New Research Platform Assesses Brain Cancer Mutations during Surgery
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN, USA, www. mayoclinic.org) have developed a new surgical platform that enables critical decisions about tumor treatment to be made within minutes during operations. The researchers
employed mass spectrometry
Image: Brain cancer mutations identified during surgery (Photo courtesy of Mayo Clinic)
cancer in real time. During surgery, the tissue samples were placed on a glass slide, and the mass spectrometer enabled researchers to identify the presence of the IDH mutation within just two minutes, achieving 100% accuracy. This capability not only enhances the accuracy of real-time diagnoses but also allows surgeons to assess the patient’s prognosis more effectively and carry out tumor resections to improve outcomes.
Tiny Folding Implants to Reduce Surgery for Treatment of Brain Conditions
Aresearch team led by the University of Oxford (Oxford, UK; www.ox.ac.uk) and the University of Cambridge (Cambridge, UK; www.cam.ac.uk ) has developed innovative ‘origami-inspired’ brain electrodes that become significantly smaller after they fold to a fraction of their full size. This development could drastically reduce the surgical burden for treating neurological conditions like epilepsy or for implementing brain-computer interfaces. Their research has detailed the new folding brain electrodes designed to minimize the incision required— reducing it by approximately five times without compromising their functionality. The research team suggests that this fold-up electrode could be used in human patients within a few years.
Device Delivers Chemotherapy Directly to Tissue Left Behind After Surgery
Researchers at University of Birmingham (Birmingham, UK; www.birmingham. ac.uk) have created a prototype of a device, named ChemoPatch, that can be attached directly to the pancreas during surgery, enabling precise delivery of chemotherapy to any residual cancer cells. The device will use a hollow silicone tube to load chemotherapy drugs, which it will then release gradually over a seven-day period. The team is currently refining the design of this implantable device that considers size, flexibility, and form. The researchers are also exploring methods to securely attach the device to the pancreatic tissue, including using sutures and surgical adhesives.
Miniature Robots Transport Instruments for Endoscopic Microsurgery
Scientists at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany; www.dkfz.de) have addressed the limitations often faced by existing miniature robots by combining several millimeter-sized robots, known as TrainBots, into a
single unit equipped with enhanced “feet.” The TrainBot unit connects multiple individual millimeter-scale robots, each outfitted with improved anti-slip feet. Working together, these units are able to transport endoscopic instruments. The TrainBot system is wireless, controlled by an external rotating magnetic field that synchronizes the movement of the individual units, allowing precise movement in a plane. For the first time, a robotic convoy was used to perform an electric surgical procedure on an obstructed bile duct in an experimental setting.
Bioengineering Breakthrough to Improve Bone Regeneration Treatments
In a significant bioengineering advancement, researchers at the University of Glasgow (Glasgow, Scotland; www.gla.ac.uk) have discovered a novel approach to utilize growth factors for bone repair without the adverse effects associated with previous methods, promising improved outcomes for patients. The team employed a cost-effective polymer known as poly(ethyl acrylate), or PEA, to create a surgical implant suitable for use in bone defects. The implant’s surface possesses unique properties that allow it to bind the body’s inactive growth factors, activating them only at the necessary site. The researchers tested the efficacy of these implants in mice with significant bone defects and observed complete regeneration of the bone and controlled bone formation in the targeted areas throughout the study. This innovation could pave the way for developing new therapeutic options for individuals with severe skeletal injuries or cancer patients needing to regenerate bone tissue lost to illness.
Breakthrough Heart Valve Combines Best of Mechanical and Tissue Replacement
Aresearch
team at UBC Okanagan (Kelowna, Canada; www.ok.ubc.ca) has developed a heart valve that merges the best features of both tissue and mechanical technologies, potentially outperforming current valves. Their latest creation, called the iValve, is their most advanced to date and integrates the optimal aspects of both mechanical and tissue valves for heart valve replacement. What makes the iValve particularly exciting is that it is specifically designed for high-heart-rate applications, such as in pediatric patients. The new iValve could also significantly improve the quality of life for patients who currently undergo regular anticoagulant therapy—blood thinners—which can increase the risk of severe bleeding, blood clots, or damage to tissues and organs if blood flow is hampered.
New Robotic Technology Could Allow Entire Surgery Without Human Intervention
Agroundbreaking multi-institutional project involving a team of robotics experts and surgeons from the University of Tennessee (Knoxville, TN, USA; www.utk. edu) aims to develop a surgical robot capable of performing an entire surgery without human intervention. This leap forward is made possible by a new technological breakthrough called concentric tube robots. These needle-sized robots can bend and elongate like tentacles, consisting of a series of telescoping, curved, super-elastic tubes that rotate within each other. The goal is to enable the new surgical robot to perform less invasive and more effective surgeries in anatomical areas that are currently inaccessible to existing surgical robots. This includes procedures like tumor removal from the trachea and prostate without direct surgeon intervention.
3D-Printed Blood Vessels to Pave Way for Manufacturing of Implantable Human Organs
Acollaborative effort by researchers from Harvard’s Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering (Cambridge, MA, USA; www.wyss.harvard.edu) and the John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS, Cambridge, MA, USA; www. seas.harvard.edu) has led to the creation of a groundbreaking method to 3D print vascular networks. These networks feature interconnected blood vessels that are lined with a “shell” of smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells encircling a hollow “core” where fluid can circulate, all embedded within human cardiac tissue. This structure closely mirrors that of natural blood vessels and marks a significant step forward in the potential to fabricate implantable human organs.
Image: Researchers performing robotic surgery (Photo courtesy of University of Tennessee)
Karl Storz Adds to Surgical AI Capabilities
Karl Storz (Tuttlingen, Germany; www.karlstorz.com), a family-owned medtech company, has acquired Innersight Labs Ltd. (London, UK; www.innersightlabs.com), adding new artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to its existing portfolio and marking a next step in its efforts to integrate AI into laparoscopic and robotic imaging solutions.
J&J Acquisition Expands Cardiovascular Footprint
Johnson & Johnson (New Brunswick, N.J., USA; www.jnj.com) has acquired Shockwave Medical (Santa Clara, CA, USA; www. shockwavemedical.com) for around USD 13.1 billion. With the addition of Shockwave, J&J expects to expand its cardiovascular portfolio into the areas of coronary artery disease (CAD) and peripheral artery disease (PAD) -- two of the highest-growth segments of the cardiovascular intervention field.
Hologic Expanding in Breast Surgery Guidance
Hologic, Inc. (Marlborough, MA, USA; www.hologic.com) has acquired Endomagnetics Ltd. (Cambridge, UK; www.endomag.com), a privatelyheld developer of breast cancer surgery technologies including the Sentimag localization system, for approximately USD 310 million, thus complementing its existing breast surgery portfolio.
Edwards Lifesciences Acquires TMVR Developer
Edwards Lifesciences (Irvine, CA, USA; www.edwards.com), a leader in structural heart disease and critical care, has acquired Innovalve Bio Medical Ltd. (Ramat Gan, Israel; www.innovalvemed.com), an earlystage transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) developer, thereby integrating cutting-edge technologies into Edwards’ transcatheter mitral and tricuspid therapies (TMTT) product group.
Abbott and Medtronic in Glucose Control Partnership
Abbott (Abbott Park, IL, USA; www.abbott.com) and Medtronic plc (Dublin, Ireland; www.medtronic.com) have entered into a global partnership to collaborate on an integrated continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system based on Abbott’s advanced FreeStyle Libre technology that will connect with Medtronic’s automated insulin delivery (AID) and smart insulin pen systems.
J&J Expands Interventional Cardiology Portfolio
Johnson & Johnson (New Brunswick, NJ, USA; www.jnj.com) has acquired V-Wave Ltd. (Caesarea, Israel; www.vwavemedical.com) which is focused on developing innovative treatments for heart failure. J&J paid USD 600 million, subject to customary adjustments, with potential additional milestone payments of up to USD 1.1 billion. The acquisition is expected to expand J&J’s position as an innovation leader in interventional cardiology and heart failure treatments.
Stryker Acquisition Widens Health IT Capabilities
Stryker (Kalamazoo, MI, USA; www.stryker.com), has acquired care.ai (Orlando, FL, USA; www.care.ai), a privately held company specializing in delivering AI-assisted virtual care workflows, smart room technology, and ambient intelligence solutions. The acquisition will strengthen Stryker’s growing healthcare IT offering and wirelessly connected medical device portfolio, integrating seamlessly with Stryker’s Vocera platform and other systems.
Getinge Enhances Organ Transplant Offerings
Getinge (Gothenburg, Sweden; www.getinge.com) has acquired Paragonix Technologies (Waltham, MA, USA; www.paragon ixtechnologies.com), a leading organ transport products and services company, for an aggregated purchase price, including upfront and earn out payments, estimated at USD 477 million. The acquisition marks Getinge’s strategic entry into the dynamic field of organ preservation and transportation, enhancing its offerings across the entire transplant workflow, complementing its existing pre- and post-transplant patient support products in the acute heart & lung support area, and expanding into adjacent areas such as those for kidneys, livers, and pancreases.
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
Zoll Wins Bid to Buy Vyaire's Ventilator Business
Zoll (Chelmsford, MA, USA; www.zoll.com), an Asahi Kasei (Tokyo, Japan; www.asahi-kasei.com) company, has become the winning bidder in an auction to acquire Vyaire Medical’s (Mettawa, IL, USA; www.vyaire.com) ventilator business as part of Vyaire’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. Zoll is a global leader in acute critical care solutions to diagnose and treat serious cardiopulmonary and respiratory conditions.
BD Acquires Edwards Lifesciences' Critical Care Product Group
BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company, Franklin Lakes, J, USA; www. bd.com) has completed the acquisition of Edwards Lifesciences' (Irvine, CA, USA; www.edwards.com) Critical Care product group, which will be renamed as BD Advanced Patient Monitoring. BD Advanced Patient Monitoring offers advanced monitoring solutions that expands BD's portfolio of smart connected care solutions with its growing set of leading monitoring technologies and advanced AI-enabled clinical decision tools.
ASUM 2024 – Conference of the Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine. Nov 1-3; Brisbane, Australia; asum.com.au
BSIR 2024 – Annual Scientific Meeting of the British Society of Interventional Radiology. Nov 6-8; Brighton, UK; bsirmeeting.org
APSR 2024 – 28th Congress of the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology. Nov 7-10; Singapore; apsr2024.hk
51st COMMEC Congress 2024 – Mexican Congress of Critical Medicine. Nov 8-13; Acapulco, Mexico; congresocommec2024.mx
MEDICA 2024. Nov 11-14; Dusseldorf, Germany; medica-tradefair.com
CBMI 2024 – 29th Brazilian Congress of Intensive Care Medicine. Nov 14-16; Sao Paulo, Brazil; amib.org.br
ASUS 2024 – 7th Congress of Asian Surgical Ultrasound Society. Nov 16-17; Seoul, Korea, asus2024.org
62nd Annual ESPE Meeting 2024 – European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology. Nov 16-18; Liverpool, UK; eurospe.org
DECEMBER
RSNA 2024 – Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America. Dec 1-5; Chicago, IL, USA; rsna.org
66th ASH Annual Meeting and Exposition – American Society of Hematology. Dec 7-10; San Diego, CA, USA; hematology.org
JANUARY
2025
AOCR 2025 – Asian Oceanian Congress of Radiology. Jan 23-26; Chennai, India; aocr2025.org
Arab Health 2025. Jan 27-30; Dubai, UAE; arabhealthonline.com
FEBRUARY
WCN 2025 – World Congress of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN). Feb 6-9; New Delhi, India; theisn.org
39th Medicall Expo. Feb 15-17; Kolkata, India; medicall.in
SAR 2025 – Annual Meeting of the Society of Abdominal Radiology. Feb 16-21; Tucson, AZ, USA; abdominalradiology.org
ESGO 2025 – 26th European Congress on Gynaecological Oncology. Feb 20-23; Rome, Italy; congress.esgo.org
Critical Care Congress 2025 – 54th Annual Meeting of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM). Feb 23-25; Orlando, FL, USA; sccm.org
ECR 2025 – European Congress of Radiology. Feb 26 – Mar 2; Vienna, Austria; myesr.org
MARCH
HIMSS25 - Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society. Mar 3-6; Las Vegas, NV, USA; himss.org
Medical Japan 2025 Osaka – International Medical and Elderly Care Expo. Mar 5-7; Osaka, Japan; medical-jpn.jp
WCAC25 – World Critical Care & Anesthesiology Conference. Mar 8-9; Bangkok, Thailand; criticalcongress.episirus.org
AAOS 2025 Annual Meeting – American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Mar 10-14; San Diego, CA, USA; aaos.org
EMIM 2025 – 20th Meeting of the European Society for Molecular Imaging. Mar 11-14; Bilbao, Spain; e-smi.eu
SAGES 2025 – Annual Meeting of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. Mar 12-15; Long Beach, CA, USA; sages.org
52nd Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Intensive Care Medicine (JSICM). Mar 14-16; Fukuoka, Japan; jsicm.org
44th ISICEM – International Symposium on Intensive Care & Emergency Medicine. Mar 18-21; Brussels, Belgium; isicem.org
Medical Fair India 2025. Mar 20-22; New Delhi, India; medicalfair-india.com
KIMES 2025 – Korea International Medical & Hospital Equipment Show. Mar 20-23; Seoul, Korea; kimes.kr
40th Annual EAU Congress – European Association of Urology. Mar 21-24; Madrid, Spain; uroweb.org
DCK 2025 – 142nd Congress of the German Society for Surgery (DGCH). Mar 26-28; Munich; Germany; dgch.de
ACC.25 – American College of Cardiology’s 74th Annual Scientific Session & Expo. Mar 29-31; Chicago, IL, USA; accscientificsession.acc.org
SIR 2025 – Annual Meeting of the Society of Interventional Radiology. Mar 29 - Apr 1; Nashville, TN, USA; sirmeeting.org
AIUM 2025 Annual Convention – American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine. Mar 30 - Apr 1; Orlando, FL, USA; aium.org
AAEM25 – 31st Annual Scientific Assembly of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine. Apr 6-10; Miami, FL, USA; aaem.org
CMEF Spring 2025 – 91st China Medical Equipment Fair. Apr 8-11; Shanghai, China; cmef.com.cn
15th FEPIMCTI Congress 2025 – Pan American and Iberian Federation of Critical Medicine and Intensive Therapy. Apr 8-12; Panama City, Panama; fepimcti.org
125th Congress of the Japan Surgical Society (JSS). Apr 10-12; Sendai, Japan; jp.jssoc.or.jp
WCO-IOF-ESCEO 2025 - World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases. Apr 10-13; Rome, Italy; wco-iof-esceo.org
84th Annual Meeting of Japan Radiological Society (JRS). Apr 10-13; Yokohama, Japan; radiology.jp
ECTES 2025 – 24th Congress of the European Society for Trauma & Emergency Surgery (ESTES). Apr 13-15; Aachen, Germanyl; estes-congress.org
ECIO 2025 – European Congress on Interventional Oncology. Apr 13-16; Rotterdam, Netherlands; ecio.org
TIHE 2025 – Tashkent International Healthcare Exhibition. Apr 15-17; Tashkent, Uzbekistan; tihe.uz
Medic West Africa 2025. Apr 16-18; Lagos, Nigeria; medicwestafrica.com
APSC-KCS 2025 - 29th Asian Pacific Society of Cardiology Congress & Korean Society of Cardiology Congress. Apr 17-19; Busan, Korea; apscardio.org
SEACare 2025 – 25th Southeast Asian Healthcare & Pharma Show. Apr 23-25; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; sea-healthcare.com
145th Annual Meeting of the American Surgical Association (ASA). Apr 24-26; San Diego, CA, USA; americansurgical.org
APSCVIR 2025 – 19th Annual Meeting of the Asia Pacific Society of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology. Apr 25-27; Da Nang, Vietnam; apscvir2025.com
AUA 2025 – Annual Meeting of the American Urological Association. Apr 26-29; Las Vegas, NV, USA; auanet.org
ARRS 2025 Annual Meeting – American Roentgen Ray Society. Apr 27 - May 1; San Diego, CA, USA; arrs.org
MAY
ESTRO 2025 – Annual Congress of the European Society of Radiology & Oncology. May 2-6; Vienna, Austria; estro.org
93rd EAS Congress 2025 – European Atherosclerosis Society. May 4-7; Glasgow, UK; eas-society. org
ECCC Dubai 2025 - 21st Emirates Critical Care Conference. May 9-11; Dubai, UAE; eccc-dubai. com
Joint Congress of ESPE and ESE 2025 - European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) and the European Society of Endocrinology (ESE). May 10-13; Copenhagen, Denmark; espe-ese-congress2025.org
2025 ISMRM & ISMRT Annual Meeting & Exhibition – International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. May 10-15; Honolulu, HI, USA; ismrm.org
ESGAR 2025 – Annual Meeting of the European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology. May 13-16; Amsterdam, Netherlands; esgar.org
25th MEDEXPO Africa 2025. May 14-16; Nairobi, Kenya; expogr.com/kenyamed
ASCVTS 2025 – 33rd Annual Meeting of the Asian Society for Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery. May 14-17; Singapore; ascvts.org
ATS 2025 – International Conference of the American Thoracic Society. May 16-21; San Francisco, CA, USA; conference.thoracic.org
Hospitalar 2025. May 20-23; Sao Paulo, Brazil; hospitalar.com
KIHE 2025 – 30th Kazakhstan International Healthcare Exhibition. May 21-23; Almaty, Kazakhstan; kihe.kz
NCR 2025 – Nordic Congress of Radiology 2025. May 21-23; Trondheim, Norway; ncr2025.no
SIIM 2025 – Annual Meeting of the Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine. May 21-23; Portland, OR, USA; siim.org
ICEM 2025 – 24th International Conference on Emergency Medicine. May 24-28; Montreal, Canada; icem2025.com
EuroAnaesthesia 2025 – European Society of Anaesthesiology. May 25-27; Lisbon, Portugal; euroanaesthesia.org
ESTS 2025 – 33rd Meeting of the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons. May 25-27; Budapest, Hungary; ests.org
WFUMB 2025 – 20th Congress of the World Federation of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology. May 29 - Jun 1; Kyoto, Japan; wfumb.info
JUNE
62nd ERA Congress – European Renal Association. Jun 4-7; Vienna, Austria; era-online.org Medical Taiwan 2025. Jun 5-7; Taipei, Taiwan; medicaltaiwan.com.tw
FIME 2025 – Florida International Medical Expo. Jun 11-13; Miami, FL, USA; fimeshow.com
EFORT Congress 2025 – 26th Annual Congress of European Federation of National Associations of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. Jun 11-13; efort.org
ASCI 2025 – The 18th Congress of Asian Society of Cardiovascular Imaging. Jun 12-14; Busan, Korea; asci-heart.org
EHA 2025 - Annual Congress of the European Hematology Association. Jun 12-15; Milan, Italy; ehaweb.org
CARS 2025 – Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery. Jun 17-20; Berlin, Germany; cars-int.org
ESHRE 2025 – 41st Annual Meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. Jun 29 – Jul 2; Paris, France; eshre.eu
JULY
India Health 2025. Jul 11-13; New Delhi, India; indiahealth-exhibition.com
Asia Health 2025. Jul 16-18; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; medlabasia.com
SCCT 2025 – 20th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography. Jul 17-20; Montreal, Canada; scct.org 42nd Medicall Expo. Jul 25-27; Chennai, India; medicall.in
AUGUST
UAA 2025 – 22nd Urological Association of Asia Congress. Aug 14-17; Taipei, Taiwan; uaanet.org
APICS 2025 – Asia Pacific Intensive Care Symposium. Aug 15-17; Singapore; sg-apics.com Expo Med – Hospitalar Mexico 2025. Aug 19-21; Mexico City, Mexico; expomed.com.mx
Medical Fair China 2025. Aug 20-24; Suzhou, China; medicalfair.cn
SEPTEMBER
ACEP25 – Scientific Assembly of the American College of Emergency Physicians. Sep 7-10; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; acep.org
Medical Fair Thailand 2025. Sep 11-12; Bangkok, Thailand; medicalfair-thailand.com
ESRA 2025– 42nd Annual Congress of the European Society of Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Therapy. Sep 10-13; Oslo, Norway; esracongress. com
CIRSE 2025 – Annual Congress of the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe. Sep 13-17; Barcelona, Spain; cirse.org
ISS 2055 Annual Meeting – International Skeletal Society. Sep 14-17; Lisbon, Portugal; internationalskeletalsociety.com
ISUOG World Congress 2025 – 35th World Congress on Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Sep 14-17; Cancún, Mexico; isuog.org
EASD 2025 – 60th Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes. Sep 15-19 Vienna, Austria; easd.org
WCICC 2025 – 17th World Congress of Intensive & Critical Care. Sep 16-19; Vancouver, Canada; wcicc2025.com
REHACARE 2025 – International Trade Fair for Rehabilitation and Care. Sep 17-20; Dusseldorf, Germany; rehacare.com
43rd Medicall Expo. Sep 20-22; New Delhi, India; medicall.in
39th ESVS Annual Meeting 2025 – European Society of Vascular Surgery. Sep 23-26; Istanbul, Turkey; esvs.org
MICCAI 2025 – 28th International Conference on Medical Image Computing and Computer Assisted Intervention. Sep 23-27; Daejeon, Korea; miccai.org
ExpoMedical 2025. Sep 24-26; Buenos Aires, Argentina; expomedical.com.ar
ERS International Congress 2025 – European Respiratory Society. Sep 27 - Oct 1; Vienna, Austria; erscongress.org
OCTOBER
EUSOBI 2025 - Annual Scientific Meeting of the European Society of Breast Imaging. Oct 1-3; Maastricht, Netherlands; eusobi.org
Medic East Africa 2025. Oct 1-3; Nairobi, Kenya; mediceastafrica.com
Medical Japan 2025 Tokyo– International Medical and Elderly Care Expo. Oct 1-3; Tokyo, Japan; medical-jpn.jp
UEG Week 2025 – United European Gastroenterology. Oct 4-7; Berlin, Germany; ueg.eu
EANM 2025 – 37th Annual Congress of the European Association of Nuclear Medicine. Oct 4-8; Barcelona, Spain; eanm.org
ESMO Congress 2025 - European Society for Medical Oncology. Oct 17-21; Berlin, Germany; esmo.org
RANZCR 2025 – 75th Annual Scientific Meeting of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists. Oct 23-25; Melbourne, Australia; ranzcrasm.com
ECISM LIVES 2025 – Annual Congress of European Society of Intensive Care Medicine. Oct 25-29; Munich, Germany; esicm.org
NOVEMBER
48th World Hospital Congress of the International Hospital Federation (IHF). Nov 10-13; Geneva, Switzerland; ihf-fih.org
APSR 2025 – 29th Congress of the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology. Nov 13-16; Manila, Philippines; apsr.org
MEDICA 2025. Nov 17-20; Dusseldorf, Germany; medica-tradefair.com
RSNA 2025 – Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America. Nov 29 - Dec 3; Chicago, IL, USA; rsna.org
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POINT OF CARE TESTING
CANDIDA AURIS RAPID TEST
• Sample to answer, cartridge based qualitative real-time PCR testing.
• Convenient 4-step process from sample entry to results.
• Accuracy and speed advantage over traditional culture methods.
• Results in less than 1 hour.
• Detection up to 4 weeks after the onset of symptoms of Candida auris fungal infection.
A FUNGAL THREAT
Lab identification challenges and low awareness may lead to undetected outbreaks in healthcare settings. Raising awareness and improving testing are key to preventing further outbreaks.
The Vivalytic Candida auris test screens at-risk individuals, playing a crucial role in preventing and controlling outbreaks and infections in healthcare settings.
