May 2004 e-Newsletter

Medical News 

Technology News

E-Learning

3.1  Medical Alley's(R) New MedEdge(TM) International Conference
3.2  Minnesota Ranks High in Data Storage Enterprises

Medical News

1.1  3M Introduces Rapid Readout Biological Indicator for Ethylene Oxide Monitoring

Delivering confirmed negative test results in just four hours, the 3M Attest Rapid Readout Biological Indicator (RRBI) for Ethylene Oxide (EO) Monitoring System provides this result in three steps.  The Attest RRBI for EO monitoring system provides hospitals with a fast and accurate assessment of the EO sterilizer performance and sterilization effectiveness. The speed which results are achieved by the Attest RRBI for EO system allows hospitals to make faster decisions on when to reject or release products recently sterilized. Attest RRBIs for EO monitoring are a very cost-effective monitoring option.
The Attest RRBI for EO monitoring system requires only three easy steps: 1) remove a processed Attest RRBI for EO 1294 or Attest RRBI for EO Test Pack 1298 from a load, 2) depress the Attest RRBI 1294 cap and crush media ampoule and 3) place the Attest RRBI 1294 in an 3M Attest Auto-reader 290G. Negative results are complete in four hours. Positive results are available within four hours, as soon the Attest auto-reader 290G detects growth. The fully automated Attest auto-reader 290G provides an audible alarm, as well as "red-plus-sign" visual result when a positive Attest RRBI 1294 is detected.   (3M  4/20/04)

1.2  Boston Scientific Announces FDA Clearance for Express® Biliary SD Monorail® Premounted Stent System

Boston Scientific Corporation announced that it has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market its Express® Biliary SD Monorail® Premounted Stent System for the treatment of malignant biliary tumors. The Company said it will launch the stent system in the U.S. immediately.  The Express Biliary SD Stent System combines features from two of Boston Scientific's breakthrough technologies, the Express stent and the Maverick® balloon catheter. The new device offers increased scaffolding at the proximal end of the stent, enhanced delivery and precise placement.  The stent system features "6F" guide catheter compatibility and improved tracking to enhance deliverability. Minimal stent shortening and customized balloon lengths for each stent length are designed to enable accurate placement, while the increased stent scaffolding at the proximal end provides lumen support.   (Boston Scientific 4/19/04)

1.3  First Patient Enrolled in the ev3 Carotid Stent Clinical Trial

ev3 Inc., a privately held endovascular medical device company, announced today that the first patient has been enrolled in an ev3 carotid stenting clinical trial.  The trial will team ev3’s Protégé® Nitinol Self-Expanding Stent with the company’s SPIDER™ Embolic Protection Device in a minimally invasive procedure to open blockages in carotid arteries and prevent strokes.  A total of 40 U.S. hospitals will participate in the trial and enroll approximately 420 patients who have blockages within their carotid arteries and are at high risk for an open surgical procedure.  ev3 plans to submit trial data in an application to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for marketing clearance of the carotid artery application in the United States.    (ev3 4/15/04)

1.4  Guidant Announces U.S. Approval of Next Generation Implantable Defibrillator

Guidant Corporation (NYSE: GDT), a world leader in the treatment of cardiac and vascular disease, today announced it has received market approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its VITALITY®2 implantable cardioverter defibrillator system designed to treat patients at risk for sudden cardiac death due to arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).     The VITALITY 2 implantable defibrillator system is a next generation device based upon the established VITALITY line of products, and offers distinct advantages for both patients and physicians. The size and physiologic shape of the VITALITY 2, the world’s smallest and thinnest implantable defibrillator at 30cc and 11mm, is designed to facilitate ease of insertion and contribute to patient comfort.    (Guidant 4/7/04)

1.5  Mayo Clinic Researchers Restore Lost Immunity -- Possible Breakthrough for AIDS

Mayo Clinic researchers have found a way to revive immunity in mice that have abnormal or deficient immune systems. The discovery may lead to a means of restoring immunity to individuals with immunodeficiency diseases such as AIDS and cancer. Also, because the research involves an existing therapy, application may be possible in the near future.  The research team, led by Mayo Clinic immunologists Marilia Cascalho, M.D., Ph.D., and Jeffrey Platt, M.D., report in this month’s Journal of Immunology that B cells, the lymphocytes that produce antibodies, help to generate T cells, the lymphocytes that fight viruses and tumors.
“Previously, it was thought that B cells and T cells, two components of immunity produced by the lymphatic tissues, develop independently until they eventually came together to fight microbes or to eliminate infected cells in the body,” says Dr. Cascalho. “Now we know that the B cells and the immunoglobulin that they produce can help reconstitute immunity by promoting the development of T cells.” For immunity to work it is crucial that there are enough T cells and also that the T cells be diverse so they are able to respond to many different threats. B cells help to make the T cells in the body diverse. Immunoglobulin is a specialized protein that acts as an antibody.”   

Diversity of lymphocyte receptors is thought to be the key to immunity. A cell’s receptor is the portion that makes it selectively bind with another substance. The more diverse T cell receptors are, the more likely it is T cells of the appropriate specificity will be present to combat today’s sophisticated viruses or evasive bacteria. This flexibility and corresponding T cell receptor diversity are absent in patients with immunodeficiency diseases and in some who have cancer or receive cancer treatment. AIDS patients, for example, may have very few T cells and those T cells they have may not be diverse. The report by Dr. Cascalho’s group suggests it may be possible to boost T cell numbers and diversity by administration of gamma globulin or B cells. Gamma globulin is a protein portion of blood rich in antibodies that is made from pooled human blood and injected as one form of immunotherapy. “By understanding how the body produces T cell diversity in this way, we believe it may have direct impact on many patients whose immune defenses have been compromised,” says Dr. Platt. “There was no way we knew of that this part of the immune system could build itself back up. Now, we think that this is a way.” Whether B cells contribute to a diversity of T cells through means other than immunoglobulin isn’t known.    (Mayo Clinic 4/04)

1.6  Medtronic Announces Clinical Trial of Device Designed to Trap Debris During Angioplasty

In a significant initiative to advance its leadership in technologies designed to reduce the risk associated with interventional procedures in aging bypass grafts on the surface of the heart, Medtronic, Inc. announced ongoing patient enrollment in the AMEthyst pivotal clinical trial for the investigational Interceptor® Coronary Filter System.  Data from the trial will be used to support an application for product marketing clearance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Such clearance would make Medtronic the world’s only company supplying physicians with a full line of embolic protection devices employing filter as well as balloon occlusion and aspiration technologies.   (Medtronic 4/21/04)

1.7  Synovis Life Technologies Receives Clearance for Use of Peri- Strips in Cardiac Surgery

Synovis Life Technologies, Inc., a diversified medical device manufacturer, has received 510(k) marketing clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use of the company's Peri-Strips(R) product as a buttress to reinforce the staple lines during cardiac surgery. The approval
includes the surgical removal of the left atrial appendage (LAA), a procedure believed to prevent stroke. Removal of the LAA can be performed as an adjunct
procedure during cardiac bypass surgery, mitral valve repair or other heart procedures, or as a treatment by itself. Estimates indicate the number of
applicable procedures is as large as 1 million worldwide, with about half of these procedures performed in the United States.   (PRNewswire 4/20/04)


1.8  Medtronic Announces Clinical Trial For Intercept™ Epilepsy Conrol System

Medtronic, Inc. announced the start of the U.S. pivotal clinical trial for the Intercept™ Epilepsy Control System, the company’s brain stimulation therapy that may reduce seizure rates in patients with epilepsy. Epilepsy is a condition that affects 2.3 million Americans, and about one-third of these patients continue to experience seizures despite a wide range of treatment options.  The therapy is designed to disrupt the circuits suspected of influencing epileptic seizures. The system provides bilateral brain stimulation using three implantable components: a neurostimulator (implanted in the chest), extensions (two small, insulated wires that are threaded from the neurostimulator to the head) and leads (electrodes that are implanted in the thalamus). The neurostimulator generates electrical pulses that are delivered directly to the brain by the extensions and leads. These pulses can be non-invasively adjusted by a clinician from a physician programmer and transmitted via telemetry to the implanted device.   (Medtronic  4/13/04)

1.9  ATS Medical Acquires Exclusive Worldwide Rights to New Cardiac Surgery Technology

ATS Medical, Inc., a leader in mechanical heart valve technology and related cardiac surgical accessories, announced  that it has agreed to terms with
Swedish research firm ErySave AB for exclusive development, licensing and marketing of a new patented health care technology for cardiac surgery
procedures.  The exclusive agreement grants ATS Medical worldwide rights for ErySave's PARSUS filtration technology for cardiac surgery procedures. The platform,PARSUS, Particle Separation by Ultrasound, enables highly qualitative filtering, by ultrasound waves, of potentially dangerous particles suspended
in blood.  This technique could potentially be used in all patients requiring a cardiac surgery procedure such as heart valve replacement or repair and
coronary artery by pass.   (PRNewswire 4/27/04)

1.10  Guidant Receives European Approval for New Stent for Bifurcated Coronary Lesions 

Guidant Corporation announced Conformité Européenne (CE) Mark approval of the company’s MULTI-LINK FRONTIER™ Coronary Bifurcation Stent System, which is specifically designed to treat plaque in coronary arteries at the site of a bifurcation, where one vessel branches from another.  The new stent system will be immediately available in Europe, Australia and New Zealand, with expansion soon to additional countries in Asia and the Middle East.   
Bifurcated areas of the vascular system are a common location for the buildup of plaque.  These lesions are particularly difficult to treat with currently available stents because of the risk of blocking blood flow to the side vessel.  About 20 percent of patients treated for coronary artery disease have lesions at bifurcations.   (Guidant  4/21/04)

1.11  New Medtronic Devices Aid In Diagnosing And Curing Arrhythmias 

Medtronic, Inc. announced the U.S. commercial release of two electrophysiology catheters, the Medtronic EnCirclr™ AL Adjustable Loop Mapping Catheter and the Medtronic RF Enhancr® II Single-Curve Ablation Catheter. The company recently received U.S. Food and Drug Administration clearance for both devices. The EnCirclr AL mapping catheter provides an innovative design to identify pathways causing atrial fibrillation. The RF Enhancr II ablation catheter with a new ergonomic handle delivers radio frequency energy to treat various heart rhythm abnormalities. Both products represent advancements in detecting and treating cardiac rhythm problems caused by heart muscle cells that conduct errant electrical signals.   (Medtronic 4/8/04)

1.12  Guidant Completes Acquisition of Bioabsorbable Stent Company

Guidant Corporation announced the $6 million purchase of the remaining stake in a company developing fully bioabsorbable drug eluting stent platforms.  These new stents in development are designed to be fully absorbed by vascular tissue following the restoration of blood flow in patients with coronary artery disease.  The initial 51 percent stake was acquired for $10 million in the first quarter of 2003.  Under the terms of the original agreement, Guidant will also make payments upon the achievement of certain regulatory milestones.  Guidant has completed a 28-day animal study of a bioabsorbable drug eluting stent platform, providing initial data on dosing, safety, and mechanical properties of the stent.   (Guidant 4/20/04)

Technology News

2.1  3M USB-Powered Media Converter Provides Cost-Effective Network Connectivity

3M has released a copper-to-fiber media converter that operates at 100 megabits per second and can tap into power via a computer's USB port. The Volition Media Converter, 100 MB FX/TX, USB from 3M converts 100 base TX copper transmission to a 100 base FX fiber link at the workstation. Media converters provide an inexpensive way to extend data links over long distances and provide connectivity at the workstation between copper and fiber media.
The new media converter can be powered either by a provided switching power supply or a USB power connection with the provided USB cable. The USB cable allows for cost-effective network connectivity at the workstation typically using a laptop computer or a PC equipped with multiple USB ports. The USB powering reduces AC power cord clutter under the desk for desktop users, and laptop users benefit from portable power.   (3M  4/15/04)

2.2  ADC Pro Patch System and Super Video Jacks Selected by All Mobile Video

ADC announced that All Mobile Video, Inc. has chosen the ADC Pro Patch(TM) Programmable patching system and MVJ-3 midsized Super Video Jacks as key components of its new mobile broadcast unit, the All Mobile Matrix(TM).  The All Mobile Matrix is a modular production unit broken down into a series of cases that are a manageable size and weight. The new flight pack supports up to 16 cameras and is high definition and standard definition capable. It is also equipped with a full 80 input by 48 output Sony MVS8000 switcher. The ADC Pro Patch Programmable Series and MVJ-3 midsized Super Video Jacks were selected over several vendors for the products' innovative design, quality of manufacturing and history of reliability in All Mobile Video's fleet of 20 mobile units.    (ADC 4/20/04)

2.3  ATK Rocket Motors Support The Launch of Gravity Probe-B

ATK (Alliant Techsystems) rocket motors and composite technologies supported the successful launch of a Boeing Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. that will place NASA’s Gravity Probe-B spacecraft into orbit.  Gravity Probe-B will measure how space and time are warped by the presence of the Earth, and how the Earth's rotation drags space-time around with it. The spacecraft will test the predictions of Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity. Nine ATK GEM-40 solid propulsion strap-on boosters were used on this launch — continuing a tradition of flight support for Delta II missions that began in 1990.  (ATK 4/20/04)

2.4  Ceridian Corporation Acquires Recruiting Solutions International, Inc.

Ceridian Corporation  - a leader in managed human resource solutions that maximize the value of people, today announced the acquisition of Recruiting Solutions International, Inc. (RSI), a leading provider of Web-based recruiting and workforce management software. "We have been partnering with RSI to deliver recruiting solutions for several years and each year have seen steady growth in the number of customers," said Robert "Bo" H. Ewald, president of Ceridian HR Solutions. "We view the employment space as an important component in meeting our overall objective of becoming the single source for managed human resource solutions and giving companies the freedom to change their world of work."   (Ceridian 4/19/04)

2.5  CorVu Gains Widespread Adoption in UK Public Sector

CorVu(R) Corporation, the innovative leader in performance management technology, today announced that several public sector organisations in the United Kingdom have deployed CorVu.  The unique CorVu solution enables government agencies to move beyond simply meeting statutory and regulatory requirements and drive breakthrough improvements in executing strategic agency objectives.  CorVu leveraged its extensive worldwide public sector experience to deliver a packaged government performance solution.  The application allows local governments to measure, benchmark, and report against the performance standards contained within various Government Performance Management frameworks, including Star Rating, Best Value, and CPA frameworks.  With this configurable and affordable application, public sector organisations can more effectively manage both financial and non-financial resources, improve service delivery to local communities, and ensure that agency initiatives and resources are properly aligned with community plans.   (PRNewswire 4/27/04)


2.6  Datakey, Inc. Announces Datakey Axis 5.1 Release

Datakey, Inc., a leading provider of information security products that simplify and secure authentication to corporate information systems, announced the release of Datakey Axis(TM) 5.1. Award-winning Datakey Axis is a strong authentication and single sign-on solution that locks each user's digital credentials (passwords, certificates or biometrics) onto a smart card or USB token.  Remarkably easy-to-install and maintain, Datakey Axis fortifies security with two-factor  authentication and automated enforcement of strong password policies.  Customers, resellers and partners benefit from Datakey Axis' ease of use and deployment and versatility to secure network infrastructure and business applications. Organizations can quickly and easily implement Datakey Axis security without undertaking a major infrastructure change or requiring end user training.   (PRNewswire 4/26/04)


2.7  Digital River Acquires element 5

Digital River, Inc., a global leader in e-commerce outsourcing,  announced that it signed a definitive agreement to acquire privately-held element 5 AG.  The acquisition significantly adds to Digital River’s market presence in Europe, enhances their ability to compete in the fast-growing international markets and is expected to increase the financial returns to shareholders. The acquisition combines Digital River's proven strengths in e-commerce outsourcing with element 5's network of international software publishers.

Founded in 1996, element 5 is the leading, privately-held provider of outsourced e-commerce solutions for software publishers in over 150 countries. With a significant presence in Europe, element 5 is the second largest worldwide e-commerce outsource provider to software publishers. The company processes over two million transactions annually for more than 10,000 clients. As a result of the acquisition, element 5 becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary of Digital River and its operations remain in Cologne, Germany.   (Digital River 4/19/04)

2.8  Imation Introduces Tera Ångstrom Technology For Tape Media

Imation Corp., a worldwide leader in removable data storage media, announced its new Tera Ångstrom™ technology, a proprietary metal particulate advanced coating formulation and process that will allow Imation to develop and manufacture high-capacity tape media with terabyte-class storage capacities. With this proprietary technology, Imation is able to achieve the surface smoothness and uniformity required for the increased bit and track density needed to store multiple terabytes on a single cartridge.  The cartridges utilizing Tera Ångstrom technology will be in capacities of 400 gigabytes and higher; Imation expects to deliver multi-terabyte cartridges within the decade. One terabyte is the equivalent of one million megabytes of data, or 16 days of continuously running DVD movies.     (Imation 4/16/04)

2.9  Industrial NanoTech, Inc. Releases Nansulate(TM) Insulation

While the world's biggest corporations work to be first to market with end-user nanotechnology applications, a young company based in Wyoming has quietly beaten them to it.  Industrial NanoTech, Inc.releases its premier product,  patent-pending Nansulate(TM), an industrial-grade liquid applied insulation containing a material documented to have significantly higher R-Values and lower thermal conductivity than any other insulation material, according to recent studies by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratory, and the University of Florida.  Nansulate, containing 70% of INI's proprietary Hydro-NM-Oxide, is an environmentally friendly, water-based coating.  Developed with a strong focus on energy conservation, Nansulate does a few thingstraditional insulation can't: It's tough and weather resistant; it protectsagainst corrosion, condensation and rust; it leaves no places for bugs androdents to nest, and it adheres to most surfaces, including wood, concrete,PVC, metal and glass.   (PRNewswire 4/13/04)

2.10  Rimage Introduces Next-Generation 2000i Desktop CD/DVD

PublisherRimage Corporation, the leading provider of CD/DVD publishing systems for business applications, announced the market launch of the Rimage 2000i, its next-generation desktop CD/DVD publishing system.  Jim Lewis, vice president of Desktop Products, commented: "The Rimage 2000i was designed from the ground up after extensive market research into what customers want in an integrated CD/DVD publishing solution. What they want is a highly user-friendly, convenient and reliable system. Based on this input, the Rimage 2000i is a true plug-and-play product. No assembly is required and there is no printer to mount or alignments to make. The Rimage 2000i, which is based upon our advanced software and proven robotics, also leverages the latest advancements in ink-jet color printing from HP."    (Rimage 4/27/04)

2.11  Small Tree Communications Brings IEEE 802.3ad Link Aggregation to the Apple Market

Small Tree Communications announces the release of its IEEE 802.3ad Link Aggregation networking software for the Apple Xserve and PowerMac computers. Link Aggregation enables true enterprise class network solutions by bonding or trunking multiple Ethernet ports on a single computer into one virtual interface. This virtual interface provides higher bandwidth, higher availability, and more efficient utilization of the physical links than is otherwise possible. Small Tree Communications is the first and only company providing this technology for Apple Computers.   (PRNewswire 4/19/04)

2.12  Stellent Announces Expanded Functionality For Stellent Site Studio

Stellent, Inc., a global provider of content management solutions, announced expanded functionality for its award-winning Stellent® Site Studio, a Web content management application based upon Stellent’s enterprise-scalable Universal Content Management system and designed to support the growing trend of companies building multiple Web sites. Site Studio and its unique, three-tiered approach to Web content management allows companies to easily maintain a desired degree of centralized control over the architecture and presentation of Web sites, while distributing content ownership and site management to each business unit, franchise or geographic location.  New functionality makes Site Studio operational across global environments with the product now localized in six languages. In addition, Stellent has enhanced Site Studio’s usability and strengthened its content re-use capabilities.    (Stellent Inc. 4/20/04)