Surgery news

Cytori’s PureGraft receives EU approval for fat grafting procedures
Cytori Therapeutics has received the CE Mark for the PureGraft 250/PURE System for autologous fat grafting procedures. It is aimed at the cosmetic and reconstructive surgery market. 18 August 2010

NDSsi launches ConnectOR G2 platform to integrate surgical imaging
ConnectOR G2 offers the unique ability to connect PACS imaging, surgical video and medical informatics. 12 August 2010

Natural orifice surgery removes cancerous prostate through penis
Urologists at Mayo Clinic in Arizona have developed a new surgical procedure for the treatment of prostate cancer through the urethra, so that there is no incision on the body. [Includes video] 12 August 2010

Cytori gains EU approval for stem-cell-based tissue reconstruction after breast cancer
Cytori Therapeutics has received European approval for its Celution System, a medical device that extracts and separates stem and regenerative cells from a patient’s own fat tissue, and applications for soft tissue repair. 12 August 2010

Patton Surgical launches laparoscopic access instrument for da Vinci surgical system
Patton Surgical Corporation, has launched worldwide the Robotic 8.5mm Endoscope PassPort, designed to be used with the da Vinci Surgical System. 12 August 2010

Orthovita’s surgical collagen facility gains FDA approval
Orthovita will use the new facility to process the highly purified form of collagen used in its Vitagel Surgical Hemostat product. 10 August 2010

Varian and Brainlab Combine TrueBeam STx with the Novalis Radiosurgery Program
Varian Medical Systems and Brainlab are expanding their radiosurgery partnership to incorporate their Novalis technology and other Novalis radiosurgery program elements into the recently launched TrueBeam STx system. 2 August 2010

Alcon to acquire cataract surgery laser developer LenSx Lasers
Alcon, Inc. has agreed to acquire LenSx Lasers, Inc, a privately held company that developed the first femtosecond laser to receive US FDA clearance for use as a part of cataract surgery. 14 July 2010

Link found between surgery and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
A causal relationship between the onset of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) and general surgery has been found by analysing decades of Danish and Swedish electronic patient records. 12 July 2010

Stanford Hospital opens hybrid operating and angiography room
The hybrid room enables a patient to stay in one place to be diagnosed and treated, either with surgery or the latest interventional procedure, in an environment as sterile as an operating room, with all-important imaging devices, microscopes and monitors right at hand. 12 July 2010

Magnetic fluorescent nanoparticles highlight brain tumours for MRI and surgery
Scientists at Ohio State University have combined two types of nanoparticle to create a 'nanocomposite' that is both magnetic and fluorescent. The aim is to highlight tumours in diagnostic imaging and visually during surgery. 7 May 2010

Dr Ng's team using the robotic armLeicester University carries out world's first robotic cardiac catheter ablation
A pioneering world first robotically controlled cardiac ablation operation is to be conducted at Glenfield Hospital using the new Remote Catheter Manipulation System (RCMS) developed by Catheter Robotics. 4 May 2010

Brainlab announces UK symposia on Novalis Tx radiosurgery platform
Image-guided technology developer Brainlab is inviting key UK clinicians and healthcare professionals to a series of free clinical symposia on 27 April in Bristol, 28 April in Sheffield and 29 April in London. 23 April 2010

Combined colon and kidney surgery using single-incision laparoscopy
Surgeons at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have carried out a single-incision laparoscopy to perform a combined colectomy and kidney-preserving therapy. 21 April 2010

New method for tuning lasers gives potential for nanosurgery
Researchers at the Technische Universität Darmstadt have found a new method for generating tunable wavelengths employing quantum-dot lasers. It has potential applications in molecular surgery, destroying cancer cells, corneal surgery and diagnostics. 16 April 2010

World's first windpipe transplant and regeneration in a child
British and Italian doctors have achieved a world first in transplanting a donated "stripped down" trachea into a boy and using his own stem cells to rebuild the cellular structure in his body. 19 March 2010

Fluorescent nanoparticles highlight cancerous tissue on operating table
Cell-penetrating molecules carrying fluorescent and magnetic tags that stick to and light up tumors help surgeons see more of the tumour tissue on the operating table and make it visible to MRI scans. 9 Mar 2010

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Similar outcomes from open and laparoscopic prostate surgery
Researchers at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York compared outcomes in a population based cohort of almost 6000 men 66 years of age or older with clinically localized prostate cancer. 23 Feb 2010

New guide for intra-operative fluid management
The Guide from the UK's NHS Technology Adoption Centre (NTAC) informs clinicians, particularly anaesthetists, and managers how to successfully implement intra-operative fluid management into routine clinical and operational practice. 9 Feb 2010

Tissuemed partners with Sheffield University to develop adhesive polymer technology
Surgical sealant film manufacturer Tissuemed Ltd is ponsoring a PhD student from the University of Sheffield’s world leading Polymer Centre to optimising adhesive polymer technology for different tissue applications. 9 Feb 2010

First use of NiTi Surgical Solutions' ColonRing in China
NiTi Surgical Solutions has announced that its ColonRing, what it calls the first major advance in closure for gastrointestinal surgery in more than 30 years, has been used for the first time in colorectal surgery in China. 14 Jan 2010

Nexstim’s navigated brain stimulation for neurosurgery planning receives FDA approval
Nexstim Oy, a medical device company has received US FDA appproval for its navigated brain stimulation system for use in the assessment of the primary motor cortex for pre-procedural planning. 17 December 2009

ATS Medical gains CE approval for ATS 3f Enable aortic valve
platform that combines the novel 3f tubular pericardial valve design with its superior hemodynamic profiles and a self-expanding frame to hold the valve in its optimal position. 17 Dec 2009

World first cartilage treatment at UK hospital
Spire Alexandra Hospital in Kent is providing a groundbreaking new treatment for cartilage defects — the first of its kind worldwide.
The treatment enables damaged cartilage to be replaced by a specially developed purified atelocollagen gel. 17 Dec 2009

3-D modelling of heart enables robotic surgery on beating heart
A team at the Montpellier Laboratory of Informatics in France has developed a computerized 3D model that allows surgeons to use robotics to operate on a beating heart. 15 Dec 2009

Minimally invasive disc treatment gives long-term relief from chronic back pain
A comparison of standard medication-based therapy to a minimally invasive treatment called percutaneous disc decompression for painful herniated disc revealed that while both treatments help patients in the short run, only disc decompression kept patients pain free up to two years later. 2 Dec 2009

Philips showcases radiology systems to support minimally invasive surgery at RSNA
Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is highlighting its portfolio in the field of interventional radiology/oncology at this year’s Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual meeting in Chicago this week. 1 Dec 2009

Made-to-measure surgical instruments on show at Medica
Sheffield-based Platts & Nisbett, who offer surgeons a ‘made to measure’ service for their hand-crafted surgical instruments, is looking to roll out their high quality products in hospitals around the world. 17 Nov 2009

Pioneering laparoscopic device showcased at Medica
LogiFlex, produced by Surgical Innovations, is a flexible laparoscopic device that uses pioneering flex technology to offer surgeons better rigidity during delicate surgical procedures. 17 Nov 2009

Image of patient's skull after surgeryPatient's own stem cells used to grow facial bone
In a first-of-its kind procedure, stem cells taken from the fat tissue of a 14-year-old boy were combined with growth protein and donor tissue to grow viable cheek bones in the boy. 27 Oct 2009

Olympus offers complete instrument set for minimally invasive LESS Surgery
Olympus has produced a complete set of minimally invasive surgical instruments for laparo-endoscopic single-site surgery (LESS). Access through the navel is made using a TriPort or QuadPort, through which up to three hand instruments can be simultaneously guided. 27 Oct 2009

Ethicon Endo-Surgery launch one-handed articulating endocutter
The Echelon Flex Endopath Stapler is an articulating endocutter designed to be fully operated with one hand and is designed to provide surgeons with improved access and precision during surgery while reducing interruptions. 21 Oct 2009

Medtronic launches improved delivery system for minimally invasive treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysms
Medtronic's Captivia Delivery System features tip capture for enhanced control of the Valiant thoracic stent graft during deployment and a hydrophilic coating applied to the graft cover to facilitate iliac access and delivery through patients’ vasculature. 14 Oct 2009

First drug-eluting stent for femoral artery blockage available in EU
Created by Cook Medical, the new CE Marked Zilver PTX Drug-Eluting Peripheral Stent is widely expected to improve the standard of care for many patients with serious blockages in the superficial femoral artery (SFA) by creating an effective, new treatment option. 13 Oct

Women asking for larger breast implants
UK surgeons say that the size of breast implants women ask for has increased in the last decade. Seven years ago the average implant size women were asking for was about 240cc but today the average is between 270cc and 310cc. However, the experts say big is not always best. 12 Oct 2009

Medtronic launches intraoperative nerve integrity monitors for surgeons
During minimally invasive or traditional open surgery them monitors enable surgeons to identify and confirm motor nerve function and monitor major motor nerves throughout the body, such as cranial nerves in a patient’s head, face and neck. 9 Oct 2009

BD launches expanded line of Visitec single-use microsurgical instruments
BD Medical — Ophthalmic Systems, a unit of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), has announced the worldwide launch of its expanded line of the BD Visitec stainless steel single-use instruments and customised trays. 7 October 2009

Mederi Therapeutics launches radiotherapy treatment for bowel incontinence
The Secca therapy delivers radiofrequency energy to the muscles of the anal canal, which tightens the muscles, producing better bowel control and reducing the symptoms of incontinence. 10 Sept 2009

TransEnterix lauds study results for minimally invasive laparoscopic surgical platform
Surgeons from the United States and Paraguay have successfully performed first-in-man studies of TransEnterix's revolutionary single-incision, single-port, four-channel laparoscopic surgical platform called the SPIDER System. 5 September 2009

Touch-sensitive robot aids tumour detection in minimally invasive surgery
Canadian researchers have created a touch-sensitive robot that detects tougher tumour tissue in half the time, and with 40% more accuracy than a human. The technique also minimises tissue damage. 28 August 2009

Cochlear launches breakthrough hearing implant
Cochlear is launching a new hearing system that gives profoundly deaf people a more advanced hearing performance, with what it claims is the world’s thinnest cochlear implant. 28 August 2009

Germgard's room-temperature surgical instrument sterilizer achieves three-minute cycle time
Germgard Lighting LLC of New Jersey has demonstrated a breakthrough advancement of its gas-based, room-temperature surgical instrument sterilization system. 20 August 2009

Covidien to acquire Power Medical Interventions
Covidien has announced that the company has reached a definitive agreement to acquire Power Medical Interventions, Inc. a provider of computer-assisted, power-actuated surgical cutting and stapling products, for approximately $64 million. 31 July 2009

New 3-D technology allows surgeons to fly through virtual human body
The imaging technology developed at The Methodist Hospital in Houston will change the way surgeons prepare and perform surgery and the way radiation oncologists plan and deliver radiation treatment. 24 July 2009

The surgical robotMalaga University develops first Spanish surgical robot
Laparoscopic surgery has been performed for the first time in Malaga in a routine operation using a robotic assistant in the Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria. The robot was developed by the University of Malaga and is manufactured by Spanish company SENER. 14 July 2009

Siemens optical navigation system facilitates minimally invasive surgery
Siemens Healthcare has introduced the Cappa C-Nav, an optical navigation system that is especially suitable for spinal and trauma surgery. The system enables surgeons to operate with greater safety and precision. 8 June 2009

Metabolic surgery could revolutionize diabetes treatment
Metabolic surgery, a new surgical approach to metabolic disease, may provide the key to curing diabetes in some patients. Recent studies have indicated that bariatric surgery, typically used to treat severe obesity, often results in normalization of blood sugar levels and other metabolic abnormalities. 28 May 2009

Philips acquires Canadian minimally invasive instrument supplier Traxtal
Royal Philips Electronics has announced that it has acquired Canada-based Traxtal Inc., Traxtal will become part of the Ultrasound business within the Philips Healthcare sector. 6 May 2009

Carl Zeiss Meditec launches new OCT applications for eye surgery
The new optical coherence tomography (OCT) applications support cataract, refractive, glaucoma and retina procedures. 9 April 2009

Cardima surgical ablation probe receives EU approval
The system can be used in open-chest surgery in conjunction with other procedures, or as a thoroscopic standalone, closed-chest procedure. 9 April 2009

AtriCure’s cryoablation system receives US FDA clearance.
AtriCure's disposable cryoablation system, Cryo1, received 510(k) clearance from the US FDA for the cryosurgical treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. 8 April 2009

IlluminOss photodynamic bone stabilization system receives EU approval
The system requires a 4.5mm pathway into the bone. A photo sensitive, liquid monomer is infused into the contours of the interior of the bone, then a light source converts the liquid monomer into a hardened polymer within 90 seconds, stabilizing the bone. 7 April 2009

HD technology ushers new era in minimally invasive surgery
High-definition (HD) video technology has measurably enhanced the ability of surgeons conducting minimally invasive surgery. End-to-end integration of HD devices used in a variety of MIS procedures represents a new era in disruptive technology. 7 April 2009

Smart Surgical Appliances secures investment for minimally invasive surgery device
SSA plans to use the investment to make further technical and regulatory progress on their lead device, the SmartBougie, an oesophageal dilator that measures the elasticity in the external walls of the oesophagus. 25 March 2009

Minimally-invasive surgery needs more data on outcomes
Minimally-invasive oncologic surgery procedures can be beneficial, but physicians need to be prudent when recommending the option to their patient. There is little data from randomized controlled clinical trials to provide any insight into outcomes or survival rates. 23 March 2009

Freezing prostate cancer as effective as surgery
Male lumpectomy, a minimally invasive interventional radiology treatment for prostate cancer, is as effective as surgery in destroying diseased tumours according to studies released at a meeting of the the Society of Interventional Radiology. 19 March 2009

More research needed in EU on surgery for non-transmittable diseases
For most non-transmittable conditions, surgery remains an indispensable remedy and yet, little recognition has been given in terms of support for research and development. More needs to be done. This is the main conclusion of a seminar held at the European Parliament earlier this month. 15 March 2009

Surgeons remove kidney through vagina
Surgeons at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in the US have successfully removed a healthy donor kidney through a small incision in the back of the donor’s vagina. 21 February 2009

The endoscope used to preform the operation. (Photo: Business Wire)Stanford hospital performs stomach surgery through throat
A 53 year old man has become one of the first patients at Stanford Hospital & Clinics in the US to be treated using natural orifice surgery, in this case for weight-loss. The entire surgery was performed through the man's throat. 16 February 2009

International Stem Cell Corporation begins pre-clinical trials on human corneal epithelial cells
The trials aimed at improving photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), a form of corrective laser eye surgery. 11 February 2009

Haptic devices deliver more realistic, and safer medical training
SensAble Technologies, Inc highlighted novel touch-enabled applications for medical training and simulation using the company’s haptic devices and software at the Medicine Meets Virtual Reality conference in Long Beach California last week. 28 January 2009

Covidien receives FDA clearance for SILS Port Multiple Instrument Access Port
Covidien's Surgical Devices business unit has received US FDA c;earance to market the its SILS Port Multiple Instrument Access Port for laparoscopic surgery through a single incision. 22 January 2009

WHO safe surgery checklist reduces deaths and complications
Hospitals in eight cities around the globe have successfully demonstrated that the use of a simple surgical checklist, developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), during major operations can lower the incidence of surgery-related deaths and complications by one third. 21 January 2009

Medtronic launches integrated power console platform for spinal, cranial, and ENT surgery
The integrated power console (IPC) platform is Medtronic's first multispecialty surgical power console for use in spinal, cranial, and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeries. It powers Medtronic’s Midas Rex Legend EHS, Legend EHS Stylus, Straightshot M4 Microdebrider, Visao, and Skeeter drills. 12 January 2009

Covidien’s microwave ablation system for liver tumours gains FDA clearance
Covidien's Evident microwave ablation system is intended for use in the ablation of nonresectable liver tumours. It offers a procedural option for patients who are not candidates for surgical resection and have few remaining treatment options. 8 January 2009

Acculis microwave tissue ablation system launched worldwide
UK company Acculis Limited has announced the worldwide launch of its pioneering microwave tissue ablation (MTA) system for the coagulation of soft tissue in open surgery. 7 January 2009

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