When mechanical ventilation is initiated for surgical and acute-unit patients, protecting the fragile lungs while assisting or performing the respiratory function is paramount. Developments in automation of ventilators today largely facilitate important aspects of airway management and support clinical decision-making, but the skill and knowledge of the respiratory therapist or attending physician remains the essential, driving engine in this vital area of patient care.


Even a representative from one of the nation’s leading single-use device (SUD) reprocessors says he understands the support behind a patient consent bill recently introduced in Massachusetts. In fact, Don Selvey believes most Americans would say “yes” if asked, point blank, whether they would prefer to be informed before an SUD is reused on them — especially one that pierces the skin or enters the bloodstream. “But when you sit down and explain what’s really going on, people get much more reasonable much more quickly,” he said.

Information from the Hologic Discovery Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) system can now be used as a predictor of coronary heart disease, stroke and other forms of cardiovascular disease. The new indication, visualization of Abdominal Aortic Calcification (AAC), targets heart disease and stroke.

MEDRAD has installed 5,000 Stellant CT Injection Systems since its introduction three years ago while preparing to add several enhancements to the product.
New enhancements include SmartFlow, which provides a suggested cardiac protocol based on the individual characteristics of each patient, and iFlow, an open source interface technology that enables communication between Stellant and the CT scanner.

Using a closed-cell design, the CYPHER stent delivers sirolimus, a drug that selectively targets and interrupts proliferating cells early in the cell cycle, halting the development of neointimal hyperplasia while allowing natural healing and normal re-endothelialization. It is available in over-the-wire and rapid exchange delivery systems. It comes in 8, 13, 18, 28 and 30 mm lengths and has radio-opaque markers.

A self-expandable stent made of nitinol, the Zilver stent incorporates a Z-stent design with opposing Z-shape configurations segmented out across a flexible fine mesh slotted tube.

Engineered specifically for the carotid artery, Xact’s closed-cell, tight-mesh design allows for a high coverage area and better conformity to the carotid artery, reducing the release of plaque as well as the potential for snagging upon removal.
The Emboshield is designed to both remain in place during the procedure and float freely on the guidewire used to deliver the stent, allowing physicians to concentrate on stent delivery, potentially decreasing formation of embolic debris.

Based on the clinically proven MULTI-LINK Stent, ULTRA is a coronary stent system specifically designed for use in larger vessels. This innovative system utilizes a unique stent pattern to provide ultra coverage for large coronary arteries. The flexible delivery system provides smooth tracking and enhanced access to large native coronary lesions. It incorporates GRIP Technology for excellent stent retention and provides smooth surface transitions, protecting stent edges and enhancing passage through tight lesions.

The TAXUS Express2 is a stainless steel stent that uses Paclitaxel and Translute polymer to control the drug release. Clinical trials consistently show low TLR and MACE rates compared to the bare metal control arm among a variety of patients and lesions. It is available in over-the-wire and monorail systems in a full product matrix, from 2.50 to 3.5 mm diameters and 8 to 32 mm lengths.

The advanced alloy of the Driver MX2 and Driver OTW has greater strength and more radiopacity than stainless steel. A unique fusion pattern and ultra-thin struts combine to produce a low-profile system for increased trackability and flexibility. Smooth, edgeless, modular design of 10 crowns and short 1.0 mm elements increases deliverability. Proprietary Discrete Technology minimizes balloon overhang. Available on over-the-wire or the short-wire, low-profile MX2 delivery system with optional wire exchange capability.

Subscribe to
© Copyright Wainscot Media. All Rights Reserved.
Subscribe Now