Originally Published May/June 2000

Technology news

COMPUTER EQUIPMENT

Astereoscopic visualization system offers engineers, scientists, and medical professionals who routinely view complex computer-generated graphic models crisp 3-D images even under unfavourable lighting conditions. Comprising a stereoscopic viewing panel that mounts directly over the monitor screen and polarized eyewear, the Monitor ZScreen 2000 improves upon the previous generation by providing a larger viewing area, enhanced antireflective properties, and faster start-up time, according to Stereographics Corp. (San Rafael, CA, USA).

A 3-D system comprising a viewing panel and polarized eyewear generates bright images and minimizes glare.

"Stereoscopic visualization is an increasingly vital technology to those who need to accurately visualize complex data," says Stereographics CEO and president David Forter. The family of Monitor ZScreen products, he adds, provides convenience and functionality in meeting the exacting needs of professionals who work in molecular modeling, medical imaging, computational chemistry, and related fields.

The technology replicates the stereopsis effect, the process by which the brain interprets information received from both eyes to create the perception of three dimensions. The product works with the user's computer display and software to separate images specific to the left and right eyes, creating the illusion that on-screen objects have depth and presence in three-dimensional space. While several types of 3-D visualization systems are on the market, ZScreen 2000's enhanced functionality gives it a clear advantage over the competition, according to Stereographics.

A bezel-mounted viewing panel produces bright images, while glare and distracting reflections are minimized. Combined with lightweight, passive, polarized eyewear that can be worn comfortably for extended periods, the system eliminates interference from fluorescent lighting and allows for viewing on nonstereo monitors without scrolling. It also enables small-group collaboration. "I can easily fit five people around my workstation and present the information in 3-D," says Dale Cameron of Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd., who has installed the system to view data used in computer-aided drug design.

The Monitor ZScreen 2000 series is compatible with all Unix and Windows NT workstations as well as Linux systems. —Norbert Sparrow

SURFACE TREATMENT

Material Achieves Sustained Thromboresistance in Critical-Care Products

By binding heparin to an artificial surface and promoting sustained anticoagulation, a coating process reportedly yields highly thromboresistant surfaces. The Carmeda BioActive Surface (CBAS) is the only commercially available material and technology able to achieve and maintain these results for a sustained period of time, according to Carmeda (Stockholm).

A coating technology that promotes sustained anticoagulation is routinely used on ventricular assist devices and other critical medical equipment.

CBAS works by mimicking the endothelial lining of blood vessels with which invasive devices come into contact. Natural vessel walls carry molecules similar to heparin which prevent blood from clotting. More than 200 scientific papers and clinical studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of the blood-compatible material, reports the firm.

"There are several thromboresistant technologies on the market," concedes Carmeda director of business development Andrew Jacobson, "but what makes CBAS unique is its sustained activity. CBAS has been proven in research and clinical settings to retain substantial bioactivity for periods lasting several months, possibly longer."

The process has been licensed to Johnson & Johnson, W. L. Gore, Medtronic, and other device firms for use in specific applications. Speaking at a recent biomaterials symposium, W. L. Gore researcher Paul Begovac described in vivo research data showing significant improvement in the patency of 3-mm-diam CBAS-coated grafts after 6 months of implantation. Until now, no small-diameter synthetic graft has remained consistently patent for such an extended period of time, according to Carmeda.

CBAS is suited for use on coronary stents, heart bypass equipment, implantable sensors, vascular grafts, circulatory devices, venous catheters, and related devices. —Norbert Sparrow

COMPUTER EQUIPMENT

Touch Monitor Withstands Harsh Operating Conditions

Outfitted with five-wire resistive technology, a touch monitor for medical applications was unveiled at the MD&M West 2000 Show. The company claims that the robust, medical-grade monitor offers the simplest, most direct way for medical professionals to interact with medical equipment and computers.

"The CRT touch monitor emerged as a standard product from some of the custom OEM products we've been supplying," says Stephan Herron, European marketing manager at Elo TouchSystems Inc. (Kessel-Lo, Belgium). "It represents an integrated solution for medical equipment OEMs and medical systems integrators seeking a reliable, durable, and cost-effective medical-grade touch monitor," he adds.

Herron notes that the CRT touch monitor is competitively priced and is backed by solid technical support. It withstands long-term use, frequent cleaning, and liquid spills. Unlike many touch screens, it can be activated with a gloved hand or a stylus. The monitor provides customers with a choice of configurations for many medical applications, including a drip-proof option. —Benjamin Lichtman

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