Originally Published EMDM May/June 2002
SPECIAL REPORT
Radiological and Electromechanical Devices
OptiGo
A portable, lightweight ultrasound device facilitates the early diagnosis of cardiac disease
A portable ultrasound device used to diagnose disease during a routine cardiac exam weighs 7 lb and costs less than US$12,000. The OptiGo is a convenient, economical, and technologically advanced alternative to the 500-lb, US$200,000 ultrasound cart traditionally needed to diagnose heart conditions.
OptiGo enables heart imaging in a variety of environments during the physician-patient encounter, facilitating earlier diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment, and allowing physicians to order tests more selectively.
The durable and battery-operated OptiGo is suitable for settings such as a doctor's office, cardiac-care and intensive-care units, emergency rooms, and outreach clinics. It can also be used during hospital rounds. The laptop format uses a 6.5-in. colour LCD and 2.5-MHz phased-array transducer, giving a physician the capability to evaluate left ventricular function, valve function, chamber size, and pericardial effusion. Product Insight Inc., Acton, MA, USA; and Philips Medical Systems, Andover, MA, USA.
Given Diagnostic Imaging System
A diagnostic imaging system uses a miniature wireless camera that is ingested by the patient to allow minimally invasive colour imaging of the gastrointestinal tract
The Given diagnostic imaging system painlessly delivers high-quality colour images of the gastrointestinal tract using a miniaturized video camera that is encased in a durable capsule and ingested by the patient. Suited for private offices, hospitals, or ambulatory imaging centres, this product allows visualization of the small-bowel mucosa, and may be used by gastroenterologists as an adjunctive tool in the detection of abnormalities of the small bowel. The three-part system consists of a single-use M2A wireless capsule endoscope, a portable patient-data recorder, and a computer workstation with proprietary software for downloading, processing, and analyzing the video images.
Traditionally, endoscopic procedures used to visualize this part of the body required insufflation of the gastrointestinal tract. As the M2A capsule travels with the body's natural contractions, it does not require insufflation and captures images of the tract in its normal physiological state. Due to its small size, the capsule is also capable of reaching previously inaccessible areas of the small bowel to allow early detection of minute mucosal changes and novel pathologies. Given Imaging Ltd., Yoqneam, Israel.
DigitEyes Documenting Laser Slit Lamp
A handheld laser slit lamp illuminates the anterior segment of the eye
The DigitEyes laser slit lamp emits a thin slit beam of light that is positioned by the physician on an area of interest in the anterior portion of the eye. The fine slit light beam and long-depth-of-field optics help differentiate tissue layers for increased visualization and present high-resolution sectional as well as specular views. The handheld slit lamp has flexibility for use with both recumbent and pediatric patients, and its portability enables easy screening, referrals, and patient progress tracking. Images that are acquired can be used for screening, as an aid in diagnosis, as picture documentation for records, for monitoring patient progress, and for patient education. Images can be captured in still photo–style images or in video format for playback of the entire exam. Output documentation can be printed in common graphic formats by using a custom-designed software package that acquires, catalogues, analyzes, and presents navigable images in comparison and review formats.
The DigitEyes consists of a line generator, a handheld test bread board that employs a red laser light stripe to scan and examine the anterior section of the eye, a television camera to record and view images, and a dual magnification system to allow both whole eye images and close-up images.
The mechanical design of this device is oriented toward minimal testing and alignment, and maximum durability, thus minimizing cost of service, assembly, and conformance testing.
The ergonomic design adds to the ease of delivery and use. An enhanced control system, software, and recording capability simplify use of the device. Bausch & Lomb, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
PanOptic Ophthalmoscope
Optical technology gives healthcare professionals a more panoramic view of the retina
Patented new optical technology gives healthcare professionals a dramatically wider, more panoramic view of the retina, or fundus, of the eye. Practitioners will be able to see five times more of the fundus through an undilated pupil with the Pan-Optic ophthalmoscope. Featuring an optical design called Axial PointSource Optics, the instrument provides a 25° field of view, making it possible to see the different features of the fundus more efficiently than with the standard scope's 5° field of view. A 26% increase in magnification makes it easier to see retinal details. Welch Allyn Inc., and Chase Design, Skaneateles Falls, NY, USA; Scientific Molding Corp., Somerset, WI, USA; and Optical Coating Laboratory Inc., Santa Rosa, CA, USA.
Copyright ©2002 European Medical Device Manufacturer
