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First minimally invasive hernia
repair through vagina
Surgeons at the University of California (UC) San Diego Medical
Center have performed what is believed to be the world’s first
hernia repair using the vagina as the path to the surgical site. 2
November 2008
First transplantation of lungs
using Steen solution carried out in North America
Swedish company Vitrolife has announced that lung transplantations
using its Steen Solution technology have been carried out in North
America as part of a study being carried out as a basis for the
application for sales approval in the USA and Canada. 27 October
2008
A third of diseases in developing
countries are potentially treatable by surgery
Researchers from Columbia and Cornell Universities (NY) have been
studying whether patients in poor countries suffering from certain
medical conditions could benefit from surgical treatment. The
results of the study could potentially lead to the implementation of
surgical infrastructure in countries where none currently exists. 16
October 2008
2008
Philips and STERIS in alliance to
provide hybrid surgical rooms for minimally invasive procedures
The alliance will combine Philips' cardiovascular X-ray systems and
STERIS HD 360° Suites technologies and design services to create a
flexible environment where clinicians can treat patients requiring
minimally invasive procedures, or those needing open surgery, within
a single operating suite. 8 October 2008
Simbionix launches
patient-specific simulation system for surgeons
Simbionix has launched the PROcedure Rehearsal Studio which creates
a digital 3D model of a patient’s clinically relevant anatomy from
CT and MRI scan data and enables surgeons to create practice
scenarios based on their patient's unique pathology and anatomy. 7
October 2008
First successful use of Sorin's
new pediatric oxygenator and arterial filter
The Sorin Group has announced the first successful uses in the US of
its newest pediatric devices for cardiovascular surgery at the
Children’s Medical Center Dallas. 29 September 2008
Salient Surgical Technologies
launches flexible electronic surgical sealing device
Salient Surgical Technologies, Inc. has introduced the Aquamantys
malleable bipolar sealer with light, which uses radiofrequency
energy to seal wounds and significantly reduce bleeding in
hard-to-reach anatomy during joint-replacement surgery. 27 September
2008
World's first transplant of both arms
The Klinikum rechts der Isar of the Technical University of Munich
has successfully completed the world's first transplant of both
complete arms. The 15-hour operation was performed by a team of 40
people headed. 13 August 2008
Sony supports Operation Smile
Sony Electronics is helping the worldwide children's medical charity
Operation Smile as part of a promotion for a new camera range. 13
August 2008
Progress in appendix removal
through mouth
An appendectomy using endosurgical instruments passed through the
mouth and then through the stomach wall, with closure of the stomach
incision (the gastrotomy) from inside the stomach was demonstrated
in a NOSCAR conference. 16 July 2008
Positioning technology enables
bronchoscopy to give 3D images of complex lung structures
A new type of bronchoscopy uses positioning technology to generate
3D images of the far reaches of complex lung structures. Called
electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy, it is expected to help
pulmonologists better diagnose lung cancer, pneumonia and various
pulmonary infections. 15 July 2008
WHO launches checklist for safer
surgery
The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a new safety
checklist for surgical teams to use in operating theatres, as part
of a major drive to make surgery safer around the world. 7 July 2008
Philips and Skytron team up to
provide hybrid operating rooms
Royal Philips Electronics and Skytron have entered into a
partnership to supply hybrid operating rooms for minimally invasive
cardiovascular surgical procedures, combining Philips’
cardiovascular x-ray systems with Skytron’s surgery room equipment.
19 June 2008
NDS Surgical Imaging introduces
new visualisation technologies for endoscopic surgery
NDS Surgical Imaging (NDSsi) has introduced new visualisation
technologies for surgical and endoscopy suites, including a new
touch-screen display and backlit surgical display. 21 May 2008
Olympus Medical to market
Spiration's pulmonary device in Europe
Olympus Medical Systems Corp. and Spiration, Inc. have signed an
agreement granting Olympus exclusive marketing and distribution
rights in 43 European countires for Spiration’s IBV Valve System. 21
May 2008
Computer simulation of surgery to reduce implant complications
A computer simulation breakthrough could mean fewer medical
complications and better surgical outcomes for patients undergoing hip,
knee or spinal implant surgery. The EU-funded OrthoSim project has
developed a platform that could significantly reduce the risk of post-op
complications, as well as provide a means for testing new implant
devices. 8 May 2008
Picis launches total perioperative
automation solution in Europe
Picis has announced the European launch of Picis Total Perioperative
Automation suite of products for managing care through every aspect of
surgery. 8 May 2008
CyberKnife delivers high dose
brachytherapy for prostate cancer non-invasively
The CyberKnife robotic radiosurgery system can serve as a
non-invasive means for delivering high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy
dosing, according to a new study. The study supports the system's
clinical flexibility in treating prostate cancer and expands the
non-invasive options available to clinicians and patients. 18 April
2008
Covidien launches minimally
invasive surgical products in Europe
Covidien has launched three new surgical access products in Europe,
the VersaStep Plus 15mm, Visiport Plus with fixation and Versaport
Plus RPF 15mm with fixation. 11 April 2008
Adept Technology and Prosurgics
collaborate in surgical robot development
Adept Technology and Prosurgics have agreed to collaborate in the
development of the next generation of Prosurgics’ surgical robotic
systems for image-guided and navigated neurological and soft tissue
surgery. 11 March 2008
3mensio receives US clearance for
vascular imaging software
3mensio Medical Imaging BV of the Netherlands has received US FDA
510(k) clearance to market its 3surgery vascular imaging
software in the US. 29 February 2008
Radiologists feel virtual organs
with 3D mouse
Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a method of
analysing images of organs and 'feeling' the resulting virtual
organs with a 3D mouse. This can help construct three-dimensional
models of organs when surgery or radiation treatment is being
planned. 20 February 2008
Ultrasound detection of emboli in
brain during surgery reduces stroke rates
Surgeons at the University of Leicester have developed a new
technique to detect emboli that has helped reduce stroke rates
during and after a form of heart surgery. 20 February 2008
Medtronic partners with MediGuide
to develop surgical navigational products
MediGuide has signed an agreement with Medtronic for co-development
of medical positioning system- (MPS) enabled products. The agreement
is based on providing Medtronic products with MediGuide's GPS-like
(MPS) navigation capabilities to enhance various procedures. 8
February 2008
Abbott supports Operation Smile
medical missions in 25 countries
Abbott is supporting Operation Smile's global initiative to help
children with facial deformities by providing treatment to an
estimated 5,000 children in need of surgery. The initiative, which
is part of Operation Smile's 25th anniversary celebration — World
Journey of Smiles — consists of 40 medical missions across 25
countries. 4 December
Ultrasound-guided biopsy could
save thousands of unnecessary operations for melanoma patients
A less-invasive technique to biopsy lymph nodes using an
ultrasound-guided fine needle showed a high success rate in
identifying cancer and preventing unnecessary surgery. 6 October
 Sony
launches high-definition medical monitor
The LMD-2450MD is Sony's first HD1080P model in its healthcare
range. Aimed at endoscopic applications, it offers high image
clarity and colour accuracy, and incorporates advanced imaging
features. 5 October
Medica 2007: endoscopic advances
make the unimaginable possible. 3 October 2007
 Successful
trial of optical imaging of tissue during cancer surgery
The tests, performed on cancerous and precancerous human oesophagus
and lymph node tissue, were designed to establish the potential for
MDL’s optical imaging technology to revolutionise cancer surgery. 13
September 2007
High intensity ultrasound could seal
punctured lungs
High-intensity ultrasound beams are focussed on the wound on the lung. This
creates a hot spot about the size and shape of a grain of rice. The
ultrasound heats the blood cells until they form a seal. 10 September 2007
OmniGuide gains EU approval for flexible
fibres for CO2 surgical lasers
This will make flexible fibre delivery of a CO2 laser for minimally invasive
surgery available in Europe and other countries that accept the CE mark. 5
August 2007
Electrical device for welding human tissue
approved for surgical use in Russia
Ukranian company International Association Welding (IAW) has adapted welding
technology to bond human tissue in surgery. The device has been tested in
over 7000 surgical operations in the Ukraine and has now been approved for
use in Russia, giving the go-ahead for commercial production. 12 July 2007
RFID surgical sponge counting system
approved
ClearCount Medical Solutions' SmartSponge System, which uses radio frequency
identification (RFID) tags attached to surgical sponges, has received US FDA
clearance. 19 June 2007
First minimally invasive thoracic surgery
using Viking's 3Di Vision System
Viking Systems has announced that the company's 3Di Vision System had been
used to perform videothoracoscopic surgery for the first time. Three
procedures were performed at the Regional Oncologic Hospital in Vulture,
Italy. 15 June 2007
Philips and Traxtal to develop
image-guided therapy solutions using electromagnetic navigation
The companies will combine Philips’ diagnostic and interventional imaging
with Traxtal’s surgical navigation and therapy systems to offer a broad
spectrum of integrated imaging and navigation solutions. 22 May 2007
Trial of one-dose radiation therapy for
breast cancer
Doctors at four UK hospitals are conducting a trial of a technique to reduce
radiotherapy treatment for breast cancer from several weeks to one 30-minute
session during surgery. 20 May 2007
Radiofrequency ablation catheter treats
diseased leg veins faster
VNUS Medical Technologies has launched the VNUS ClosureFAST catheter, an
endovenous radiofrequency ablation catheter that is designed to heat, shrink
and close diseased leg veins in three to five minutes. 7 May 2007
 Metal-free
motor makes robotic biopsies safe for use with MRI
Engineers at the Johns Hopkins Urology Robotics Lab have developed a motor
without metal or electricity that can safely power remote-controlled robotic
surgical tools used for cancer biopsies and therapies guided by magnetic
resonance imaging. 17 April 2007
 NASA
undersea mission to test space medicine
The NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO) scheduled for May
this year will include a variety of advanced medical technology experiments,
including robotic telesurgery on simulated patients. 11 March 2007
Medtronic Experience Stealthstation
combines spinal surgery navigation with minimal access
The new system improves treatment of spinal conditions by enabling spinal
surgeons and their patients to experience less invasive procedures, smaller
incisions and less exposure to radiation. 23 February 2007
Misonix expands distribution of ultrasound
surgical devices in Europe. 21 February 2007
University Medical Center Utrecht acquires
3D surgery imaging workstations
The University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands, has signed a
contract with 3mensio Medical Imaging BV for the development and delivery
and of its 3surgery workstations to convert 2D CT and MRI images into 3D
images for the specific needs of vascular surgeons. 25 Jan 2007
Device to help patient control breathing
during CT-guided biopsy
The device developed by Mayo Clinic will allow physicians to more rapidly
and accurately diagnose patients, reducing the need for a more invasive
surgical biopsy. 18 December 2006
Robotic surgery guided by 3-D ultrasound
scanner
Duke University researchers used 3-D ultrasound images to pinpoint in real
time the exact location of targets in a simulated surgical procedure. That
spatial information then guided a robotically controlled surgical instrument
right to its mark. 7 Nov 2006
 Philips
previews new cath lab
Royal Philips Electronics previewed its Ambient Experience
Catheterization Lab at the Philips Simplicity Event in London. The lab is
designed to improve the workflow of physicians and reduce the anxiety of
heart patients undergoing catheterization. 7 Oct 2006
Boston Scientific launches
less-invasive visualization system for cardiac surgical ablation
Boston Scientific's new FLEXView System enables physicians to perform
stand-alone ablation procedures in a closed chest environment with direct
visualization of the procedure at all times. 29 Sept 2006
High definition videoconferencing for
remote neurosurgery training
High definition videoconferencing systems have been used in a
ground-breaking way to deliver a trainee surgeons’ workshop based on a live
operation at the autumn conference of The Society of British Neurological
Surgeons (SNBS). 22 Sept 2006
Viking Systems markets laparoscopic
vision systems in The Netherlands, Ukraine and Korea. 23 August 2006
First patient treated with Elekta's new
non-invasive radiotherapy system for brain tumours
The Leksell Gamma Knife Perfexion from Swedish company Elekta has for the
first time been used clinically to treat patients at Hôpital
de la Timone (University Hospital La Timone) in Marseille, France. 17 July
2006
Miniature ultrasound device stimulates
tooth regrowth
University of Alberta researchers have developed a miniaturised device that
uses low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) to stimulate jaw growth after
bone surgery and dental tissue healing in a non-invasive way. 9 July 2006
Accuray reports growing acceptance of
CyberKnife robotic radiosurgery system
Accuray Incorporated has announced that spinal tumour treatments with its
radiosurgery system grew more than 75% over the last year. The company has
also announced the first installations of CyberKnife in Greece and Vietnam.
9 May 2006
Medtronic introduces cardiopulmonary
bypass system
Medtronic has received U.S. FDA clearance for its Performer Cardiopulmonary
Bypass System (CPB), an integrated, compact console that provides support of
the circulatory system during a variety of cardiac surgical procedures. 21
April 2006
Central control system for operating
rooms
The CONDOR Control System for operating rooms is a surgical command centre
that puts medical staff in control of the devices, patient information and
even the lighting and temperature of the operating room. 17 March 2006
Cyberknife robotic radiosurgery systems to
be installed in three French cancer centres
The French National Institute of Cancer (INCa) has selected Accuray's
CyberKnife robotic radiosurgery system for its programme to promote
innovative treatments in the field of radiation oncology. 8 March 2006
Liver tumours treated effectively by
MR-guided laser ablation
Destruction of cancerous liver tissue by laser light guided by magnetic
resonance (MR) imaging was found to be as effective as traditional surgery
in a Germany study. 20 December 2005
Digital tool for planning orthopaedic
surgery from medical images
Imagecast PACS for Orthopedics is a digital solution from IDX that offers
orthopaedic surgeons software-based tools for orthopaedic image review,
analysis and preoperative planning. 10 December 2005
Suros Breast Biopsy system gains EC
approval
Suros Surgical Systems has received European approval for its ATEC breast
biopsy and excision system and ATEC TriMark biopsy site identification
system. 9 December 2005
Next-generation surgical robot for
therapeutic radiology unveiled
Accuray has launched the latest generation of its intelligent robotic
radiosurgery system, CyberKnife. It combines image-guidance technology
and computer-controlled robotics to deliver sub-millimetre radiosurgery. 13
November 2005
New resource on robotic radiosurgery
The CyberKnife Society Press has published Robotic Radiosurgery — Volume
1, which it claims is the most extensive and well-documented publication
ever created on the topic of robotic stereotactic radiosurgery. 3 November
2005
GE and Virginia University to develop
minimally invasive surgery techniques
GE Healthcare has signed an agreement with the University of Virginia Health
System (UVa) to develop new, minimally invasive surgery techniques for the
brain and spine. Using GE Healthcare's surgical navigation tools, doctors at
UVa will research less invasive methods of therapeutic and surgical
intervention. 4 August 2005
Finnish project to develop surgical robot
compatible with magnetic resonance imaging
A research project led by Professor Janne Heikkilä of the University of Oulu
is developing a surgical robot that will make it possible to operate on a
patient during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The powerful magnetic
fields generated by MRI scanners mean that iron-bearing materials such as
steel cannot be used in the robot. 17 June 2005
SpineVision Receives FDA Clearance for PediGuard surgical drill
SpineVision(R) has received from the US FDA clearance to market the
Company's PediGuard(TM) instrument as an FDA Class II device. PediGuard is a
drilling instrument that constantly monitors the electrical conductivity of
the tissue at its tip throughout the drilling process. February 2005
Gish cardiopulmonary bypass equipment used
in pioneering transfusion-free surgery. February 2005
Varian to develop image-guided robotic
radiosurgical systems. Varian Medical Systems, a leading supplier of
radiation oncology products, it has formed Varian Surgical Sciences, to
develop and market the company's advanced X-ray imaging and treatment
technologies for radiosurgical solutions in the estimated $250 million
neurosurgery market. January 2005
US army surgeons save 9 out of 10
casualties due to advancements in care and technology. The New
England Journal of Medicine reported that 90% of casualties have
survived during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, up
from a 76% casualty survival rate in Vietnam and the Persian Gulf War. The
dramatic increase in survival is due in part to a significant effort by the
US Army Health Care team to overhaul battlefield techniques and implement
new surgical teams, as well as advanced technology and new armour. January
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