New Urology Products & Services

3-D laparoscopic video system improves accuracy, speed of tasksCenter Valley, PA-Olympus recently received 510(k) clearance from the FDA for the company’s Articulating HD 3-D Laparoscopic Surgical Video System. The system restores natural 3-D vision and depth perception when performing laparoscopic procedures and is independent of the surgeon’s skill level. It delivers value to surgeons and patients by reducing surgical errors and improving the speed, accuracy, and precision of surgical tasks such as dissection, grasping, and suturing when compared with traditional 2-D surgical systems, based on internal Olympus testing conducted using a simulated surgical model.
For more information, visit www.olympusamerica.com.

FDA gives 510(k) clearance for absorbable tissue markerWaltham, MA-Augmenix, Inc., recently announced that it has received 510(k) clearance from the FDA to market its TraceIT Tissue Marker, an absorbable tissue marker visible under computed tomography, magnetic resonance, cone beam, and ultrasound imaging modalities. TraceIT Tissue Marker is indicated for use to radiographically mark soft tissue during a surgical procedure or for future surgical procedures. TraceIT hydrogel is intended to mark tissue for at least 3 months after injection, according to Augmenix.
For more information, visit www.augmenix.com.

New endoscopic system includes sheath, visualization sourceBloomington, IN-The Flexor Vue Deflecting Endoscopic System is two products in one. The disposable, sterile sheath is used one time only, which decreases the risk of patient-to-patient contamination, and the visualization source is reusable up to 10 times if it is properly cared for, according to manufacturer Cook Medical. Although not a replacement for an endoscope in every case, the Flexor Vue gives physicians the ability to manage a stone case with only Cook products. It can also be used in other kidney and bladder procedures, the company said.
For more information, visit www.cookmedical.com.

HIFU system launch follows FDA clearance for soft tissue ablationCharlotte, NC-SonaCare Medical has launched the FDA-cleared Sonatherm high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) Surgical Ablation System. A state-of-the-art laparoscopic HIFU surgical ablation system, Sonatherm is the only HIFU system 510(k) cleared for the laparoscopic or intraoperative ablation of soft tissue, according to SonaCare Medical. Sonatherm uses HIFU energy to ablate a wide variety of soft tissues, including soft tissues of the kidney, from the ultrasound focal point back to the surface of the targeted tissue. The Sonatherm system consists of a transportable console, two high-frequency robotic 11-mm laparoscopic probes, each equipped with multiple robotic transducers that image (6.5 MHz) and treat (4.0 MHz), along with Sonachill for water degassing and circulation.
For more information, visit
www.sonacaremedical.com.

Smartphone app reminds users to exercise pelvic floor musclesBoca Raton, FL-Prostate Aerobics is a mobile application that serves as a personal trainer reminding and instructing users to exercise their pelvic floor muscles to strengthen and restore prostate health. The app is available for download in the Apple App Store and Google Play.
For more information, visit www.prostateaerobics.com.

3-D viewing/recording products easily integrated with surgical robotPark Ridge, NJ-Sony Electronics’ Medical Systems Division’s new 3-D viewing and recording products can give urologic surgeons and their teams the benefit of added depth and enhanced visualization. Combining medical displays and a recorder, the advanced 3-D solution is designed for easy integration with da Vinci S and SI robotic surgical systems, the company says. Sony’s new 3-D products include the LMD-2451MT 24-inch medical grade 3-D display; LMD-4251TD 42-inch 3-D display for reference, training, and education; and the HVO-3000MT 3-D medical grade recorder.
For more information, visit www.sony.com/3Dforsurgery.