October 2013 New Urology Products & Services

PCNL device combines suction control, laser fiber access

Bloomington, IN-Cook Medical’s LithAssist is designed to simplify percutaneous nephrolithotomy procedures. The device combines suction control and provides access for a laser fiber. It is the first device globally to provide suction control and laser fiber access, according to Cook Medical. The LithAssist’s ergonomic handle allows the physician to position the laser fiber and suction with one hand. Not only does this synchronize the procedure by giving the physician more control, but it also can free an assistant to help with other aspects of the procedure. The device works with any holmium laser.
For more information, visit www.cookmedical.com.

Third-generation sling system offers visual feedback system
Minnetonka, MN-The MiniArc Pro single-incision sling system, for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence, is the third generation of the MiniArc family. It is designed with a new visual feedback system that gives physicians the ability to objectively measure sling tension in a repeatable way to help find the most accurate placement for their patient, according to manufacturer American Medical Systems.
For more information, visit www.americanmedicalsystems.com.

Smartphone, tablet app contains hundreds of urology consents

Atlanta-The iMedConsent application from Dialog Medical offers hundreds of urology consents, patient education documents, and pre-and post-procedure instructions in Spanish and English. Using an automated informed consent tool lowers liability risk, ensures compliance with CMS and Joint Commission requirements, and reduces the potential for lost consent forms, according to Dialog. AUA members are eligible for a discount on the app.
For more information, visit www.dialogmedical.com.

Multimedia OAB campaign includes Web content, radio/TV spots
Northbrook, IL-Astellas Pharma U.S., Inc. recently launched “OAB Reality,” a multifaceted initiative designed to raise awareness of overactive bladder. The initiative uses numbers and commonly experienced situations to help patients identify with the physical and emotional burden that OAB puts on their lives-their “OAB Reality”-and encourages them to talk to their health care professional about treatment options. The initiative will include an OAB Content Center on Healthywomen.org, national radio spots and TV vignettes, and doctor’s office materials aimed at educating patients and raising awareness of OAB, according to Astellas.
For more information, visit www.astellas.us.

App allows users to store, access health records via smartphone

Bedminster, NJ-MedXCom Patient is a free HIPAA-certified smartphone application that acts as a “portable health record” for travelers that also allows patients to have access to recorded conversations and secure texts with their physicians, according to Giffen Solutions, Inc. Users can travel with their health records stored securely on their phone by simply uploading all medical information and records. The app allows travelers to find physicians in a specific area, give a physician permission to access their portable health record, and make an appointment.
For more information, visit www.medxcom.com.

SIU e-learning resource contains searchable educational material
Montreal-SIU Academy is a digital e-learning resource for urologists from the Société Internationale d’Urologie. Engineered for the cloud, SIU Academy can be accessed anywhere in the world. Users with an Internet connection and a smartphone, tablet, or computer can access a rich library of educational material specifically developed for urologists. The portal is a source of relevant and timely information on a variety of urologic topics, according to the SIU. SIU Academy offers a wide range of searchable educational material, including lectures, videos, case studies, webcasts, reviews, reports, and more.
For more information, visit www.siu-academy.org.

OTC overactive bladder treatment now available nationwide
Whitehouse Station, NJ-Oxybutynin transdermal (Oxytrol for Women), an over-the-counter treatment for overactive bladder in women ages 18 years and older, is now available nationwide, according to manufacturer Merck Consumer Care. Oxybutynin transdermal, which was approved by the FDA earlier this year, is a thin, flexible patch that is discreetly applied to the abdomen, hip, or buttock once every 4 days for the relief of OAB in women.
For more information, visit www.merck.com.

Redesigned site provides bladder Ca educational, support resources
Bethesda, MD-The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network recently launched a redesigned website, www.bcan.org. The new site provides educational resources and support services for the bladder cancer community. It comes with a fresh, modern look, enhanced navigation, and patient stories, according to BCAN. Additional features include a resource library, updates on cutting-edge research, opportunities for involvement, a blog, and a calendar of upcoming events. The site also contains a special section called “Women & Bladder Cancer,” which includes educational materials and real stories from female bladder cancer survivors.
For more information, visit www.bcan.org.

Organ rejection prophylaxis available in U.S. pharmacies
Northbrook, IL-Astellas Pharma U.S., Inc. recently announced that tacrolimus extended-release capsules (Astagraf XL), for the prophylaxis of organ rejection in patients receiving a kidney transplant used with mycophenolate mofetil and corticosteroids, is now available in U.S. pharmacies. The treatment was approved by the FDA in July 2013.
For more information, visit www.us.astellas.com.

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