Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1222197
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT BY K ATY MENA-BERKLEY New Vital Signs Monitor Provides Advance Warning of Patient Deterioration THE E A RLY V UE V S 30 device from Philips offers Early Warning Scoring technology to detect warning signs of declining patient health before a potential adverse event. The monitoring system may be customized to each patient, utilizing clinical decision support algorithms, mobile connectivity and software to capture critical data. Clinicians in general care environments can rely on EarlyVue VS30 to track vital signs, including blood pressure, carbon dioxide retention, peripheral capillary oxygen saturation, pulse and respiration rate. Additionally, the device also includes Masimo's rainbow SET sensors to monitor data including carboxyhemoglobin, functional oxygen saturation of arterial hemoglobin, methemoglobin saturation and pulse rate. Important patient information is then automatically communicated with caregivers and rapid response teams when necessary. This data is automatically documented in a healthcare facility's EHR and may be displayed on monitors at the patient's bedside and at nursing stations. n 3D Printed Device Captures "Needle in a Haystack" Cancer Cells by Removing the Hay A R E SE A R C H T E A M at Georgia Tech has developed a technology to isolate cancer cells in a manner that leaves the cells unaltered and ready to be used for genetic analysis. The technology relies on a negative enrichment process to sift through red and white blood cells, eliminating normal components in small samples of blood and leaving behind circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Prior to the development of this device, standard options to separate the cancerous cells proved to be complex, inefficient and damaging to information-rich CTCs. To change the narrative, the Georgia Tech researchers designed a 3D printed device that combines immunodepletion and post-filtration to enable the negative enrichment of CTCs from whole blood. The device is outfitted with channels lined with an antigen that captures the white blood cells as blood passes through and a filter that pulls red blood cells away from any remaining white blood cells as well as CTCs. n New Cervical Dilator Uses Balloon for Uterine Cavity Access During Intrauterine Procedures I N T R AU T E R I N E P R O C E D U R E S C A N often be unpredictable, in large part because of the tedious process of accessing the cavities of the uterus. With Hologic's new cervical dilator, however, physicians can enjoy greater ease and efficiency as they navigate each unique procedure. Unlike a fixed-size dilator typically used for intrauterine procedures, the Hologic dilator relies on SureAccess balloon technology for dilation, eliminating the need to use tenaculum pincers. Thanks to the flexibility of the inflatable distal end, physicians may more easily manipulate surgical instruments allowing for maximum efficiency and a minimal amount of trauma to tissue. The dilator is available in three different sizes, 5 millimeters, 7 millimeters and 9 millimeters. n