SHOTBLOCKER
The ShotBlocker (Figure 1) is a unique new device invented by an Ohio pediatrician that promises to make immunizations and other minor injections a less painful experience. Its design is based on the "gate control" theory of pain by applying simultaneous stimulation of a larger diameter of sensory nerves that close the gate and prevent the pain message from going through, thus reducing the sensation of pain. It is a colorful plastic disk that features a number of short blunt skin contact points on its underside and has a centrally located opening through which injections can be administered. It is simple, safe, and effective. The ShotBlocker comes in a sterile single-use easy-to-open pouch in boxes of 25 or 100. For more information on ShotBlocker, call Bionix at 800-551-7096 or visit its Web site at http://www.bionix.com.
CATHFLO ACTIVASE
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved Cathflo Activase (Figure 2) for restoration of function to occluded central venous access devices (CVAD). Cathflo Activase (Alteplase) is a recombinant form of a naturally occurring enzyme produced by the body known as tissue plasminogen activator. This thrombolytic works by targeting fibrin, dissolving the thrombus, and restoring function to CVAD.The approval of Cathflo Activase addresses the medical community's need for a safe and effective treatment to open occluded CVADs. For more information or to schedule an interview with a medical expert, please contact David Pattie at 800-477-9626.
KRAMES HEALTH & SAFETY EDUCATION
Krames introduces two new patient-education publications designed to help adolescents with diabetes and their parents:Growing Up with Type 1 Diabetes and Type 1 Diabetes and Your Child. The booklets are designed for children aged 10-14 years and are easy to understand. Both booklets describe treatment goals and expectations and focus on the importance of developing self-care skills according to age and ability. Cost ranges from $1.40 each to $2.40 for both. For more information, call 800-333-3032 or visit Krames' Web site at http://www.krames.com.
CHARTASSIST
Siemens Medical Solutions introduces ChartAssist, an information management extension of the Infinity Patient Monitoring System. This is a Web-server-based application that automates the collection, presentation of management of vital signs, ventilator, and other device data gathered from Infinity patient monitors. For more information, contact Denise Locke at [email protected]