Versajet Hydrosurgery System from Smith & Nephew, Largo, FL, was among the products recognized by the Wall Street Journal's 2006 Technology Innovation Awards. The specialized waterjet-powered surgical device designed to improve procedural efficiency in surgical wound management was a runner-up in the medical devices category.
[black up pointing small triangle] Information:http://www.smith-nephew.com
Hollister Incorporated, Libertyville, IL, has purchased the award-winning Zassi Bowel Management System product line from Zassi Medical Evolutions, Inc, Fernandina Beach, FL. The catheter-based system is designed to effectively and reliably divert, collect, and contain potentially harmful and contaminated fecal waste from bed-bound or immobilized patients in all health care settings. The product helps to protect both patients and caregivers from fecal contamination and to provide a novel level of sanitation and skin and wound care protection.
[black up pointing small triangle] Information:http://www.hollister.co.com
Anodyne Medical Device, Inc, Los Angeles, CA, has executed definitive purchase agreements for the acquisition of Anatomic Concepts, Inc, Corona, CA, which designs, manufactures, and distributes medical support surfaces and medical patient positioning devices. Their products include mattresses, mattress overlays, mattress replacements, operating room patient positioning devices, and operating room table pads. The patented Anatomic Sleep Support Surface Technology products provide enhanced spinal support for effectiveness in skin integrity protection and patient comfort. The acquisition expands the Anodyne Medical Devices foam mattress product line and patient positioning device business.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved CollaGuard, from Innocoll, Inc, Ashburn, VA, for the management of superficial and deep wounds, including coverage of skin ulcers and temporary dermoplasty in the case of lesion and burns. CollaGuard is based on Innocoll's proprietary CollaRx membrane technology and is composed almost entirely of purified type I collagen protein. It is a fully biodegradable and bioactive material with a pharmacologic action that stimulates the natural wound, according to the manufacturer. CollaGuard also provides barrier protection and transparency of film dressings, allowing the clinician to visually inspect and monitor the wound without removal.
In addition, Innocoll has filed an investigational new drug application with the FDA for its CollaRx Gentamicin to be used as a topical antibiotic treatment for diabetic foot ulcers that are clinically infected or at risk for infection. The gentamicin-collagen sponge is biodegrable and fully resorbable. When applied to the wound, the product releases gentamicin to achieve a high concentration of drug at the target tissue while maintaining low systemic levels below the toxicity threshold.
[black up pointing small triangle] Information:http://www.innocollinc.com
A new drug application for Desonate (desonide gel) 0.05% (SkinMedica, Carlsbad, CA) for the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis has been approved by the FDA. Desonate is a low-potency topical steroid formulated in a proprietary water-based hydrogel vehicle developed and patented by Dow Pharmaceutical Sciences, Petaluma, CA. The formula is free from alcohol, fragrance, and surfactants and will be available to clinicians in the first quarter of 2007.
[black up pointing small triangle] Information:http://www.skinmedica.com
Diversified Clinical Services, Jacksonville, FL, has formed an advisory board of top wound care professionals to provide the latest clinical insights, practices, and opinions in wound care. The disease management company focuses on collaborating with hospitals to establish and manage comprehensive outpatient wound care programs. It has more than 150 wound care centers nationwide.
Under the leadership of Robert A. Warriner, MD, executive vice president, the board will inform and advise Diversified Clinical Services on a variety of topics, including company practices and operations, industry practices, related acute care issues, long-term care, home care, physician practice models, clinical trials, and industry prognosis and direction. Advisory board members include David G. Armstrong, DPM, PhD; Ronald Bangasser, MD; David J. Margolis, MD, PhD; Susan Seaman, MSN, NP, CWOCN; and Nancy Tomaselli, MSN, RN, CS, CRNP, CWOCN, CLNC.
[black up pointing small triangle] Information:http://www.diversifiedclinicalservices.com