Camena is a mechanical ventilator that has been specially designed for out-of-hospital long-term ventilation. The system provides both invasive and non-invasive ventilation modes. Both pressure-supported and pressure-controlled ventilation are offered. Modes, such as CPAP, Bi-Level and PCV further provide versatile ventilation performance. The ‘Volume Guarantee’ feature controls the gas exchange by ensuring the target tidal volume range is maintained. The AutoSlope software automatically adjusts the respective inspiration curve to provide comfortable, patient-specific ventilation.

A series of design features make the system particularly acceptable to the home environment. The ventilator weighs only 4.8 kg and takes up minimal space. More importantly, it is actually very quiet, operating at 10 mbar with <29 dB(A) and at 18 mbar with <32 dB(A). There are 2 user interfaces. A so-called ‘professional’ interface displays pressure and flow curves; the ‘patient’ interface displays the settings and alarm information. The number of alarm events, their causes, as well as trends, can be stored in the memory for up to 1 year. Values can only be set and changed by the healthcare professional. However, specific parameters can be tagged so that patients can, if necessary, adjust the settings themselves. The integrated Rescue Mode ensures that ventilation continues, even in the unlikely event of a pressure sensor failure.

The ventilator operates in a variety of settings, not only in the patient’s home. It operates in a car, boat or ambulance via a 12-V/24-V power connection. It can also accompany a wheelchair-bound patient. A built-in battery serves as a power back-up supply for up to 2 hours of ventilation. An optional external battery can add another 20 hours of back-up power. To ensure that the delivered gas is clean, the system includes a highly effective particle absorption (HEPA) filter that removes dust particles and bacteria.

Contact : Dräger Medical AG & Co KGaA, Moislinger Allee 53/55, D-23542 Lübeck, Germany. Email: nicolas.vieville@draeger.com ; Website: www.draeger-medical.com

The Imagic, a third-generation ultrasound system with a fully integrated PC-driven platform, can be upgraded with a new software package dedicated to cardiovascular applications. Version V2.0 provides stress echo, allows for improved transcranial applications and offers new features for vascular and cardiology applications including imaging up to a depth of 30 cm. This latest version also offers the added convenience of an improved user interface.

Contact : Kontron Medical SAS, Zone d’Activités Les Gâtines, 52, rue Pierre Curie, BP 97 - F 78373 Plaisir, Cedex, France. Ph.: +33(0)1-30076600, Fax: +33(0)1-30075582. E-mail: infos@kontronmedical.com ; Website: http://www.kontronmedical.com

The Condor control system combines the Condor Medical Control and the Condor Audiovisual Control systems. With the medical control system, surgeons use touch panels and speaker-free, simple voice commands to perform desired adjustments of cameras, endoscopic and other medical devices from multiple locations inside the operating room (OR).

The audiovisual control system enables the distribution of high-quality video, audio and computer signals within the OR, throughout the healthcare enterprise and around the world in real time. This provides worldwide teleconferencing and education capabilities. The system’s open architecture enables clinical choice and flexibility by routing any standard signal from any camera.

The digital networking capabilities of the digital OR enable surgeons to access patient information they require at the touch of a button, reducing time needed to retrieve those data from outside the OR and providing them with a comprehensive view of the patient’s condition. Using the intuitive graphical user interface, multi-format images can be viewed directly in the sterile field, facilitating a comprehensive view of the patient, endoscopic and external cameras, PACS (picture archiving and communication system), C-arm, patient vital signs, navigation and ultrasound. Furthermore, new endoscopic technologies and the OR’s structure, with critical components hanging from the ceiling instead of resting on the floor, facilitate faster clean up and OR turnaround.

These digital OR systems are custom-designed to fit the requirements of each particular project and each set of hospital needs. Moreover, the consolidation of medical device control and audio-visual distribution into a modular, upgradeable platform ensures that the control system is investment-protected for future technological advancements.

A password and view-only configurability of touch panels ensure security, flexibility and support HIPAA (Health insurance Portability and Accountability Act) compliance, says the company.

Contact : Smith & Nephew, Inc., Endoscopy Division, 150 Minuteman Road, Andover, MA 01810, USA. Tel.: 1-800-343-5717. Email: Endo.Inquiry@smith-nephew.com ; Website: www.smith-nephew.com