At a glance
Israels life science industry
Where are the most high-tech start-ups? That`s an easy one: Silicon Valley. But who comes in a close second? Surprisingly: Israel. Further: Israel ranks Number 1 in terms of availability of scientists and engineers and Number 2 in quality of higher education. The result of this impressive track record is a wide range of successful enterprises and products, particularly related to the life sciences. Some of these products are on show at MEDICA, in the Israel Export & International Cooperation Institute Pavilion
(Hall 16, Stands E27 and F27). Invited by the Israel (IEICI) and the Ministry of Industry Trade & Labour Foreign Trade Administration our EUROPEAN HOSPITAL representative, Denise Hennig, travelled to Israel to gain a first-hand impression of the country's medical devices industry. Here we highlight some of the products seen during that visit
Re-Walk, a wearable quasi-robotic suit by Argo enables people with severe walking impairments to stand, walk, climb stairs and generally improve mobility. The product was developed for people with lower limb disabilities caused by spinal cord injury, trauma, brain injury, stroke, cerebral palsy, myelomeningocele, multiple sclerosis, etc. The device comprises a motorised and computerised lightweight brace support suit that can be worn under clothing, thus reducing visibility of the disability. Moreover, the device actively involves the user in walking and in the restoration of other mobility functions through a semi-robotic control process. Re-Walk includes multidisciplinary technologies such as motion sensors, sophisticated robotic control algorithms, computers and microprocessors, RT software, acuation motors, rechargeable batteries and composite materials.
Details: info@argomedtec.com
Nano Vibronix Inc recently introduced UroShield, designed to stop biofilm developing in urinary catheters – believed to cause catheter-acquired urinary tract infection and be a major factor in the development of antibiotic resistance. The device is also indicated to decrease pain, discomfort and spasm associated with indwelling foley catheter use.
Details: Harold@nanovibronix.com
Ultra Rhino-Therm Ltd developed an inhalation device based on the hyperthermia method. The product delivers 100% water-saturated pressurised air at a temperature of 43°C (110°F) directly to the nasal passages via a hand-held tube at a rate of 28 litres of air per minute. Humidified air at that temperature has proved an effective treatment that does not damage the nasal passages. Treatment takes only 15 to 30 minutes and can be combined with medication if necessary.
Details: www.rhinotherm.com
Flow Medic offers a non-invasive, portable solution to prevent peripheral arterial diseases (PAD) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) for use in hospital or at home. The system improves the blood circulation in the lower extremities to help prevent and reduce complications caused by poor circulation.
Details: www.flowmedic.com
Endo-PAT 2000 by Itamar Medical offers important support to cardiology patients by enabling physicians to reliably and non-invasively measure endothelial function and identify pathological cases of dysfunction. The PAT signal is recorded via Itamar Medical’s non-invasive pneumatic finger probe. The collected data are analyzed automatically using proprietary advanced digital signal processing algorithms and the results are available within seconds after the test.
Details: www.itamar-medical.com
InSightec presents an interesting development for non-invasive surgery: ExAblate 200 is a focused ultrasound ablation system that unleashes the therapeutic potential of ultrasound for non-invasive surgery by integrating focused ultrasound with the precise visualisation, guidance and monitoring of MR imaging.
Details: www.insightec.com
SMARTube offers earlier, better detection of HIV and HCV by applying a simple and cost-effective blood pre-treatment before the blood is tested with the common test kits, its manufacturer says. The technology involves in-vitro activation of HIV and/or HCV primed lymphocytes, triggering antibody production even during active suppression – the window period – when the infection usually cannot be detected. Just a week after the infection date, SMARTube is said to detect the HIV and HCV antibodies.
Details: www.smartube-bio.com
BreathID system – flagship product of Exalenz – extracts vital diagnostic information from subtle changes in a patient’s exhaled breath. The firm reports that it provides accurate and non-invasive assessment and monitoring of functional diseases of the liver and the gastrointestinal tract.
Details: www.breathid.com
Medispec, which specialises in high performance shock wave therapy products for use in urology, cardiology, orthopaedics, physiotherapy and thermotherapy applications. The firm believes its product Cardiospec could be a future alternative in the treatment of cardiology patients since the non-invasive cardiac angiogenesis shock wave therapy increases perfusion and exercise tolerance in end-stage CAD patients.
Details: www.medispec.com
Cuprom Inc has introduced an innovative textile to kill germs and viruses, with promising uses for masks and clothing used in medical care.
Details: www.cupron.com
Paltechnica manufactures several storing devices for CT or MR systems. These accessories have been developed in partnership with the manufactures of such systems to match their design and function.
Details: www.paltechnica.co.il
The Israel Export & International Co-operations Institute (IEICI)
The mission of the IEICI is to promote trade, joint-ventures and strategic alliances between overseas and Israeli companies. To advance the integration of Israeli companies into the global market and search for, locate and generate business opportunities for Israeli companies, the IEICI is working with a world wide network of specialists. The IEICI is divided into several sub-groups, one which is responsible for the life science sector that consists of the sections medical devices, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare IT and healthcare services and nanotechnology.
15.11.2007
