Austria
EH correspondent H-C Pruszinsky reports
EH correspondent H-C Pruszinsky reports

Since telemedicine is becoming increasingly important in many medical fields — from tele- homecare to disaster management — new technical solutions and applications are required. The European Space Agency (ESA) is actively participating in several projects across Europe which explore the potential of satellite communication technologies and associated connectivity services for telemedicine,…

A new heparin-bonded uretral stent, developed by Cook Medical, is now available and provides urologists with an improved option for ureteral drainage. As a recent study from Italy shows, the heparin-bond prevents bacterial encrustation in long term insertion.

In response to growing pressure on healthcare systems, Asklepios Clinics initially joined forces with Intel and Microsoft to establish the Asklepios Future Hospital (AFH) Programme.

To meet an ever expanding demand for faster, more efficient healthcare delivery, and therefore better IT solutions, companies are in hot competition internationally. In an interview with Daniela Zimmermann, Dr Andrea Fiumicelli, Head of IT at Agfa HealthCare, discussed his company's aims and position in this vibrant healthcare market

Engineer Stefan Wollschläger, a partner in Visality Consulting GmbH, Berlin, and Dr Gregor Zehle MBA, a senior consultant at GÖK Consulting AG, Berlin, discuss the benefits of a strategy transfer from the aviation sector to operating theatre management.

A specialist in radiology and neuroradiology, Dr Birgit Ertl-Wagner is senior physician for teleradiology at the Institute for Clinical Radiology, in Grosshadern University Hospital, Munich.
On the first day of Medica, just an hour before their scheduled press conference to explain the future of iSOFT, Gary Cohen of IBA Health spoke with European Hospital.

The international laboratory group Futurelab Holding GmbH has moved into the German laboratory market following its recent acquisition of Medizinisches Versorgungszentrum (MVZ) 'Labor Dr Tiller&Kollegen'. Futurelab has a registered base in Vienna and is one of the largest suppliers of private medical laboratory services in central and east Europe (EEC countries).

Inverness Medical acquired the Determine Brand of diagnostics was from Abbott laboratories in 2005. This move was part of their ongoing strategy to provide clinicians worldwide with a comprehensive portfolio of rapid, potentially life-saving diagnostic tools.

GE Healthcare reports that, in recent years, it has been making it quite clear just how important the German market is for the Group. In 2006, GE Healthcare opened its new Customer Centre in Munich to present itself there as a complete Healthcare supplier:

In May, Kodak became Carestream. Then, Carestream was bought by Onex. This shapes part of a significant Health portfolio.
The new £2 million remote access stereotaxis catheter laboratory at London's Heart Hospital, funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), is the first of its kind in the UK and one of only 40 worldwide.

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…

Managed Care in the Netherlands and Switzerland.

Easy to operate, highly accessible, fast and mobile - these are the characteristics that make ultrasound the No. 1 used modality in diagnostic imaging and the reason why leading healthcare providers continue to invest in innovation to drive workflow improvements. Siemens Medical Solutions continues to lead the way in innovating workflow solutions for their customers expanding the use of…

As in past years, this year's MEDICA is one of the most important stages for the medical technology industry. International manufacturers will do a song and dance to dazzle the international clientele. As Managing Director of the German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association (Deutscher Zentralverband Elektrotechnik- und Elektronikindustrie e.V. - ZVEI), Hans-Peter Bursig, is well…

As in past years, this year's MEDICA is one of the most important stages for the medical technology industry. International manufacturers will do a song and dance to dazzle the international clientele. As Managing Director of the German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association (Deutscher Zentralverband Elektrotechnik- und Elektronikindustrie e.V. - ZVEI), Hans-Peter Bursig, is well…

Changes in the healthcare sector are presenting increasingly difficult challenges to European hospitals, but, according to the hospital chain Ategris GmbH, based in Mülheim/Oberhausen, these pressures ' might present a chance to open up encrusted structures'. The company reports that it 'embraces Christian values while optimising existing hospital structures' and has worked on a new model of…
Changes in the healthcare sector are presenting increasingly difficult challenges to European hospitals, but, according to the hospital chain Ategris GmbH, based in Mülheim/Oberhausen, these pressures ' might present a chance to open up encrusted structures'. The company reports that it ' embraces Christian values while optimising existing hospital structures' and has worked on a new model…
Juggling the NHS accounts?

Comparing radiological practices in Israel with those of Europe and the USA, Professor Graif explained that his country combines both.

The Technology initiative “Molecular Imaging” aims to strengthen the synergies of science and industry in research and development of new technologies in order to significantly improve diagnostic and treatment options, for example for cardiovascular diseases, cancer or Alzheimer's.

The healing environment approach is a comprehensive concept targeting the elimination of stress factors for patients as well as their visitors that would otherwise minimise patient's wellbeing, impair the healing process, or even violate their dignity/privacy.

Carestream's molecular imaging group focuses on life sciences, developing high-performance digital imaging systems, imaging agents, film and accessories for the research and drug discovery/development markets.