Mobile iris recognition
Iris recognition is thought to be the highest-accuracy, single-factor biometric identification in the world, and could have many uses.
Security
Taxus
France - Four studies of three TAXUS paclitaxel-eluting stents have demonstrated their safety and efficacy, according to the maker, Boston Scientific Corporation of Natick, Maryland, USA.
Virtual patients for MIS training
Minimally invasive surgery (MIS), carried out through very small incisions, minimises patient trauma and shortens rehabilitation time.
Patients in five countries reveal healthcare deficiencies
Disturbingly high rates of medical errors, lack of care co-ordination, poor communication between doctors/patients, and barriers when accessing care, are experienced by patients in the United States (US), Australia, Canada, NZ (NZ) and the United Kingdom (UK).
Insurers balk at medical risk cover
As in the United States, European hospitals now face an inevitable result from escalating compensation payments made to medical injury patients - in the near future, premiums are expected to rise 25-100% in some EU countries.
CE approved
The Biotronik Home Monitoring Service, which gained CE approval in May, has now monitored over 1,500 patients worldwide. Studies indicate that 88% of patients claim an increased sense of security due to the service.
Patients link with mobiles
Another new system introduced at Bad Reichenhall's city hospital, allows nurses to talk with patients and ascertain whether their calls are due to an emergency or for a non-urgent request.
Artificial hibernation and aortic surgery
2,871 aortic surgery procedures were carried out in Germany last year. 317 of these were on the aortic arch - and particularly dangerous.
Airline tests in-flight telemedicine
Lufthansa - the first airline company to offer high-speed broadband internet connection for data transmission - has used the trial phase of its new in-flight internet service, Lufthansa FlyNet, to test telemedicine potential on board.
Hygiene: pre-surgical hair removal
Preoperative removal of hair from an operative site is important measures for avoiding postoperative wound infections.
Advances in blood group serology
Todays test formats (gel technology, micro test plates), plus laboratory electronic data processing and automation, have changed the classic format of blood group serological examinations significantly - and reduced the danger of life-threatening errors.
