eMedicine/Devices/Procedures

Echocardiography Atlas by Epocrates is an outstanding reference app for clinicians
Epocrates’ Echocardiography Atlas is an outstanding resource for anyone learning or using echocardiography. iMedicalApps

A quicker, cheaper way to detect staph in the body
Researchers at the University of Iowa may have found a way. The team has created a noninvasive chemical probe that detects a common species of staph bacteria in the body. The probe ingeniously takes advantage of staph's propensity to slash and tear at DNA, activating a beacon of sorts that lets doctors know where the bacteria are wreaking havoc.

"We've come up with a new way to detect staph bacteria that takes less time than current diagnostic approaches," says James McNamara, assistant professor in internal medicine at the UI and the corresponding author of the paper published Feb. 2 in Nature Medicine. "It builds on technology that's been around a long time, but with an important twist that allows our probe to be more specific and to last longer." Eurekalert!

New microsurgery robot is five times as precise as a human hand
This robot will enable more surgeons to carry out highly precise microsurgery, and will allow waiting times to be shortened. The robot also reduces the physical burden on the surgeon. A third benefit is that the robot will make new and more precise operations possible, such as difficult reconstructions of the hand or face. The prototype will now be further developed together with azM, and the results of the first clinical tests are expected within the next year. MedicalXpress

Obalon Inflatable Pill System Aims to Offer Benefits of Gastric Bypass without Surgery (VIDEO)
The Obalon device is a swallowable pill that comes with a tiny hose attached to one end. After injesting the pill, it is inflated using a pump that helps make sure the resulting balloon is at proper pressure. The hose is then pulled off the balloon, retracted, and the patient can go about their day. The Obalon balloon is intended to remain in the stomach for twelve weeks and provide similar therapy benefits to gastric bypass. Medgadget

How fitness trackers could be used inpatient and outpatient to monitor medication effects
Mobile fitness trackers have made a huge splash in the past year with a large number of new devices released. While their initial benefit relates to the ability to track daily activities and daily caloric expenditures, the devices also offer added benefits.  iMedicalApps

Apple’s focus on a “Healthbook” app could improve public health, force doctors to adopt mobile
The larger point is this. If Apple were to make their app FDA approved, physicians could no longer use the excuse of not trusting the app — it would be medical grade. In one fell swoop, Apple has the ability to add a comprehensive uniform health tracking app to tens of millions of iOS devices. This could give us the opportunity to change patient behavior in a way never thought imaginable before. iMedicalApps