The field of medicine has advanced so quickly that procedures that were unimaginable even five years ago are performed with regularity today. Taking a look at what's new on the medical landscape, here are some of the most impressive products:
Statscan [ www.lodox.com ] : This machine basically replaces the X-ray—and conducts findings much faster. An item that might have taken a half-hour to find via X-ray takes less than 15 seconds with the Statscan. Statscan moves so that the patient doesn't have to: It passes the body once and then rotates 90 degrees and makes a second sweep. As for its speed, the secret involves 12 digital cameras. The digital output requires no processing—and Statscan catches injuries that a conventional X-ray would not detect. If all that wasn't enough, tests indicate that the machine cuts radiation exposure by up to 75 percent.
LifePort Kidney Transporter [ www.organ-recovery.com ] : Even today, organs are transported like beer at a picnic—packed in ice in a cooler. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) in August, this kidney carrier has hoses to pump tissue-nourishing fluids through an organ and a microprocessor that monitors vital signs such as temperature and heart rate. Studies show that LifePort kidneys survive at least 17 hours longer than kidneys transported the standard way.
Medtronic Paradigm 512 Insulin Pump and Paradigm Link Blood Glucose Monitor [ www.minimed.com ] : Calculating how much insulin to take is a tricky proposition for the nation's 17 million diabetics. Now Medtronic has introduced—and the FDA has approved—the first wireless insulin-pump-and-glucose-monitor combo. The finger-pricking monitor measures blood sugar concentrations, then beams the results to the pager-size pump, which figures the dosage. OraQuick HIV Test [ www.orasure.com ] : www.minimed.com ] : With this test, people won't have to wait for two weeks, sweating bullets all the while. This test contains a strip of synthetic proteins that can detect HIV antibodies in blood in 20 minutes or less. It only costs about $15 and has a 99.6 percent accuracy rate. Once trained, outreach workers can administer this test in almost any setting—even a street corner.
HemCon Bandage [ www.hemcon.com ] : This potentially life-saving bandage contains positively-charged molecules, extracted from shrimp shells, that attract negatively-charged red blood cells. As the cells are pulled into the bandage, they create a tight-fitting plug over the wound. According to the bandage's inventor, a person can have a hole in his heart and have it sealed in 60 seconds—which certainly tops a Band-Aid.
Independence iBOT 3000 [ www.independencenow.com ] : Basically a high-tech all-terrain vehicle for the disabled, the iBOT 3000 system is equipped with four-wheel drive to rumble across grass, gravel, and other surfaces that can stop regular wheelchairs in their tracks. However, the iBOT can even scale curbs, climb stairs, and stand up. The FDA gave the iBOT its OK in August—but it'll empty a wallet to the tune of $29,000.
Philips HeartStart Home Defibrillator [ www.heartstarthome.com ] : More than 70 percent of sudden cardiac arrests happen at home—which makes it fitting to have a machine that can restore the heart's normal rhythm there. The key is that the home defibrillator can administer a much-needed jolt before medical assistance has time to arrive. Available by prescription only and covered by Medicare in some cases, it costs $2,300.
MedImmune FluMist [ www.medimmune. com ] : People who hate getting shots ( and you know who you are ) no longer have to suffer through the winter with no defense against the flu. Thanks to the FluMist, a simple spritz up a person's nose can help keep the illness away. A quick squirt inoculates people aged 5 to 49 against the three most common strains of flu virus.
Remote-Control Electrostimulation Capsule: The first video-equipped ingestible camera capable of being piloted is about half the size of a grape. It has electrodes on its outer surface that deliver a series of 5-milliamp jolts whenever doctors press a remote control. That charge triggers a small muscle spasm in the intestine, which nudges the capsule forward or backward. This one allows physicians to get longer looks at suspicious-looking areas. VisionCare Implantable Miniature Telescope [ www.visioncareinc.net ] : Consider this: 1.6 million Americans over 50 have significant sight loss from age-related macular degeneration ( AMD ) . AMD causes the center of the retina to deteriorate, producing a dark spot in the middle of the person's visual field. The world's first telescope implant replaces the eye's lens, magnifying the central portion of vision so it projects across a larger area of the retina. After the brain and eye adjust to the change, the blind spot shrinks and central vision improves dramatically ( though at some expense to the peripheral vision ) . The telescope is currently in the final stages of clinical testing. ThermaCool Tissue Contraction System [ www.thermage.com ] : ThermaCool is a dermatological tool that is designed to iron out crow's feet and reel in baggy skin without expensive and painful surgery. The 1-hour procedure uses a freezing spray to cool the surface of the patient's skin while radio-frequency waves blast the underlying layers. The waves stimulate the growth of collagen, which keeps skin firm. Studies show results from the treatment are noticeable but modest and are best for people in their late 30s to early 40s.
Source: Popular Science Gifts for the Athlete If you're reading this section, you realize you have very little time to get that special gift for the athlete in your life. Knowing this fact, Windy City Times offers these options:
SOLE Custom Footpads [ www.yoursole. com ] : The ski-boot industry was jolted a few years ago with the introduction of heat-molded liners. With these liners, you heat the footpads in an oven for two minutes, place them in your shoe, and stand. When they cool, the inserts should conform to your feet.
Vickerey [ www.vickerey.com ] : This site features items for women and men. You'll find everything from yoga apparel to herbal bath salts.
Timex Ironman Data Link [ www.timex.com ] : Serious athletes who keep track of their workouts will appreciate this gift. This timepiece has countdown timers, an Indiglo light—and a system that allows you to download information to your computer.
Burton Headphone Hat [ www.burton.com ] : If you like your Britney ( or Disturbed ) with you on the slopes, get this hat. The hat has earflap speakers to connect to your audio player. ( It's also available at Scandinavian Ski Shop in Glenview; call 847.729.0550 or go to www.scanskishop.com for more info. )
Tecnica USA [ www.tecnicausa.com ] : If you want top-of-the-line winter footwear, here's your spot. Typical of the items is the Tecnica Pac Moc, a lightweight, compressible shoe that's perfect for hiking, camping, and lounging. Don't forget to check out clearance items at www.tecnicaoutlet.com . Mizuno Breath Thermo [ www.mizunousa. com ] : The material in the Breath Thermo makes running in winter a whole lot easier. The fabric changes body moisture to heat, making you warmer. Also, the fabric has deodorizing and anti-bacterial products. However, Mizuno's site has a ton of other options from golf clubs to softball gloves.
Your local gym: Don't forget that many local health clubs offer gift certificates—and many personal training business do so as well. Your loved one will thank you for it—hopefully.
Primary source: Windy City Sports I'm at westelm406@yahoo.com .
