The anesthesia market’s future; new group offers different certification plan; Premier Laser files Chapter 11

Market prognosticator foretells a glacial anesthesia future

Healthcare market research firm Frost & Sullivan (Mountain View, Calif.) predicts the U.S. anesthesia market will grow very, very slowly over the next five years. But like a northern lake in winter, there is plenty of activity below anesthesia’s frozen surface.

In its new report, Frost & Sullivan identifies several reasons why anesthesia is sleepy, but also lists counterbalancing factors (see chart). Demand for integrated anesthesia delivery and monitoring solutions is cited as a major market driver, as are increasing surgical caseloads. Also, expansion of anesthesia applications from the OR to the MRI suite, CT lab and outpatient setting is creating sales opportunities for new machine designs.

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New group offering a different certification plan for refurbishers

“A code of ethics is no substitute for technical competence …”

With that statement, a new proposal was put forward by the Global Medical Network and its International Association of Certified Equipment Refurbishers (IACER), activities created to regulate medical device refurbishers and foster international growth in the alternative medical equipment industry via the Internet.

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MIB adds infraredto its bedside lingo
The Medical Device Communications Industry Group (MDCIG) of the IEEE Standards Association voted to extend the protocol for bedside device communications to include off-the-shelf computer cables and infrared connections, creating IEEE 1073.3.2, Standard for Medical Device Communications, Transport Profile, IrDA-based, Cable Connected.

 

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Mecon becomes part of GE Medical systems

Mecon Inc. (San Ramon, Calif.) is now GE Medical Systems Healthcare Solutions. The name change follows Mecon shareholder approval to become a wholly-owned subsidiary of GE Medical Systems.

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Future Dims as Premier Laser files Chapter 11
Premier Laser Systems Inc. (Irvine, Calif.) continued its long downward spiral in March by filing for protection and reorganization under Chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy statutes, necessitated by Premier’s lack of liquidity and the “overhang” of prior obligations, according to a company statement

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Texas State techies going hands-on with Harris Methodist

Remember high school auto shop, where teachers could get their old jalopies rebuilt by students? A new joint radiology technician training program being offered by the Harris Methodist Fort Worth Hospital System and Texas State Technical College (Waco) sounds very similar, but if it succeeds, it could be a model for other colleges and healthcare systems.

“Across the nation there is a shortage of radiology engineering professionals,” observed Tom Nichols, director of Radiology Engineering Services (RES) for Harris Methodist.

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Acquisitions Accel-erate
OK, this one gets confusing so try to stay with us:

Radiotherapy equipment servicer Acceletronics Inc. (Exton, Pa.) has acquired the remainder of Accel Service Company from Accelinear. For the past 18 months, Acceletronics has co-owned Accel Service with Accelinear.

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Freedonia

The medical device service industry in tiny, war-torn Freedonia is a foul soup. Constant conflicts with its much larger neighbor and supplier Sylvania have left Freedonia with serious shortages of dairy products and medical equipment.

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